Reglazing Terra-cotta Tiles

Although distinctive and vibrant, terra-cotta tiles on the floor or wall can require significant maintenance to keep them beautiful. Terra cotta absorbs dirt and debris easily through its porous surface, so using a glaze sealant over the top of terra-cotta tiles will serve as an effective barrier. Reglaze interior terra-cotta tiles every three to five years to maintain them properly. Exterior terra-cotta tiles need reglazing every one to three years.

Vacuum cleaner
Vacuum brush attachment
Painter’s tape
Bucket
Terra-cotta tile cleaning product
Scrub brush
Cleaning cloths
6-inch paintbrush

Instructions

- 1
  Vacuum the tiles with the brush attachment of the vacuum cleaner to remove all dust and debris.
- 2
  Apply painter’s tape around the perimeter of the tiles to keep cleaning and glazing products from spreading to these areas.
- 3
  Fill a bucket with hot water, and add a tile-cleaning product to make a sudsy cleaning solution (consult the product label for mixing instructions). Dip a scrub brush into the cleaning solution, and use it to scrub the tiles thoroughly. Rinse the tiles with a clean cloth saturated with plain water. Allow the tiles to dry completely before you continue.
- 4
  Load a paintbrush with terra-cotta glaze, and apply the glaze onto the tiles in a thin, even layer. Allow the glaze to sit on the surface of the tiles for approximately 30 minutes. Wipe the tile surface with a clean cloth after the time elapses to remove excess glaze.
- 5
  Apply a second coat of glaze immediately after you remove the excess glaze. Allow the second coat to dry for 30 minutes again, then wipe off the excess with a clean cloth.
- 6
  Allow the glaze to cure on the terra-cotta tiles for 72 hours. Resume light foot traffic after eight hours, but wait to reposition furniture on the tiles until after the curing period elapses.

Handmade Stoneware

Do-It-Yourself Garment Steamer Board

Decorating Materials & Supplies