saltillo-cleaning-stripping-sealing

Q How should I clean my Saltillo floor? BACK TO TOP A Saltillo needs to be cleaned periodically to prevent soil build-up. To minimize build-up, sweep, dust-mop or vacuum often to remove loose soil and dust. If using a vacuum cleaner, it’s important to adjust it to the hard floor setting, which disengages the beater bar and prevents it from scratching the finish. Damp mop your floor periodically using warm water with a neutral no-rinse floor cleaner. Avoid using use plain water, it only removes water soluble dirt and may leave streaks. Neutral no rinse floor cleaners contain no acid, have a neutral pH and will not affect existing sealers. When build-up does occur, lightly scrub the Saltillo and grout with a soft nylon brush and rinse repeatedly with clean water. Q What kind of finish should be applied to Saltillo? BACK TO TOP A There are literally hundreds of finishes available that are water and solvent based. Because every Saltillo floor is different, (depending on the existing finish), there is no “one size fits all” finish that’s recommended. If you’ve had your floor sealed but you’re not sure about the type of sealer or finish that’s been applied, or you’ve purchase a home with existing tile, it’s a good idea to have a professional determine your best care plan. The rule of thumb is, never apply a finish to Saltillo without first knowing how to care for it. Q How long does a finish last? BACK TO TOP A The expected wear of the finish varies, depending on the surface texture, type of area and care products used. The average life of a finish is 3 years. Q I had a non-skid rubber mat under a rug and when I picked it up it left an imprint. Can that be cleaned off? BACK TO TOP A Those tiles will need to be professionally stripped and refinished. Unfortunately, the imprint may never come off completely and it’s possible that the area may never match the rest of the floor. It depends on if the damage is limited to the finish or if it reached the tile itself. Q I purchased Saltillo tile that had a factory finish on it before it was installed. Do I need a finish applied over it? BACK TO TOP A It’s always advisable. Applying a sealer or finish over a factory finish will greatly increase its ability to repel water and dirt. The additional finish bears the burden of heavy foot traffic and spills. The added sealer can be removed and re-applied, when necessary, to make the floor look new again. If no additional sealer is applied, the factory finish wears off in places and makes the tile look inconsistent in color, even if it’s sealed later. Think of it this way - A car is primed and painted at the factory to protect the metal and a clear coat is applied over the paint to protect the paint; applying wax and keeping the car clean protects the clear coat, which protects the paint, which protects the metal. Q How much do you charge to clean and finish Saltillo? BACK TO TOP A Every tile floor is different and as a result, the cost is determined by the time required to achieve the desired results. For example, a job requiring a three step process including cleaning, stripping and applying a finish will cost more than a floor requiring only a light cleaning and finish. This is why we offer a free evaluation and written estimate for each job we take. Q How come other companies offer a “per square foot” cleaning price for Saltillo? BACK TO TOP A Most companies offering a square foot pricing approach, base their prices on a quote that can be given over the phone. Their single approach to cleaning does not guarantee a quality finish. Every one of our estimates are done in person, at which time we test clean a small section of the tile to determine which cleaning process is necessary to achieve the best results. This ensures that the scope of the job is understood by the Seller and the Client. Q Can the grout on my Saltillo floor be changed or color sealed? BACK TO TOP A Yes, the grout lines can be color sealed prior to sealing. It is a great way to brighten the floor as well as protect the grout. Saltillo requires a special type of sanded grout that is courser than regular sanded grout and the grout lines on Saltillo floors are much larger than other tile. This means the grout is more likely to show dirt. Color sealing the grout lines before finishing the floor covers stains and inconsistencies in color (or changes the color) and provides an additional layer of protection. To learn more about color sealing and its benefits click here. Q There’s a white residue on a few of my tiles. When I mop the floor they disappear but as it dries they come back, what is it? BACK TO TOP A It may be efflorescence. Saltillo tile have salts and alkali naturally present that, when exposed to excessive moisture, can travel to the surface and cause what’s known as efflorescence (white powder) on the surface. The tile can be treated to remove this residue before a finish is applied. How should I clean my Saltillo floor? What kind of finish should be applied to Saltillo? How long does a finish last? I had a non-skid rubber mat under a rug and when I picked it up it left an imprint. Can that be cleaned off? I purchased Saltillo tile that had a factory finish on it before it was installed. Do I need a finish applied over it? How much do you charge to clean and finish Saltillo? How come other companies offer a “per square ft” cleaning price for Saltillo? Can the grout on my Saltillo floor be changed or color sealed? There’s a white residue on a few of my tiles. When I mop the floor they disappear but as it dries they come back, what is it? • Saltillo Tile Cleaning • Saltillo Tile Stripping • Saltillo Tile Refinishing • Saltillo Tile Grout Repairs • Renew or change Saltillo tile grout color Saltillo & Mexican Tile Cleaning, Sealing and Refinishing ... Saltillo tile is by far the most common of the Mexican and Spanish tiles found on the market. Saltillo is a beautiful, handmade tile that adds warmth and old world charm to any setting. Made from clay, using molds or cut by hand, they’re formed into a variety of shapes and sizes before being dried in the sun and baked in a kiln. A Saltillo tile floor requires more care than other tile surfaces. Unlike ceramic and porcelain tile, which have a hardened baked-on glaze that protects the tile surfaces from ware and stains, Saltillo tile require a finish be applied to the tile after installation. The finish adds shine and creates a protective barrier from stains and surface wear. As the Saltillo loses its shine, another coat is applied over the old finish. Without proper maintenance and care Saltillo can look dull and dirty from the build-up. Like with hardwood floors, refinishing your saltillo will help to restore its beauty. We offer finishes specifically designed for porous tile, like Saltillo. Our finishes provides a clear, wet looking, protective shine, without build-up. Whether it’s routine cleaning, or complete stripping and finishing, Stone & Grout Meister can help restore the beauty to your Saltillo floor.