How to seal terracotta floor tiles: How to protect terracotta tiles

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How to protect terracotta tiles

How to protect terracotta tiles

 

The popularity of natural floor materials – and a desire to ‘bring the outside in’ – is showing no sign of slowing.  Along with limestone and timber, there’s also renewed interest in terracotta – and not just in traditional settings.  Its rustic good looks bring a real warmth to all interior styles and, with earthy tones flagged as a major trend for next year, demand looks set to increase even further.

 

Terracotta is a very wholesome, natural material.  It’s basically clay that’s dried in the sun or fired in an oven and its name literally means ‘baked earth’.  Along with its beautiful burnt orange colouring, terracotta provides a robust finish that’s versatile and easy to look after.  However, like many natural materials, it is porous and can easily become stained.  There are two ways of protecting tiles – either by applying a synthetic sealer or the more traditional method using Boiled Linseed Oil and wax.

 

The two ways to protect terracotta

 

Synthetic Sealers:

 

Synthetic or acrylic sealers are the easier option in terms of application.  They’re generally faster to apply and they create a surface seal with a degree of sheen.  LTP Ironwax Satin is applied with a sponge or paintbrush to textured tiles, or with a cloth or pad to honed tiles, and no buffing is required.  Three coats are generally sufficient – with an hour between each application – but a higher sheen can be created with additional coats, up to a maximum of six.

 

Before either treatment is applied, tiles should always be cleaned thoroughly, to remove all dirt and grout residue.  For ongoing cleaning and aftercare, use LTP Floorshine, which reinforces protection as it cleans.

 

The Traditional Method:

 

Although the traditional treatment route takes longer, it does create a more characterful aesthetic and it gives the terracotta longer-term mechanic strength, by effectively filling the pores.

 

During the first stage of treatment – and following a thorough clean –  LTP Boiled Linseed Oil is applied with a brush until the tiles are saturated. You should allow at least 12 hours between each coat to ensure that the oil thoroughly cures. Most terracotta will take 1-2 coats to reach saturation but some tiles, especially handmade terracotta, may take 4-5 coats. The tiles should then be left to dry for at least 24 hours.

During the second stage of treatment, wax is applied. This provides a resilient protective layer against water, dust and dirt, as well as extra sheen.  LTP treatments include LTP Clear Wax – a natural, clear finish – and medium brown. Both treatments have a soft paste consistency. They are applied with a cloth and the surface is then buffed.  The traditional treatment method can also be used to restore older floors, once the tiles have been thoroughly cleaned and any existing sealant removed. 

 

 

A traditionally treated terracotta floor with an Antique Wax finish.

 

 

For more advice on floor maintenance and protection, please contact LTP’s Technical Team on tel. 01823 666213, email [email protected] or visit www.ltp-online.co.uk

 

ends  –

For further media information and photography, please contact:

Angela Fitzhugh PR Ltd on email [email protected] or tel. +44 (0)1590 610313

 

TERRACOTTA SEALER | SEALING TERRACOTTA PAVERS & FLOOR TILES


Terracotta is a ceramic material that has been used for building construction and decorative arts since ancient times in various cultures around the world. Terracotta, which literally means “baked earth,” is made from natural clay, which gives it a characteristic reddish-brown color. The color varies slightly depending on the clay used. Terracotta is hard-baked, brownish red earthen ware, often glazed and colored may be glazed for extra durability or to provide color. It usually varies in color, texture and appearance. The colors range from natural earth tones such as gray and brownish yellow to various shades of red.


Terracotta tiles are beautiful, and they lend an informal and somewhat rustic or even southwestern air to residential floors. As a raw product, it is always recommended that this type of flooring be sealed.

Deepshield™ sealers are designed to protect, beautify and enhance the appearance of Terracotta floor and wall tiled surfaces, both indoors and outdoors. Deepshield™ sealers are used to protect interior tiles including kitchens, bathrooms and other wet areas. Deepshield™ sealers are also used to protect exterior pavers, decks, driveways, and around chlorinated and saline “salt water” pools.

