Terracotta is beautiful, but it does need a lot of care to keep it looking good. Different types of terracotta also vary hugely in their levels of absorbency, so please note that all square metre sizes given in these combos are indicative only (based on averages).
The Terracotta Cleaning and Sealing Combo includes everything you need for cleaning approximately 15 square metres of terracotta tiles, as well as a wax coating finishing product. These waxes are the best kind of terracotta sealer available as they provide optimum levels of protection, while allowing you to choose your level of finish (natural-look, satin-effect, or shiny/glossy). They are all easy to apply yourself, and can all be easily maintained.
*PLEASE NOTE* that if your terracotta already has a wax coating or terracotta sealer applied, you will first need to strip off the existing coating / sealer. For stripping coatings from terracotta we recommend FilaSolv. 1 litre of FilaSolv will strip approximately 5 square metres, so add as many as you need to strip your entire area. Orders of 2 or more litres of FilaSolv receive a 15% discount (automatically applied).
The Terracotta Cleaning and Sealing (Wax Finish) Combo for 15 square metres includes:
⇒ 1 litre of Deterdek for cleaning terracotta tiles
And your choice of either:
⇒ 1 litre of FilaMatt natural-effect wax terracotta sealer
⇒ 1 litre of FilaSatin satin-effect (low sheen) wax terracotta sealer
⇒ 1 litre of FilaClassic shiny-effect glossy wax terracotta sealer
View the product sheets here: Deterdek, FilaMatt, FilaSatin, FilaClassic
How to Clean Terracotta using Deterdek
First ensure that there is no coating or sealer applied to the terracotta. If there is, use FilaSolv to strip off the existing coating, sealer or wax.
Deterdek is a great product for cleaning terracotta tiles.
You will need gloves, a bucket, a stiff broom and clean rag, and a mop and bucket.
Pre-wet the surface with water, and use the broom to spread it evenly.
Dilute Deterdek 1:5 in water.
Spread the diluted Deterdek over a few metres of the surface at a time, wait 2-3 minutes, and then agitate with the broom.
Wipe up the residue with a clean rag or mop.
Rinse with plenty of water.
* Do not use on acid-sensitive surfaces
* Test a small area first to verify acid resistance
Sealing Terracotta Tiles using a specialist Terracotta Sealer Wax Finish
*Please note that we recommend at least 2 coats of wax finish be applied to a terracotta surface. 1 litre of product should be enough to apply 2 coats to 15 square metres of terracotta, depending on absorbency. A 3rd coat may also be required if your terracotta is very absorbent, or to achieve the desired level of finish.
> Application of FilaMatt natural-look wax terracotta sealer
Apply with a cloth or lambswool applicator.
Leave to dry (about 1 hour) and then apply a second coat at right-angles to the first.
The floor can be walked over after 2-3 hours.
Ongoing Maintenance: the product can be used undiluted to reduce the gloss of a previous
treatment, or diluted by the wash n’wax method (2-3 glasses of the product per bucket of washing water).
> Application of FilaSatin satin-effect low sheen wax terracotta sealer
Apply an even coat of the product to a dry and clean floor using a cloth or other suitable method.
After one hour, apply a second coat at right-angles to the first.
The floor can be walked on after 2-3 hours.
For increased shine, polish with a polisher or woollen cloth.
Routine maintenance: Apply a diluted solution of FilaSatin (1 cupful in a bucket of water) to revitalize shine.
> Application of FilaClassic shiny-effect gloss wax terracotta sealer
Apply a first coat with a flat brush.
After 1 hour, for a finishing coat apply another coat at right-angles to the first with a rag, soft cloth or other suitable applicator.
Polish to shine.
Routine maintenance: from time to time, wash n’wax the floor using a glassful of the product in 5 litres of water. Polish when dry.
How to Clean Terracotta on an ongoing basis
Clean with a 1:200 dilution of FilaCleaner. For a more intensive clean, dilute FilaCleaner to 1:30. (FilaCleaner will clean the surface safely and effectively without compromising the wax terracotta sealers).
For spot stain removal, use Fila NoSpot for oily, greasy stains or FilaSR95 for organic (food-based) stains.
These products are available to purchase at a discounted price in the Tile Cleaning and Stain Removal Combo.
