Sealing Clay Tile?

look171

What's the best method or type of sealer is best for Saltillo Tiles? Expoy sealer or just off the shelves stuff will do it? I used Ole' sealer in the back of the house, and the tile look like crap in a matter of 2 years under the sun and a little rain. I can't get the dirt off. If i use an epoxy sealer to seal the back of the tile, will that cause it to not stick well or should I just use a water base sealer like 511 for the back?

What's that stuff they use in high traffic areas like the mall? I don't think I want it shiny.

jeff

SLSTech

Believe it or not - I have seen plenty of places use Motor Oil, it gives it a unique look (edit: Outside Only)

I suggest you try an individual tile for the diffrent type of sealers to see which one you like

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Tscarborough

My entire house is saltillo, my wife uses orange oil twice a year.

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look171

anyone else? a commerical sealer? I am sure they don't use motor or orange oil in those pleces. I know the tile is soft, but I have seen it use in places like restaurants.

SLSTech

TS - if I get another inside project, I am going to have to try that one

Most restaurants won't use Saltillo inside & if they want the look they will go with a look a like.

Your project is outside - test a few different sealers on individual small pieces & drive around town for a few months with them on your dashboard. See which you like best & seems to hold up the best. Just remember every 6 months or so it will need to be cleaned & resealed

Sorry I have only done a few Saltillo projects before I left AZ & they were always motor oil or some sealer found at HD (can't really recall the name - green container?)

By the way - you need to put your location in your profile, that might help you get a more region specific answer, or check with the company you bought it from

You might also want to have this moved to the tile area instead of the masonry.

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Certified Energy Efficiency Audits, Ratings, Modeling, Verifications, & Consulting
Residential, Commercial, & Industrial Infrared Thermography Scans

tkle

Mexisealer, Home Depot/Lowes sells sealers specific for saltillo tile. Regularly applied floor finish over the sealer will protect it from wear. To reseal you need to remove the old sealer or the new sealer won't soak in and will turn out splotchy. I like to throw a little concrete color in it. Personally I like the look of splotchy sealer when it has color in it.
Orange oil sounds interesting. I presume it doesn't soften the tile.

throttle1

Has anyone ever used polycrylic or another eurothane on indoor installations of saltillo?