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You are here: Experts > Style > Interior Decorating > Flooring and Carpeting > Stripping restoring Saltillo
Expert: Bill Hohmann - 11/10/2009
Question
Hi, I have lovely pastel saltillo tiles for the past 10 years. We slightly white washed them but almost not necessary for the pale tints of color on them.
Over the years, the high traffice areas have worn down.
I would like to strip them, or refinish them and have read conflicting stories of sand vs never sand.
How do I get down to bare tile so I can either re-white wash them, or if the color is still soft enough, just seal them so they look like new.
Also once down to bare tile, what's the best cleaner to use to get years of walking and grime out of them. Not too bad, probably most of the bare spots are just worn off w/wash.
Except in the kitchen, that's some real wear.
Thanks for your info!
Jill
Answer
If it is just some of the tiles that need to be stripped, you can strip the individual tiles with acetone, keeping the tile wet for a couple minutes, then brush off what strips with a stiff brush that is chemical resistant, or a natural fiber brush.
If a larger area needs to be stripped or the whole floor, I suggest our SR-5 stripper as per directions on the can. Just as you start to scrub, add soapy water.
Sand/never sand... These tiles have a very thin partially vitrified surface that is easily damaged or removed should one apply sand paper to them. Sanding is a definite no-no.
Stripping will also glean them up. What is important is to get them sealed up, and not to let them be worn back down to the surface again. Think about applying a finish over the sealer(s) and maintaining the finish so that you don't end up wearing back down into the sealer(s) again.
Bill Hohmann
Sparks
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