Deepshield™ is a fast curing water-based sealer, with no unpleasant odours or flammability problems. It will last up to 10 years or longer depending on application, weather conditions and the quality and abuse of the surface. Deepshield™ will extend the life of your Terracotta tiles and add value as they age beautifully instead of crumbling with erosion.

All DEEPSHIELD® products are available from our Online Store, or from one of the dozens of Accredited Applicators throughout all suburbs


Deepshield™ Penetrating Impregnating Sealer works by chemically reacting with the surface of the Terracotta tile using nano-technology developed to create a protective barrier to water and oils. The active component is a molecule consisting of silicon, carbon, hydrogen and oxygen atoms. The molecule has two ends, one hydrophilic the other hydrophobic. When applied, the hydrophilic end reacts with moisture retained in the substrate and breaks away to form another compound that reacts within the masonry lattice. This reaction forms a bond that is stronger than any mechanical or hydrogen bonding of conventional film forming sealers, the exposed hydrophobic end of the molecule changes the surface energy with the result that water and oils are now repelled, but the micro pores are still open enough to allow moisture vapour to escape making the treated surface breathable.


Terracotta tiles need to be allowed to breath, and therefore it is particularly important for them to be sealed with a breathable impregnating sealer rather than being covered by a synthetic or urethane sealer. Deepshield™ sealers are fully breathable penetrating impregnating sealers that allow water vapour to escape freely so the surface can breathe and dry out, this helps avoid harmful moisture buildup inside the treated Terracotta material.

All DEEPSHIELD® products are available from our Online Store, or from one of the dozens of Accredited Applicators throughout all suburbs


Terracotta tiles are porous. Water and oil soluble contaminants can be readily absorbed initiating a process of deterioration, starting with efflorescence, salt damage, mould and mildew, and eventually erosion of the surface. By using Deepshield™ penetrating sealer you protect your investment and keep your tiles looking great for many years to come. Deepshield™ also acts as a salt barrier, making it ideal around saltwater pools or marinas.


Deepshield™ sealers do not affect the slip resistance of the surface as they do not leave a film or coating, therefore sealing your Terracotta floors with Deepshield™ will keep your non-slip Terracotta tiles non-slip. Deepshield™ sealers are not designed for slippery surfaces and will not penetrate the surface of highly polished Terracotta tiles.


Deepshield™ is Alkali resistant, odourless and non film forming, meaning that it does not create a film or coating on the surface of the tile, as the sealer will penetrate into the pores of the tile. Deepshield™ sealers will not flake or peel, and do not need to be removed before reapplying in the future as topical and other film forming sealers do.

  • 1. Any surface to be sealed should be clean and looking just as you want it before sealing, as it may be near impossible to remove stains left in your Terracotta before sealing.

  • 2. Terracotta must have no other coating such as wax or a topical sealer before Deepshield™ is applied, all coatings must be removed before sealing with a Deepshield™ sealer.

  • 3. Acidic cleaners should not be used on Terracotta as they will damage it.

  • 4. Terracotta surface must be dry before applying any sealer.

  • 5. You must do a test on a small, inconspicuous area of your Terracotta tiles at least 24 hours before sealing the rest of your tiles.

  • 6. When using Deepshield™ Colour Enhancer you must also test to check if the sealer has produced the colour enhancement that you desire.


All DEEPSHIELD® products are available from our Online Store, or from one of the dozens of Accredited Applicators throughout all suburbs

    Do’s:

  • Clean spill-ups as quickly as possible

  • Place a mat at each doorway

  • Use a Microfiber mop to clean floors

  • Clean floors regularly

    Don’ts:

  • Never use bleach, ammonia or vinegar to clean Terracotta tiles

  • Never use acidic cleaners, abrasive cleaners or a scouring pads


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Deepshield™ Gold ultra premium sealer is based on the latest fluoro-bond technology and provides maximum terracotta stain protection for up to 15 years or longer dependent on surface usage and weather.

Deepshield™ Gold ultra premium impregnating sealer is specially designed to penetrate denser materials such as terracotta, granite and marble as well as all other stone types, providing maximum protection against water and oil based stains.

