Can I Put a Clear Finish on Terracotta Floor Tiles?

Preparation

• Terracotta floor tiles that already have a heavy wax sealer or polyurethane coat need to be stripped of the old sealer. Commercially prepared floor strippers can remove built-up coats of old sealers. Vacuum cleaning the stripped tiles reduces the amount of dirt or dust between the tiles. Preparation to apply a new clear finish on the tiles also includes putting painter’s tape on the work room's baseboards and covering its walls with newspaper or drop cloths in case sealer splashes.

Application

• Linseed oil is the traditional clear finish or sealer for terracotta tiles. Linseed oil makes tile colors bright, and the porous tile surface soaks up the oil. For new terracotta floor tiles, apply the linseed oil as you lay the tiles; that will prevent stains. If you want the tiles to have a darker color, apply a second coat of linseed oil. Then a clear or antique finish beeswax will polish the tiles and provide a hard, stain-resistant layer.

  You may apply chemical sealers to terracotta tiles to preserve their finish. Many coats of a sealer may be necessary to provide protection because the porous terracotta tiles soak up the finish.

Maintenance

• Sweeping and vacuum cleaning terracotta tiles regularly prevents grit from wearing off the tiles' clear finish sealer. Use mild cleaners on the sealed tiles. Harsh chemicals, bleach, ammonia and abrasive cleansers can damage the tiles' finish.

Consideration

• Over time, the sealer may begin to wear off the terracotta tiles. You may reapply a coat of beeswax to restore the tiles' finish and sheen.