How to Waterproof a Precast Terrazzo Shower Base

Terrazzo shower pans are constructed from tiny fragments of marble, glass or another aggregate suspended in a cement base. The resulting flooring provides the high-end appearance of marble combined with the durability of concrete. However, terrazzo floors are porous and susceptible to etching, which is caused by acid erosion, staining and moisture damage. Clean and waterproof your precast terrazzo shower base correctly to keep it functional and beautiful for several years.

pH neutral terrazzo cleaner
Lint-free cloth
Nylon scrub brush
Short-nap roller
Water-based impregnating sealant

Instructions

- 1
  Clean the terrazzo flooring with a pH neutral product designed for the material according to the package directions. Use a lint-free cloth to clean the majority of the flooring and a nylon scrub brush to remove any difficult stains, efflorescence or etching. Rinse away the cleaning product with water and allow the flooring to dry completely.
- 2
  Dampen a short-nap roller with water-based, impregnating terrazzo sealant, which is available at home improvement and hardware stores. Impregnating sealers seep into the concrete terrazzo flooring, providing more protection than products that merely coat the surface.
- 3
  Spread a thin layer of the product on the terrazzo shower base. Don’t overload the product to prevent puddling. Open a window to ventilate the space and allow the first layer of sealant to cure for at least two hours.
- 4
  Apply a second layer of the terrazzo sealant with the short-nap roller. Once again, apply a thin coat to prevent puddling caused by excess product.
- 5
  Allow the final coat of terrazzo sealant to cure for at least 48 hours before using the shower.

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