Deepshield™ Gold is a fast curing water-based sealer, with no unpleasant odours or flammability problems, lasting for up to 15 years or longer depending on application, weather conditions usage and surface quality. Deepshield™ will extend the life of your terracotta tiles and add value as they age beautifully instead of crumbling with erosion.

DEEPSHIELD GOLD TRANSPARENT BROCHURE PDF

DEEPSHIELD GOLD TRANSPARENT SEALER FACT SHEET PDF


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Deepshield™ Transparent Sealer provides an invisible natural look, whilst protecting the surface of your terracotta tiles from both water and oil based contaminants. Deepshield™ is designed to penetrate below the surface of the tile, and because of this it will not make your terracotta flooring any more or less slippery. Deepshield™ is fast curing and can be used indoors and outdoors, with no unpleasant odours or flammability problems. Deepshield™ will protect and extend the life of your natural terracotta tiles.

DEEPSHIELD TRANSPARENT BROCHURE PDF

DEEPSHIELD TRANSPARENT FACT SHEET PDF


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Deepshield™ Colour Enhancer is specifically formulated and designed to slightly darken and highlight the character and beauty of terracotta and other porous natural stone products, whilst protecting the surface of the tiles from water and oil based contaminants. This product leaves a visible highlight sheen without altering the surface characteristics while providing excellent water and stain protection. The colour change is slight.

DEEPSHIELD COLOUR ENHANCING SEALER BROCHURE PDF

DEEPSHIELD COLOUR ENHANCER FACT SHEET PDF

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Why seal Terracotta?

Building materials such as terracotta are made up of countless capillary pores that allow for the absorption of liquids such as water, water-borne salts and oils. These liquids cause terracotta to deteriorate prematurely and in doing so reduce its usefulness. Examples of deterioration include; unsightly staining, weathering, loss of strength, efflorescence, salt attack, sulphate attack, biological attack, chemical attack, swelling, embrittlement and picture framing. Sealing your terracotta will help eliminate or significantly reduce most of these problems.


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Will Deepshield™ make my terracotta slippery?

Deepshield™ will not affect the slipperiness of your surfaces and does not cause any yellowing or leave a visible shine. Deepshield™ is suitable both indoors and outdoors and is ideal for use around swimming pools and other wet areas.


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How do I know if my terracotta tiles are sealed or not?

An easy way to find out if your terracotta tiles are sealed is to carry out a water test. Place a tablespoon of water on the treated surface for 20 minutes, remove the water with a tissue or cloth, pressing hard to soak up any water in the texture of the surface. If the water is absorbed or leaves a dark mark, the surface needs to be sealed, otherwise, the surface is adequately sealed and does not require further sealing.


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What is the difference between Deepshield™ GOLD and Deepshield™ Transparent Penetrating Sealer?

Highly polished surfaces and dense materials have extremely fine micro pores that require a specific formula to penetrate. Deepshield™ GOLD is based on the latest fluoro-bond technology and designed to penetrate and chemically bond to the micro pores of dense surfaces, providing protection for up to 15 years. Both Deepshield™ GOLD and Deepshield™ Transparent Penetrating Sealer provide the highest level of protection against water and oil based stains without altering the surface texture or appearance.



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What can happen if terracotta is not able to breathe?

Terracotta has a porous internal structure. Moisture present in the ground can be wicked or drawn up into terracotta by capillary action. If natural vapour transmission is not allowed to take place, moisture gets trapped and can cause chemical and physical changes within the terracotta. This action of decay in terracotta can take the form of pitting, spalling, flaking and oxidation.


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What is the difference between Deepshield™ Transparent Penetrating Sealer and Deepshield™ Colour Enhancing Sealer?

Deepshield™ Transparent Penetrating Sealer bonds to the pore structure of your terracotta and once cured does not alter the appearance, whereas Deepshield™ Penetrating Colour Enhancing Sealer is designed to also slightly darken and enrich the beauty of terracotta and give a “wet look” while not affecting the surfaces slip resistance properties. Deepshield™ Transparent Sealer and Deepshield™ Colour Enhancing Sealer protect against water and oil based stains for up to 10 years.


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What is the difference between an impregnating sealer and a topical sealer?

