Sealing tiled floors how to#
Sealing tiled floors pro#

The water (rain!) test illustrates that this Manganese Saltillo tile is adequately sealed.

Allow the Saltillo tile sealer to dry according to manufacturer instructions.

One thin coat should cover approximately 400 square feet of flooring area if the tiles are adequately presealed with the penetrating sealer.

Rustico Tile & Stone topcoat sealers are high-quality.

If puddling occurs, swipe again to spread the sealer evenly. Do not allow sealer to puddle in grout lines.

Swipe paint pad (lightly) across the tile floor.

Dip paint pad lightly into the Saltillo tile sealer.

Pour a small amount of sealer into a paint pan.

Switch the application device to a paint pad.įollow these steps to apply topcoat sealer to Saltillo tile floors.

Sealing tiled floors how to#

The process for how to apply topcoat sealer to Saltillo tile is similar to the process for how to seal unsealed Saltillo tile. Use a paint paint for the application of topcoat sealer to reduce streaks, marks, & bubbles. If water seeps into the surface, another coat of sealer is required.

Sealing tiled floors pro#

Pro Tip: To test whether enough coats of sealer have been applied, pour a little water in several areas of the floor and grout.

Notice the color variations throughout the Saltillo tile flooring area are inconsistent until adequate coats of sealer have been applied evenly.

Follow dry time recommendations from the sealer manufacturer.

You’ll notice very quickly that Saltillo tile sealer soaks into the clay tiles.

Swipe the paint roller across the floor working small sections at a time.

Dip and rotate the paint roller to load the roller.

Pour small amounts of sealer into a paint pan.

Once the unsealed Saltillo tile floor has adequate coats of sealer, apply the finishing topcoat sealer for scratch-resistance, UV protection, added water-resistance, and to seal the grout. That penetrating sealer (solvent-based) enhances color and fortifies the tile as it soaks into the clay. But because unsealed Saltillo tile is very porous, it requires multiple coats of penetrating sealer. The process for how to seal Saltillo tile is similar to painting a wall. Notice the quick absorption of sealer into the clay with this first coat of sealer. The roller application is ideal when multiple coats must be applied. The only difference between sealing unsealed and presealed tiles is the applicator – paint roller vs.

Rectangular paint pads and long application pole.

If the penetrating sealer is unknown, test a topcoat sealer thoroughly and allow it to fully cure for several days.

Pro Tip: Topcoat sealer must be chemically compatible with any other penetrating sealer already coated into the clay tile.

Sealer of choice (we like our Crest or TerraNano sealers).

To apply topcoat sealer to presealed Saltillo tiles, you need most of the same things.

Clean-up materials based on sealer manufacturer’s recommendations.

Short-napped paint rollers and long application pole.

Sealer of choice (we like solvent-based sealers on unsealed tiles due to the natural and rich color enhancement to the raw clay tiles).

To seal unsealed Saltillo tile, have these things handy. → Learn More about how to save money and Why to Buy Sealed Saltillo Tiles.īy learning how to seal Saltillo tile following our process, there are only a few installation materials required. → Learn More about our Topcoat Sealers for Saltillo Tile. Some range 3-5 years while our best sealer has a 10-15 year lifespan. That answer is dependent on the quality of the topcoat sealer chosen for the finishing coat. So, the next most logical question is… how often do I have to reseal my Saltillo tile floor? Additionally, that final coat of sealer removes scuffs that occur to the penetrating sealer during the grouting, handling, and shipping process. High-quality Saltillo tile topcoat sealer adds scratch-resistance, UV protection, extra water resistance, and it seals the grout (if applied in our process below).

But functionally, it’s critical to reduce ongoing maintenance of Saltillo tile floors.

Topcoat sealer provides the final cosmetic coat across the floor (i.e. Why apply topcoat sealer if the tiles are already sealed? Great question! Once the presealed tiles are installed, apply the finishing “topcoat” sealer. So, it’s a better long-term value to buy our presealed tiles. At Rustico, the price difference between sealed and unsealed tiles is negligible. For a variety of reasons, we always recommend buying presealed Saltillo tiles instead of unsealed tiles. In our manufacturing process, we produce a solvent-based sealer that is applied to our unsealed Saltillo tiles in 5+ coats. What’s the difference between “topcoat sealer” and “penetrating sealer?” It’s clean and dry – ready for coats of sealer. This is an unsealed Manganese Saltillo tile floor.