Tile 101: Expert Insights

How To Seal Unsealed Saltillo Tile (Glossy Finish)

By Clay Imports 

 

Handmade Saltillo tiles are an excellent choice for those who appreciate natural materials. To make sure you enjoy your tile for years to come, it’s essential to pre-seal tile before grouting. Even though we recommend consulting with your tile installer/contractor first on any project details, we've developed this easy to follow guide on how to seal your Saltillo tiles, DIY style!

Why do I need to seal Saltillo tile?

Terracotta tiles are fired at a low temperature, resulting in a porous surface. Because they have no glaze on the surface, they are prone to moisture absorption. To protect terracotta tiles from staining, you need to use sealer.

Sealing natural terracotta tile is a very labor-intensive process and has potential problems that can result in the permanent staining and streaking of your tile. This is why we offer almost all our Saltillo tiles pre-sealed.

Saltillo tiles are handmade and as such, they will exhibit natural variations, which are inherent traits of natural materials like Terracotta. These variations in color, texture and sheen are not defects but rather a natural part of the product. We highly recommend ordering samples before making a final purchase to confirm and appreciate these natural variations in each tile.

When do I need to seal Saltillo tile?

Depending on the size of your area, you may either seal before or during installation (but never grout an unsealed tile!). As a general rule, if you’re working with an area <100 square feet, seal your tile before adhering it to the floor. 

If your area is >100 square feet, consider carefully laying and adhering the tile to the surface, then using Saltillo tile sealer to save time. But again, make sure your unsealed tile is not getting stained prior to sealing.

What materials do I need to seal Saltillo tile?

  • Oil-based Rexcel Sealer (1 gallon of sealer covers approximately 100 ft of unsealed Saltillo tile) → will achieve a glossy, traditional finish.
  • Lacquer thinner
  • Clean 5 gallon buckets
  • Big yellow grout sponges
  • Rubber gloves
  • Goggles

How do I seal unsealed Saltillo tile?

Make sure that you are working in a well-ventilated area and that you are wearing the appropriate safety gear. Always experiment using your Saltillo tile sealer on a small sample area or uninstalled tile before applying it to a large area.

  • Mix 1 gallon of Rexcel oil-based sealer and 1/2 gallon of lacquer thinner into a new 5-gallon bucket. Use a clean wooden mixing stick.
  • Ensure that your Saltillo tiles are dry and clean of all dust and debris.
  • Dip a yellow grout sponge into your Saltillo tile sealer mix, only lightly dampening the sponge.
  • As you remove the sponge from the bucket, allow the excess sealer to drip freely from the sponge into the bucket. We don’t want drips of sealer falling onto your terracotta tile.
  • Lightly press the damp sponge onto the tile surface with only enough pressure for the sealer to begin absorbing into the tile.
  • Apply the sealer in straight lines to one tile at a time, from one end of the tile all the way to the other end of the tile. The sealer line applications should slightly overlap, leaving no lines of unsealed tile between the sections of sealed tile.
  • Once the single piece of Saltillo tile is completely coated with a single coat of sealer, apply the sealer to the next tile.
  • The first coat of sealer will absorb and dry quickly. As you are applying the sealer, be thoughtful of any debris or footprints that may be on the surface. Do not seal over debris or prints. It will permanently stick to the tile.
  • Once a single coat is applied to all tiles, allow 1 hour of dry time before applying the second coat of Saltillo tile sealer.
  • If your sponge begins to deteriorate, replace it. A deteriorating sponge will leave foam debris on the tile and permanently stick to the tile surface.
  • The second coat of sealer will not absorb as quickly and may start to show some streaking. This streaking will even out as you apply more coats.
  • Following the application of the second coat, wait between 1 and 2 hours before applying the next coat.
  • Confirm sealer dryness by gently touching the sealed tile with a fresh sponge. If the sponge sticks, wait longer. Once the sponge does not stick, the tile is dry enough to begin applying the next coat.
  • Once you have ensured that the sealer is dry, begin applying the third coat (often the last coat). The third coat should even out the sealer streaks and result in a tile sheen.
  • After the third coat is applied and dried, if it looks good you’re done. If the tile looks streaky and doesn’t have an even sheen, you can apply up to 5 thin coats of your Saltillo tile sealer.

How long does it take Saltillo tile sealer to dry?

Though newly applied sealers can be dry enough to walk on after only a few hours, it can take up to three days for oil-based sealers to fully dry.

What do I do after sealing Saltillo tile?

After you’ve sealed the unsealed Saltillo tile, you can start installation.

Once installed, you’ll also need to apply a top coat sealer to protect the grout and prevent the tile from staining. We recommend taking a look at our Clay Care products. These maintenance items have been carefully tested with our products, and they are designed to preserve your tiles' beauty, ensuring their longevity and durability. From sealers to cleaners, purchasing these maintenance items together with your tiles not only simplifies your order but also prepares you to enjoy your tiles for a long time.

If you have further questions or require more information, don't hesitate to reach out to us at contact@clayimports.com.

 

Disclaimer: since the installation of tile greatly determines the integrity of the project and the tile itself, Clay imports does not warranty this product and is not responsible for dissatisfaction of material following installation. Please inspect all tile upon receipt and notify us immediately if you have any quality concerns. This guide is meant to serve as a general resource. Because each project is unique, consult your tile installer before installing your tile.