Topical sealers produce a physical barrier over the terracotta surface which also results in a darkening, yellowing or glossy coating. Surface sealers (topical) usually don’t last as long, can make the floors slippery and need to be completely removed the next time sealing is required. Salts and efflorescence may also build-up under the non-breathable surface, causing the coating to appear cloudy.


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Is it enough to maintain terracotta by just applying Deepshield™?

No. Deepshield™ sealers provide a preventive measure that gives extra protection to your terracotta, which still needs to be maintained once sealed. Deepshield™ will last longer and work better when the terracotta is properly cared for. In addition, periodic professional maintenance such as cleaning, polishing and repairs are definitely recommended.




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How can I check to make sure I have applied Deepshield™ effectively?

As Deepshield™ doesn’t alter the appearance of terracotta, you wont be able to check just by looking at the surface. The easiest way to measure the strength of the seal is to apply a teaspoon of water to the surface and see if the colour beneath the water darkens after a few minutes. If the terracotta darkens, that means that moisture has penetrated, and a fresh coat should be applied.


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How often do I need to seal terracotta?

Deepshield™ Transparent Penetrating Sealer protects terracotta for up to 10 years from both water and oil based contaminants. If you sealed your terracotta with Deepshield™ GOLD and have properly maintained your surfaces the sealer should last up to 15 years. The longevity can vary depending on the type of terracotta tile or grout, the location and what type of wear the surface is exposed to.


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What can I do to keep my terracotta looking new after sealing?

To keep your terracotta looking new, it is recommended cleaning each week using a pH neutral cleaner to remove any dirt or grime. Strong detergents (strong acid or alkali) may affect the sealer. Mild detergents and pH neutral substances are strongly recommended


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Will Deepshield™ build up, crack, peel, or discolour?

No. Deepshield™ will penetrate the terracotta and bond to the pore structure. It is not a surface coating and will not crack, peel, yellow or discolour at any time.




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How can I buy Deepshield™ products?

All Deepshield™ products are available from our online store, or from one of the dozens of Accredited Applicators throughout the country. Please refer to our “Online Shop” section for further details.


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How should I apply Deepshield™?

Deepshield™ sealers should be applied liberally, using a low-pressure sprayer, lambswool applicator, bristle broom, paintbrush or roller. Whatever suits you best!


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Why is it necessary to perform a test trial before doing the full job?

Every surface is subtlety different. Unless you have applied the sealer to the exact same surface with the same conditions as before, it is vital to conduct a small trial to ensure you get the result you are after.


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Which Deepshield™ products can I use in food prep areas?

All Deepshield™ products are non-toxic and safe for use in food preparation areas.




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Is there a perfect terracotta sealer that always prevents stains?

No sealer can prevent all stains all the time. The sooner any spill can be cleaned the less likely a stain will result. Acidic spills such as juice, soft drinks or wine can actually etch and dull terracotta if not wiped up promptly. Clean your tile and grout regularly so dirt and stains don’t have a chance to build up.


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Can I seal over terracotta with a pre-existing sealer?

Pre-existing surface sealers (topical) must be removed before applying Deepshield™ as the coating left by the old sealer may block the product from penetrating the surface. You don’t however need to strip pre-existing penetrating impregnating sealers, as Deepshield™ will pass through previously applied impregnating sealer.


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Can I apply a topical coating to a terracotta surface treated with Deepshield™ Penetrating Sealer?

Deepshield™ do not recommend this due to possible bond and/or aesthetic issues, however if you choose to apply a topical sealer over a terracotta surface treated with Deepshield™ please first carry out a test on a sample area to determine the result.


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Will Deepshield™ change the appearance of my terracotta?

The straight answer is no. Deepshield™ dries invisible, sealing the pores within the terracotta surface without changing the feel, texture or colour. The only exception to this is Deepshield™ Colour Enhancing Penetrating Sealer, which will slightly darken and highlight the character of terracotta, providing a wet look, without altering the texture.



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Laying terracotta tiles on the wall

WikiPotolok

Terracotta tiles allow you to create very beautiful surfaces, as close as possible to the old brickwork or to create interiors in the Mediterranean style, with a touch of antiquity. That is why this material is in great demand and popular. However, if there are no problems with laying on the floor, then not everyone knows how to properly glue terracotta tiles on walls. Let’s try to understand the nuances of such works.

