Saltillo Restoration & Repairs
Mexican Saltillo Tile floor is one of the areas that you can’t overlook when you enter a house.
That is why a Saltillo tile is a flooring option that is a perfect fit for their house.
There are diverse flooring options that you can settle for when looking for flooring material for your house.
Saltillo tiles are one of the flooring options that have stood the test of time, and, as a result, it has become popular in many homes, especially those in warmer climates.
Below, you will learn more about Saltillo tile and how to restore it effectively.
WHAT IS Mexican SALTILLO TILE?
Mexican saltillo tile originates from Mexico.
It is made from a particular type of clay only found in the country, thus making it an all-natural product.
Saltillo tiles have different colors ranging from red and orange to yellow. You can also have a Saltillo tile with a mixture of these colors.
Moreover, the tile can have different shapes and sizes. Therefore, it is possible to carve out the desired shape, considering that homeowners have different tastes and preferences. Additionally, it is essential to note that, unlike most ceramic tiles, Saltillo is softer, making it porous.
This means that it absorbs liquid quickly. For this reason, these tiles should be sealed appropriately to function at their best.
The Saltillo restoration will need to be started because of its susceptibility to damage from various sources. JK Marble Maintenance performs a series of steps to restore Saltillo effectively. The first step in Saltillo restoration is to find a tile in good condition to match the rest of the tiles.
Secondly, you will need to find a matching grout to fill the gaps between the tiles. Then, ensure that you gently remove the damaged tile so you don’t break the surrounding ones. Afterward, you will set the new Saltillo tile by spreading mortar on the subfloor, where it will be perfectly placed. Lastly, you will need to grout the restored area by the directions of the manufacturer.
SALTILLO RESTORATION PREP
Preparing for Mexican Saltillo tile restoration deems it necessary for you first to ensure that the floor is clean.
Any fragments will make the restoration process ineffective, so cleaning the surface thoroughly is advisable.
Vinegar and water make up the right solution that you can use to clean the surface been restored.
After cleaning the floor, it’s now time to do away with the old sealant for you to effectively replace the damaged Saltillo and realize a nicely polished surface.
A chemical stripper will come in handy when removing the tile sealant. The best way to remove the bond is to spread the chemical stripper across the surface you are restoring for around 20 minutes, then clean it with a mixture of vinegar and water.
If your Saltillo tiles are stained, a mixture of acetone and water is a good option for stain removal. Once you are through the above, you are ready for a staining process to restore your Saltillo tiles.
STAINING MEXICAN SALTILLO TILE
The first step you should take when staining Saltillo tiles is to prepare the stain by shaking the container with the staining content for a few minutes. After shaking the container, you can open the box and stir the range with a wooden rod to ensure it mixes well. Afterward, you can apply the stain on the floor.
To have an easy time applying the stain, you can divide the floor surface into different parts, whereby you start with one piece as you move to another.
Ensure that you use a sponge that fits well on your palm to apply the stain on each tile in a circular motion.
Do this repeatedly as you move from one Saltillo tile to another.
You should apply a second coating for a great look, but only after the first coating dries up.
It is necessary to open doors and windows as you use the stain to allow fresh air into the room.
Sealing Mexican Saltillo Tile
Saltillo tiles are very porous. Thus it would be best if you used the proper sealers to achieve optimal results.
Topical sealers are the best for sealing Saltillo tiles.
Apart from not soaking into the pipes, they produce a glossy finish.
Ensure that the Saltillo tiles are clean before sealing them.
Also, ensure they are dry to allow for adequate bonding between them and the topical sealer.
Again, the surface of the tiles should not be in an acidic state during the sealing process.
Use an alkaline cleaner to neutralize any acid for the sealer to bond well with the Saltillo tile.
Conclusion
Saltillo is a perfect choice for your floor surface. When sealed correctly and maintained well, they can remain durable for a long time. But just in case some tiles crack or become dull, you can still restore them.
Restoring the Saltillo tile requires you to be deliberate and extra care to achieve a shiny finish.
Contact JK Marble Maintenance
818 984-1195
Saltillo Tile Sealing & Restoration In the following areas, Beverly Hills, Hollywood, Pasadena, Malibu, Calabasas, Encino, Los Feliz, Burbank, Glendale, Granada Hills, Simi Valley, Westwood, Sherman Oaks, Studio City, Hidden Hills, Bell Canyon
