Terracotta Nightmare

[Tim Murphy]

Hi Everyone, Restoring A what looks like french terracotta floor,they where second hand then, the tiles have been down for 25 years (I know this as was labouring on the house at the time )The tiles were nearly black with dirt and waxes when first started, Used aquamix products to get them to the stage they are at now . My concern is the small white patches which I first treated as being more sealer, then treated them as efflorecence and cleaned and given them 2 coats with ef ex, still have some white fog patches, Most of the time the tiles are covered with dust sheets , as I do not want them walked on ,Questions are 1. these white patches exceptable and ok to seal over?
2. are the white patches because the tiles are not left to dry properly because covered with dust sheets. Trying to get on and seal them , but worried about the white patches if it is efflorecence , PLEASE HELP!

 

[DHTiling]

Hello and welcome..

Some pics would be useful..

 

[Ken Bruty]

Are you keeping the terracotta wet at all times when scrubbing?, because if they dry at all, you will get a white ring that looks like salt. If this happens re-apply the cleaner, make sure it stays wet for the time specified by the cleaner manufacturer and rinse very thoroughly as per instructions, this should then get rid of any white residue.

 

[Tim Murphy]

Hi , that was fast , thought i attached 2 , will try again tommorow from main computer as laptop playing up

Thanks
Tim

 

[DHTiling]

Fast.. of course we are..:lol:..

Look forward to the pics..

They need to be no bigger than 2400x1200

 

[faithhealer]

welcome Tim

 

[suave]

:welcome:

 

[nybor62]

:welcome:

 

[Tim Murphy]

Hi , Here are some pics with a couple more to follow

Many thanks
Tim

 

[Tim Murphy]

Hi, Here are few more picks , hope this gives you some idea

many thanks
Tim

 

[The Legend; Phil Hobson RIP]

:welcome:

 

[White Room]

Hi and welcome

 

[DHTiling]

They actually don't look to bad.. looks like a small of efflorescence in the grout joints but nothing major.

Once you re-wax them they will look great..

What are you going to use to seal them with.. old school method or modern..?

 

[Time's Ran Out]

I'd agree with Dave - they look fine for their age.
Have you tried a mixture of boiled linseed oil/white spirit as a seal. Try it on a small discreet area and don't allow it to lie on the surface for more than 10mins - wipe off.
When dry 24hours - buff up with natural beeswax.

 

[DHTiling]

I'd agree with Dave - they look fine for their age.
Have you tried a mixture of boiled linseed oil/white spirit as a seal. Try it on a small discreet area and don't allow it to lie on the surface for more than 10mins - wipe off.
When dry 24hours - buff up with natural beeswax.

Old school....