What are the advantages of the material

Now you can find thousands of varieties of tiles on sale and the use of terracotta may seem unjustified, since the cost of this coating is quite high. Nevertheless, it does not lose its popularity and is constantly in demand. There are reasons for this:

  • This is a very strong and durable type of coating. If you do not violate simple operating conditions, then the finish will remain in its original form for a very long time.
  • Terracotta – frost and heat resistant material. It is for this reason that such tiles are often used for lining stoves and fireplaces.
  • Environmentally friendly – parts are made from natural chamotte clay and are completely safe for health, and do not emit harmful substances during operation.
  • Tiles are lightweight, which can be an important parameter when decorating rooms located above the ground floor.
  • There are many shades of details and you can choose the one that best suits your interior.
  • The coating does not fade and does not change its geometry under the influence of different temperature conditions or under the rays of the sun.

With all these advantages, the only significant drawback of such coatings may be their high cost. Some also attribute the poor moisture resistance of such parts to the minuses, but this problem is solved by purchasing a glazed variety of terracotta that is resistant to water.

How the installation works

In order for the finishing to go without any problems, it is necessary to follow a certain technology for laying parts on a vertical surface. In general, the work is simple and differs from laying standard types of tiles very slightly. The order of work will be as follows:

  • Selection and purchase of coverage.
  • Preparing the workspace.
  • Mixing the styling mortar.
  • Installation of tiles.
  • Grouting.

Each of the stages requires a very careful attitude and therefore, it is worth analyzing them separately. First you need to buy the right material. At this stage, it is important to choose the right tiles by color, if the finishing area is small – they should all be of the same shade. For large areas, you still have to buy parts from different batches, and there this problem is not so significant – the tiles will mix on the wall and some difference in individual parts will even bring its sophistication to the design, as well as add authenticity. In this case, it is better to immediately, before starting work, just mix all the tiles from different boxes.

Next, you need to prepare the surface for work. If the wall has many irregularities, it should be plastered. With a smooth base, you can not do this, but, for better adhesion of the glue to the surface, small notches can be made on it. After that, you can knead the glue. Everything is simple here – you need to follow the manufacturer’s instructions, which is placed on the packaging of the dry mix, or make the tile adhesive yourself.

Important: do not mix too much mortar at once, as the laying process is not fast and the glue can easily dry out. This moment is especially important for not too experienced finishers.

The installation of terracotta tiles on the wall begins. It is not difficult to do this and the technology is no different from working with ordinary tiles. The only difference will be the creation of wider seams between adjacent elements. To do this, you can choose the thickest (8-10 mm) plastic crosses or take pieces of drywall of suitable thickness. Such jointing is needed in order to level out possible uneven edges of the tiles. They are rarely perfect.

The last step is grouting. It is performed the next day after the installation of terracotta. To fill the joints, you can use special grouts designed for terracotta or the same mixture that was used for laying. A simple grout will not hold in such a wide joint and therefore, either glue or special types of grout are used. The best result is achieved when using special equipment – a gun for filling joints. When all the joints are filled, the excess mixture is removed and after another two hours they are leveled with fingers. This will complete the work.



WikiPotolok

Furnace tiling. Facing tiles for stoves in the finishing of bath screens./Written guide/Technology of application

There are two ways of facing surfaces with Terracotta tiles in a bath: 1) directly on a non-combustible base and 2) requiring the installation of a non-combustible subsystem.

What do you need to cover the screen and the heating zone of the furnace?

  • terracotta tiles;
  • heat-resistant reinforced adhesive “Terracotta” for screen cladding;
  • heat-resistant mastic “Terracotta” for facing the furnace and the inflow zone;
  • heat-resistant grout “Terracotta” for filling tile joints;
  • GKL 9. 5 mm thick, cut into small squares;
  • plastic bucket and drill with mixing attachment;
  • grinder with a cutting diamond wheel for sawing tiles;
  • mortar gun with refillable tube for grouting tile joints;
  • spatula, hammer, level, tape measure and construction gloves.

