Tips & laying treatment
Antique & Hand-added Patina floor tiles
Laying (we advise using adhesive)
• Caution : the smooth surface of the tile is the under side, the pre-aged surface is the upper side (the side that will be seen after laying)
• Lay the tiles on a completely dry floor surface . Mix the tiles taken from the different pallets you have received taking care to associate similar tones.
• Lay the tiles with a maximum 5mm gap.
• Laying with adhesive: We recommend you use FLEX BLANCHE adhesive made by « P.R.B. » or equivalent and follow strictly the maker’s instructions. Never soak the tiles in water.
• Thick bed laying Soak the tiles in clear water for one hour, then let them drain for a few minutes standing on their sides then lay them. You need a bed 4 or 5 cms thick ; composition 3 wheelbarrows of river sand or washed sand for one bag of lime.
Preparation (minimum 24 hours after laying)
It is important to protect the tiles before grouting. There are 2 options :
• 1st option : (this slightly darkens the tiles)
Using a wide brush paint on 50/50 mixture of linseed oil/turpentine
• 2nd option : (this is colourless)
Using a pulveriser spray on a layer of BTC sealant
Grounting ( 1 to 24 hours after the preparation)
• We strongly advise you to use light coloured grouting.
• Use a waterproof grouting with beading effect ref: P.R.B colour Tibet or similar.
Caution : when grouting it is very important to clean the tiles as you progress using clean water and a damp sponge.
• This advice is given merely as an indication and does not engage our responsibility in any way.
• All the colour tones, different sizes, irregular surfaces are a part and parcel of this type of manufacturing.They are to be seen in the originals that we have faithfully reproduced by our exclusive method.
Drying
• Do not start cleaning until the tiles are completely dry.
• Drying time for tiles laid with adhesive : 3 to 4 days
• Drying time for tiles laid on thick bed: 2 to 3 months
Caution : if you need to do other jobs in the room during the drying period (plastering, painting, wall-papering) cover the floor with cardboard to protect it. Never use plastic covering.
Cleaning (when the tiles are dry)
• To prepare the solvant : mix 30% solvant with 70% clean water.
• Pour this mixture directly onto the wet surface. Clean using a long-handled scrubbing brush or a monobrush 150 revs/min (disk ref: 3M black) and a water sucker. Cover only a small surface 10 sq m at a time.
• Rinse immediately several times using plenty of water. Be aware that if the floor is not sufficiently well rinsed a white halo will be left on the tiles.
Sealing ( 5 to 10 days after the cleaning)
2 options:
• 1st option : the traditional method. This leaves the tiles slightly darker
Using a wide brush paint to apply a coat on 50/50 mixture of linseed oil/turpentine.
• 2nd option : this is colourless
Spray on 2 coats of BTC sealant (12 hours between each coating)
Finishing (1 to 2 days after sealing)
• Use CTC colourless wax. Put a little wax directly on a dry mop and spread on the floor. Continue until the whole surface is covered. Wait 1 to 2 hours then polish
Do not protect terracotta with plastic.
This advice is given merely as an indication and does not engage our responsibility in any way.