If you’re looking for a material that combines classic appeal with sustained durability, terracotta is the way to go. From residential projects to commercial endeavours, this medium’s rich, earthy tones bring warmth and character to any space. To keep it looking its best, however, proper care is essential.
At FILA Solutions, we bring over 80 years of expertise, offering top-tier products like W68. This water-based sealer provides exceptional protection against stains and moisture, preserving the organic character of baked clay.
In this post, we’ll explore this surface’s many benefits, its versatile applications, and why W68 is the best fit to maintain its signature rustic charm. Whether tackling a small home renovation or a large-scale commercial project, read on for the essential tips you need to know.
What is Terracotta?
Terracotta, meaning “baked earth” in Italian, is a clay tile known for its warm, natural hues. Fired in a kiln, the colours range from classic rusty reds to subtle whites and charcoals.
With its timeless aesthetic and durable nature, terracotta is perfect for both interior and exterior spaces. It adds texture and a welcoming feel, making it ideal for various applications, from flooring and feature walls to kitchen backsplashes and outdoor patios.
An Enduring Choice for Building Projects and Interiors
Fired clay’s enduring appeal lies in its adaptability and timeless craftsmanship. Historically used in various forms for thousands of years, it has graced homes, villas, and commercial spaces worldwide. Today, clay tiles are making a modern comeback as homeowners and designers embrace warmer colour palettes and more distinctive finishes.
Residential Use
In homes, earthenware adds a rustic yet refined touch to kitchens, dining areas, and utility rooms. Its inherent strength makes it suitable for high-traffic areas, while its earthy tones help to bring depth and character. Outdoors, this resource is also well-suited to patios, pathways, and garden features, creating a seamless flow between indoor and outdoor spaces.
Commercial Applications
For commercial projects, terracotta’s wear resistance makes it a fitting choice for any setting, from restaurants to bars and hotel lobbies. Whether used for interior or exterior applications, baked earth tiles create an atmosphere of elegance and longevity.
Why These Tiles Are a Sustainable Option
Fired clay tiles offer an eco-friendly alternative to other flooring and wall finishes. Made from natural clay, they’re sustainable, durable, and recyclable at the end of their lifespan.
While the firing process is energy-intensive, the tiles’ long-lasting nature minimises the need for replacements, reducing waste over time. Choosing terracotta for your project not only enhances your space with timeless beauty but also supports green building practices and responsible design.
How To Maintain Terracotta With The FILA System
By following these simple steps, you can ensure your clay tiles remain in top condition.
1. Pre-Treatment – Start Strong with PRW200
Before installation, it’s crucial to apply a pre-treatment like PRW200. This water-based solution seals the porous surface, reducing the chance of staining from grout and adhesives. It creates an effective barrier that not only prevents permanent discolouration during the grouting process but also keeps the surface easy to clean.
Additionally, PRW200 allows for a faster drying process since the tiles are less saturated during grouting, thanks to the protective sealer. This is particularly important for larger projects, where time efficiency is key. This simple yet essential step sets the stage for a resilient finish and works seamlessly with W68 to provide even more defence against stains and moisture.
2. Post-Installation Cleaning
After the installation, cleaning grout residues is a must. DETERDEK PRO is the optimal cleaner to tackle this stage and is safe for terracotta, ensuring tiles remain pristine without causing damage.
3. Sealing with W68: THE Essential Step
Once post-installation cleaning has been carried out, sealing is the next crucial step. W68 is a water-based terracotta protector explicitly designed for porous surfaces like textured clay. It offers long-lasting defence against both water and oil-based stains while still allowing breathability.
Why This Sealer is the Best Choice for Terracotta
W68 creates an invisible barrier, preventing moisture and stains from seeping into the material. Likewise, this sealer won’t alter the colour or appearance of clay-based products, ensuring its unrefined appeal continues to shine through. This product benefits high-traffic areas, both in commercial and residential settings, where floors are subject to heavy use.
How to Apply W68:
- Ensure the surface is dry and clean before application.
- Use a brush or fleece pad to apply a thin, even layer of this sealer, ensuring it soaks into the joints well.
- Allow to dry for about four hours before applying a coat of wax if needed.
By applying this unpolished stone protector, you’re investing in a solution that will keep your terracotta looking fresh and well-maintained for years to come.
4. An Optional Wax
For those seeking an extra layer of protection or a specific finish, FILA’s MATT or SATIN waxes are an excellent option.
Why Use a FILA Wax?
Our SATIN wax provides a satin finish and offers 3-in-1 protection: it safeguards, maintains, and enhances the surface of unpolished natural stones, terracotta, and other materials. Ideal for high-traffic areas, it enhances the beauty of your floor while offering a protective layer against dirt and moisture.
Alternatively, our MATT wax creates a subtle, natural matte finish perfect for terracotta, quarry tiles, and tumbled marble. This wax is ideal for areas treated with a water-based sealer, ensuring the finish remains intact while making maintenance more manageable by reducing the floor’s tendency to attract dirt and dust. Please note the waxes should only be applied indoors or in areas where there is no direct contact with water.
Pre-Treatment for Highly Absorbent Surfaces:
If you’re planning to apply a wax, be sure to first follow the earlier recommendation of applying W68. This step is crucial for highly absorbent materials like terracotta, as it ensures a solid base for the wax. Allow W68 to cure for four hours before applying the wax. This provides a longer-lasting, more durable finish and will improve the overall appearance of your surface.
How to Apply Wax:
- Apply an even coat of wax using a brush or fleece pad on a clean, dry surface.
- After 1 hour, apply a second coat at right angles to the first.
- Allow the wax to cure for 1 hour before use.
For a High Sheen (Optional):
If you opt to use MATT, after the wax has thoroughly dried, the floor can be buffed with a polishing machine or wool cloth to achieve a higher sheen if desired.
5. Daily and Heavy-Duty Cleaning
Finally, for the last step, regular cleaning with CLEANER PRO will keep your earthenware in great shape. This pH-neutral cleaner effectively maintains the appearance of baked clay tiles without causing damage. It gently removes dirt, grime, and stains and is safe for both sealed and unsealed tiles. Consistent use of CLEANER PRO helps preserve the surface’s natural look while keeping it clean. For tougher, more persistent dirt, PS87 PRO is FILA’s top choice for cleaning terracotta tile floors and, if needed, even for removing wax.
Maintain Your Terracotta with FILA’s Expertise
Safeguard your terracotta investment with the trusted expertise of FILA Solutions. Whether renovating a home or managing a large commercial project, W68 and the other products highlighted in this article are key to maintaining the integrity of your clay flooring and surfaces.
Ready to take the next step? Contact us today to discover how W68 and our other premium solutions can preserve your terracotta tiles over time.
