Aging Saltillo Tile

[hnaegele]

HI all -

I have a question regarding "aging" or darkening saltillo tiles. We went to buy the standard saltillo tiles from the big orange box, and they are so light looking, not anything like the tiles you see laid in most homes....If I go with the dry install method sealing before grouting and then again after, can I simply use the Aquamix line of sealers to achieve this darker red color I am looking for, or do I need to go down the staining route?

And in what exact order does this happen? I have read so much information here I think I am starting to confuse things..My thought process is to seal twice before, then install, grout, and seal again...Will the tiles darken more each time I seal them? The Aqumix line of sealers doesn't seem to indicate that they will darken the tiles with application (i am wanting a satin finish)... I am on a budget, but don't want to skimp on the sealing portion of the process if this is what will make all the difference in the color of the tile..

Thanks again in advance for any help!

Haley

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[Steven Hauser]

Hi Haley,

The answer depends on what you see when you see a tile wet. If you like the wet look, many manufacturers make a topical (meaning it dries on the surface) coating. Aquamix is one of them.

If you don't like the look wet, then you may need to stain to an appropriate color and then seal.

The sealant used most often for a stained tile is a good wax. If this is the route you wish to take, do this after the tiles are installed and grouted.

The issue about presealing, is usually to help stop the material from absorbing the grouting when it is applied to a finished installation. This is known as a grout sealant. I do recommend it.

My practices are to install the tile raw (no sealants) because it is too easy to have a sealant or coating drip down the sides or to the underside and potentially prevent the thinset moprtar from bonding to the tile.

Good luck.

:)

[hnaegele]

Steven,

Thanks so much for your response...When I look at it that way, I like the way a tile looks when it is completely wet - darker but not neccessarily a stained color...I guess when I think about 'topical coatings' I associate the wet look with more of a glossy finish not something that would alter the color of the tile enough for me to look at it and think that the color would be the same as one that is wet...That being the case, I have no problem going that route as I have heard that waxing as a sealer requires more maintenance as other procedures...Thanks again!

[Davestone]

Also, when you look at the saltillo selection of sealers like at Home Depot, they will actually have sealers that will darken the tile automatically,which almost any sealer will do to saltillo.I like to give the top a slight sanding before i seal to clean it well,but you have to wipe it good so you don't get the dust in the sealer.I'm one of the ones that seals his saltillo first before i set.I think saltillo tile setting is the one thing in tiling that each setter has his own way of doing it,and most turn out fine...other than grouting unsealed. :bow: :)

[doitright]

Hi Haley :)

Whatever you do, please do a TEST first! Once you commit to doing the entire floor, it's usually a done deal with saltillio.

[hnaegele]

Thanks for all the input all! I spent last night doing some "test" peices to see which way I preferred...What I liked the best, and someone please tell me if this is going to create problems down the road - I used the boiled linseed/mineral spirits mix to darken the tile, and then once dry, I applied the water based sealer over it....The look was much darker than just the water based sealer alone (and yes, I know repeat coats will darken somewhat more, but the difference between the two was pretty big)...Can I do this??? Will putting the linseed oil and mineral spirits on and then sealing with a water based sealer work long term??

Thanks,

Haley

[doitright]

Hi Haley :)

You did good. You should have no problems. Make sure you use a quality sealer. Maintenace is also important. A nontreated dust mop does wonders. Have some stone & tile specific neutral pH cleaner on hand.

[Steven Hauser]

Actually, It may be a problem. The boiled linseed oil/mineral spirts is usually done with a finish of wax.

Some of the acrylic sealers might not get a good bond because the linseed oil may inhibit it.

:)

[Steven Hauser]

If you decide to do it that way, I suggest you do all the tiles before setting them.

Best of luck.

[hnaegele]

Wow, okay - thanks for the insight...So just so I am on the right track, a wax would be what should be used to seal the tiles after the oil? Doesn't the wax require much more maintenance down the road? If I were to decide to seal it with a water based sealer, is there one that you could recommend that would be able to seal over the linseed? I just love the look of the oiled tiles, I just don't want to end up having to re-wax my floor every year.

Thanks!

[Davestone]

Oil and water won't mix,i guess Haley.One of the oil based sealers that darken the tile would do the trick..i can't remember the name, but i've seen it on the shelves at H.D.It gives the same dark appearance as the linseed oil.The oil based sealers in themselves tend to darken saltillo more than the water based. :)

[doitright]

Hi Haley :)

I have to say that since you tested linseed oil & thinner, and topped off with a water based sealer, that the linseed oil soaked in and created a barrier. What ratio did you mix the linseed oil and thinner?

Have you considered testing any of the enhancing sealers? There are several solvent based enhancers that each have unique properties. Since you are so adamant against using waxes, this would be another alternative. Several coats will be needed, since the tiles are so porous.