HOW TO LOOK AFTER TERRACOTTA TILES
A timeless look perfect for classic and contemporary interior projects, the rustic appeal of terracotta tiles makes them as desirable now as they were centuries ago. Artisans of Devizes’ Creative Director Hamish Smith shares three ways to protect and maintain these tiles for years to come.
APPLY SEALANT
To protect terracotta from staining, it should be sealed. This natural material is pretty robust but it’s not indestructible so avoid spilling hot oil or using harsh chemicals. To seal correctly, we recommend a three-step process (our Stone Essentials products are designed to work across all our natural stone).
First, give the stone a deep clean to avoid trapping any dust or grit underneath the sealant. Next, apply our Stain Block Eco Sealant. A water-based impregnating sealer, it needs to be applied once before grouting and again afterwards. Lastly, wipe away any grout residue the next day and apply the final sealant stage with our Stone Shield solution. Apply at least two coats with sufficient drying time in between — ideally up to three days will provide the best level of protection. Top up the tiles with sealant every few years.
SIMPLE CLEANING IS ALL THEY NEED
Terracotta is easy to keep clean, as it builds up a unique patina over time so the more it is used and the longer it is installed, the more characterful it will look. To clean, just a simple vacuum is all that is needed. For any spot cleaning such as muddy paw prints, a stiff-bristled brush will do the job. For any deeper cleaning, mop with minimal water. If using an antibacterial cleaning product, mist it before applying so that the liquid does not saturate the stone. Bona floor cleaner is our recommended product.
LET THE TILES AGE GRACEFULLY
Our terracotta is typically 20 mm thick so it is highly abrasive and will never wear thin. A properly installed terracotta tile is unlikely to develop cracks other than slight shrinkage cracks that can emerge over time depending on the room it is installed in. This should be viewed as part of the aged character of the stone. Enjoy it, live with it and embrace the ageing process.