Very important: Heat Resistant Reinforced Terracotta Adhesive can only be used on cladding areas where the heating temperature of the tile is guaranteed not to exceed 400 degrees Celsius. Hot zones (firebox, inflow area, hob area, sidewalls closest to the firebox, etc.) must be lined with Terracotta heat-resistant mastic, which can withstand heating up to 1100 degrees. It should be noted that in practice, often all areas of the furnace and the bath screen are lined with mastic, which, although somewhat more expensive, guarantees heat resistance and durability of the structure.

Before starting facing works, it is necessary to prepare the surface to be decorated: dedust, degrease, remove old paint, plaster and other fragile inclusions. Upon completion of the preparatory work, we proceed to the cladding.

Terracotta tiles are laid in order from bottom to top. The horizontal of the row is adjusted according to the level. Tiles made in the proportions of single or one and a half bricks are laid in rows in such a way as to imitate brickwork.

Very important! Due to the natural play of colors (from straw to ocher-fiery) of Terracotta tiles, in order to avoid the appearance of accented color spots on the surface to be faced, as well as in order to achieve a uniform distribution of shades as close to natural as possible, it is recommended that facing work be carried out by simultaneously opening several boxes with the material, alternately removing and laying tiles, 1-2 pieces from each box.

Terracotta tile has a corrugated ceramic surface with its back side, which ensures reliable and durable adhesion of the tile to the adhesive and the base. When using heat-resistant reinforced glue “Terracot” as an adhesive, it is necessary to wet absorbent bases (ceramic and fireclay bricks, foam block, etc.) abundantly before applying a layer of glue.

Terracotta reinforced heat-resistant adhesive is a reliable and easy-to-use adhesive composition for lining heated surfaces and laying foundations exposed to elevated temperatures. The heat resistance of Terracotta glue is 400 degrees Celsius.

The packaging contains fairly clear instructions for preparation and use, knead the composition with a mixer. We apply glue to the tile and base. With a comb spatula, we evenly distribute the mass over the surfaces to be glued with a solid line, after which we press them against each other and, by slightly pressing, with short corrective movements, we ensure full contact of the terracotta tiles with the adhesive surface. To maintain the distance between the tiles, we use finely chopped drywall with a thickness of 9. 5 mm. Pieces of drywall can be removed from the inter-tile space no earlier than 12 hours from the moment of work.

When using “Terracotta” mastic as an adhesive composition, it is not necessary to wet the dust-free and cleaned base.

Heat-resistant mastic “Terracotta” – ready-to-use liquid adhesive paste of a unique formulation based on soda glass. Mastic is extremely easy to use and highly reliable. The paste retains its adhesive properties when heated up to 1100 degrees Celsius, which provides itself with an absolute advantage over any other compounds. Before use, the mastic must be thoroughly kneaded and the consistency of thick rustic sour cream should be achieved. If, after mixing, the mastic turns out to be a little more liquid than required, it must be thickened by adding a little ordinary sand and mixing well. We apply mastic on the tile and base.

Using a comb trowel, evenly distribute the mass over the surfaces to be glued, after which we press them against each other and, by slightly pressing, with short corrective movements, ensure full contact of the terracotta tiles with the surface of the mastic. To maintain the distance between the tiles, we use finely chopped drywall with a thickness of 9.5 mm. Pieces of drywall can be removed from the inter-tile space no earlier than 4 hours from the moment of work. Mastic hardens when interacting with atmospheric air, therefore it is recommended to close the bucket lid hermetically during and at the end of work.

Terracotta tiles can be easily sawn with an ordinary angle grinder and a diamond cutting wheel. 24 hours after the tile gluing work, you can start filling and grouting the tile joints. To perform this work, it is necessary to use a heat-resistant wide-joint grout “Terracotta”.

Terracotta Heat Resistant Grout is a unique white composition for decorative grouting of tile joints on surfaces exposed to elevated temperatures. The heat resistance of Terracotta grout is 400 degrees Celsius.

