Old Terracotta Tiles that have been painted - how can I remove paint and restore?

[IanJMillar]

I've bought a house in France (I can hear the groans!) quaint old place with loads of original terracotta tiles that have been "enhanced" with red paint. I'd love to get the tiles back to their original condition. So - how do I remove the paint and what is the best way of sealing them after hopefully getting rid of the paint.

 

[Dan]

What kind of condition is the paint in? And have you seen what condition the tiles are in under any area of the paint? It might be covering up some 'issues' maybe?

Nitromors might be a way to go to strip it all off.

Whatever you do to test it out, always test on a small hidden area in case things go wrong or react.

Uncle Bob might be the best man for this @Lithofin BOB

I swear I always go to find a user called @uncle bob when I try to find bob lol

 

[Lithofin BOB]

Will all be in the testing 😉
Acquire a suitable tile stripping agent , just a 1 litre
Start with working on two tiles only in a discreet area ,
Apply generously and work for 10-15 mins with a stiff brush or as stated
Scrub every 1-2 mins do not let it dry out, add more product if it thickens while scrubbing.
Rinse and repeat if the paint is not fully removed.
If this works, use the rest of the one litre and this will give you the amount you need per Sqm per litre .
If this is something like red cardinal paint ( good luck) don't be supprised if you only get 1-2 Sqm per lit , can be an expensive ,but worth it if the tiles are in good condition.

If you strip the whole floor, most important , drying times - mine 7-12 days or until fully dry ,dependant on moisture.

After this there are plenty of options for sealing
Oils and wax or more modern emulsions with easier maintenance.

Photos would be great .

 

[IanJMillar]

Will all be in the testing 😉
Acquire a suitable tile stripping agent , just a 1 litre
Start with working on two tiles only in a discreet area ,
Apply generously and work for 10-15 mins with a stiff brush or as stated
Scrub every 1-2 mins do not let it dry out, add more product if it thickens while scrubbing.
Rinse and repeat if the paint is not fully removed.
If this works, use the rest of the one litre and this will give you the amount you need per Sqm per litre .
If this is something like red cardinal paint ( good luck) don't be supprised if you only get 1-2 Sqm per lit , can be an expensive ,but worth it if the tiles are in good condition.

If you strip the whole floor, most important , drying times - mine 7-12 days or until fully dry ,dependant on moisture.

After this there are plenty of options for sealing
Oils and wax or more modern emulsions with easier maintenance.

Photos would be great .

Hi Bob thanks for the information.Can you recommend a suitable stripping agent?

 

[Lithofin BOB]

We have wax off, ltp do a power stripper , fila stripper or nitromors as suggested by dan also , I always have a tin of that in he van, although not as good as when it had Dichloromethane in,have a look whats in your local tile shop
I would take one good stripper and the nitro , you will be aBle to complete your tests and be confident to move through in small controlled sections.

 

[IanJMillar]

Many thanks - won't be attempting this until next visit to house at the end of May. I'll update this thread with the results and photos probably beginning of June. Appreciate everyone's help.

 

[Flowerphotos]

Hi Ian just wondering how you have got along with removing the red paint from your tiles? I have the same issue in a house I have recently bought in Herault.