Terracotta Tile Sealing Option
At Clay Imports we provide Saltillo terra-cotta tiles that are pre-sealed with a solvent-based sealer. Though presealed tiles do not require further sealing, you should use a conventional “grout release” during installation. Please see our installation guidelines here. You may also apply a top-coat sealer after installation to further protect the tile and grout. More information on that below.
Matte Sealer
Clay Imports “Matte Sealer” is a great option for keeping the natural appearance of terra-cotta while providing protection from water absorption. Clay Imports Pure Matte Sealed Tiles are coated with 3 layers of water repellent. Please note that though water repellent sealer is a great barrier against water, it does not provide significant stain protection from other elements, such as shoe scuffs and ink marks. Be aware that if this product is used in high traffic areas or areas exposed to heavy moisture, over time, it will darken, discolor and stain. Following installation, it is required to maintain your Pure Matte Sealed Tiles with Miracle Sealant Porous Plus. One to two top-coats of Porous Plus applied annually will provide great long term protection without changing the factory finish of your tile.
Satin Sealer
Clay Imports “Satin Sealer” is a great option for those looking for a low maintenance terra-cotta tile without it being too glossy. Clay Imports Low Sheen sealer offers a comparable level of protection as our acrylic sealer, making it ideal for high traffic and wet areas. Clay Imports Low Sheen Sealed Tiles are coated with 3 layers of acrylic sealer. Please note that though acrylic sealer is a great barrier against staining and moisture, it will show light scratches from things such as dragging furniture and dog-nail. Following installation, we highly recommend maintaining your Low Sheen Sealed Tiles with Miracle Sealant Porous Plus. One to two top-coats of Porous Plus applied annually will provide great long term protection without changing the factory finish of your tile.
Gloss Sealer
Clay Imports “Gloss Sealer” is ideal for creating the traditional look of a glossy Saltillo floor tile while providing the highest level of protection from moisture absorption and staining. Clay Imports High Gloss Sealed Tiles are coated with 3 layers of Acrylic sealer. Please note that though acrylic sealer is a great barrier against staining and moisture, it will show light scratches from things such as dragging furniture and dognail. Following installation, we highly recommend maintaining your Gloss Sealed Tiles with Miracle Sealant Porous Plus. One to two top-coats of Porous Plus applied annually will provide great long term protection without changing the factory finish of your tile. To create an even glossier finish, we recommend maintaining your Gloss Sealed Tiles with Ole Mexican Tile Sealer.
HOW TO APPLY A TOP-COAT SEAL AFTER INSTALLATION
A top-coat seal should be applied to your tile following installation, as soon as your grout is completely dry. Sealer application is easy. Just follow these steps below.
- Confirm that your grout is 100% dry. In most cases, grout will dry fully two to three days following installation.
- Pour your sealer into a clean plastic bucket. For smaller projects, you may not want to use the entire bottle of sealer. Just make sure to keep about an inch of depth of sealer in the bucket.
- Lightly dip a portion of the big yellow sponge into the bucket, only allowing one side of the sponge to absorb sealer.
- Begin wiping the installed tile with the dampened side of the sponge. The tile may darken slightly during application but it will lighten once the sealer dries.
- Depending on the type of grout used, you may have to apply extra sealant to the joints. Conventional, sanded grouts are very absorbent.
- Evenly coat the entire area.
- If your sponge starts to deteriorate, replace it. Debris from an old sponge can get stuck to your tile.
- Allow 24 hours for the sealer to dry before.