Mix the dry mixture with water and mix thoroughly with a mixer until an absolutely homogeneous consistency of thick sour cream. The grout is ready. For the convenience of work, the Terracotta grout formula is selected in such a way that the time of active use of the finished solution is at least 1 hour. Grout “Terracotta” can be tinted (colored) in bulk. To give the grout a particular shade, it is necessary to use colors where a mineral substance is used as a coloring pigment (most often metal oxides), for example, colors of the ”PARADE” and ”EMPILS” trademarks.

Use a narrow spatula to fill the tube of the mortar gun with the prepared grout. The nose of the pistol nozzle must be cut obliquely at an angle of 60 degrees, thus forming a hole with a diameter of 6-8 millimeters. We insert the nozzle into the seam and, gently squeezing out the grout with a small intensity, we advance the gun along the length of the seam, thus ensuring its filling. It is necessary to lay such an amount of grout in the tile joint so that the level of its surface is equal to the level of the surface of the tile. Seams can be filled in any convenient direction, both vertically and horizontally.

Very important! When grouting terracotta tiles, the grout must be done in such a way that the grout does not get on the face of the tile. If the grout gets on the decorative surface of the Terracotta tile, it is necessary to wait 2 hours, after which the hardened fragment of the grout can be easily removed. The movement to remove a piece of grout from a tile should in no case be directed tangentially to its surface. Simply put, the dried grout particle must be taken away from the tile, and not smeared.

One and a half to two hours after Terracotta grout gets into the joint, it matures to a state of stucco compliance and forced crumbling, which means that you can start decorative jointing. Joint jointing is the process of final distribution and leveling of the grout surface in the tile joint. The purpose of this process is to give the decorated surface a finished artistic appearance.

First, remove excess grout from the joint. To do this, you can use a simple flat screwdriver with a working surface width of 7-8 mm, which must be transversely deepened into the seam by 2 mm and slowly, avoiding rough scuffing and maintaining the depth, run along the seam. Excess grout will simply crumble. Also, to remove excess grout, you can use a wire ring with a diameter of 12-15 mm from a rigid thin wire. Accurate wiring with such a ring, buried in the grout, along the seam allows you to painlessly remove excess grout like shavings. Next, you need to level and smooth the surface of the grout: putting on a glove, with light movements with pressure, distribute the remaining grout in the seam, and then with longitudinal wires give it a flat and smooth surface without shells and visible roughness.

Very important! It is recommended to fill tile joints in the heating zones of tiles above 400 degrees Celsius (firebox zone, hob zone) with heat-resistant mastic. Upon completion of work, it is necessary to thoroughly rinse the nozzle and tube of the construction gun with plenty of water. The tinting of the mastic is carried out using the same colors that tint the grout. The jointing of the mastic in the seam must be carried out within 20-30 minutes from the moment the seam is filled.

Surface cladding according to Method 2 (with the installation of a non-combustible subsystem) is used in the bath if it is necessary to decorate combustible substrates, namely wood. How to clad a wall of round timber or timber? For this, a technology has been developed for erecting a non-combustible subsystem from a special heat-resistant structural material “Minerite LV Sauna”.

To ensure better adhesion of the heat-resistant mastic to the mineralite sheet, it is necessary to mechanically remove a dense surface glossy layer from the facing side of the sheet in order to achieve high adhesive (gluing) properties. Gloss is removed using an electric drill with a brush attachment with a hard rod. At the end of the work, the sheet must be dusted and dried. Using ceramic bushings and self-tapping screws, we fix the minerite sheets on the wooden walls of the bath. It is very important to carry out the installation of sheets with an indent from the wall logs in order to provide an air ventilated gap between the screen and the tree, which is necessary to avoid diaper rash and overheating. Vertically, we set the sheets according to the level. The inclination of the sheet in space is regulated by the length and number of ceramic bushings strung on the self-tapping screw before twisting. Minerite is easily sawn to size using an ordinary grinder with a diamond wheel, easily pierced with a self-tapping screw. The tiles are glued onto the Minerite sheets using Terracotta mastic. The use of cement mixtures as an adhesive composition is not recommended. Upon completion of the installation of the subsystem, we proceed to gluing the tiles. The technology of lining the minerite screen is absolutely identical to that described above.