Grouting refers to the process of filling the spaces between the individual tiles and thus completing the floor surface. Before grouting can commence, the adhesive used must have cured, which usually takes between 12–24 hours for Fired Earth Floor Adhesive* and 3 hours for Fired Earth Fastset Adhesive*. The depth of adhesive, ambient temperature, porosity of the tile and subfloor will all affect the curing time. The joints to be grouted should be clean, dry and free of loose debris and excess adhesive. The addition of Fired Earth Flexibond* will increase durability and impart flexibility to the grout. Fired Earth Flexibond* should be added to the grout when tiling onto timber floors prepared with WBP plywood, floating floors, tiles over underfloor heating and 'wet floors'.
It is advisable to grout and clean a small ‘test’ area prior to grouting the whole floor. This will give you the opportunity to check that all grout can be removed without staining the tiles and that you are happy with your chosen colour.
Pointing and Slurry Grouting
Pointing is the careful application of grout between the tiles avoiding contaminating the surface of the tile by using a damp sponge to wipe off any excess.
Slurry grouting is the method of grouting involving a wet mix, or slurry of grout
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being spread over the whole of the tile surface, as well as into the grout joints. The slurry is then pressed with a ‘grout float’ or squeegee into the grout lines and into any pits in the surface of the tile. Any surplus should be wiped off the tiles particularly before it starts to dry with a clean damp sponge, continuously washing the sponge using clean warm water.
The addition of Fired Earth Flexibond* into the grout makes removal of surplus grout more difficult, so it is important to clean as you grout.
Grout should be pushed well down into the joints so that no air pockets exist and the joints are fully filled. The more the grout is compacted the harder it will set. A timber dowel of the appropriate diameter may be used to assist in compacting the grout.
Smooth off the joints and remember that the main purpose of grouting is to strengthen the overall floor and, in order to achieve this, the grout must fully support the edges of all the tiles.
Fired Earth offers grouts for floors in three colours, Sandstone, Grey and Limestone*. We do not recommend the use of strong pigmented grouts which are more likely to stain the tile. As soon as the floor is finished and the grout has completely dried, the tiles should be thoroughly cleaned to remove any stains or fine dust particles.
Sealing
Fired Earth recommend Terracotta tiles are sealed with Fired Earth Linseed Sealer* prior to fixing. We would advise that a number of sample tiles are tested for porosity, from which an indication of the amount of sealer that the tiles will absorb can be gauged.
Using a clean, short haired paint roller or brush, work the sealer into the surface so that the tile appears matt again within 10 minutes. If the tile regains its matt appearance too quickly, use the sealer a little more liberally.
The tiles will readily absorb the first coat of sealer and, as a rough guide, you should expect to use up to 75% of the sealer on the first coat. Within 20 minutes of applying the sealer, check that there is no surplus remaining on the surface of the tiles.
Wipe away any surplus sealer with a clean, dry cloth. If oil is allowed to remain on the surface for 20 minutes or more, it is likely that the oil will begin to turn tacky or hard, which will necessitate remedial work. The final seal can only be carried out once the grouting has completely dried.
Take particular care during the application of the second coat of sealer as the tile is now partially sealed and will absorb less sealer than the first coat. Apply a second coat to a small test area to gauge how
much sealer the tiles are likely to absorb.
Remember the oil should soak in within 20 minutes of application and the tiles should be matt in appearance.
Finishing
Option A - Wax Polish
Once sealed, Fired Earth’s traditional method of finishing terracotta is for Fired Earth Wax Paste* to be applied. This enhances the natural colours within the clay and provides protection against staining. Apply the first coat as soon as possible after the sealer has dried. The wax should be applied sparingly, allowed to harden then buffed to form a hard, protective finish. For a newly installed floor, Fired Earth Wax Paste* should be applied once a week for the first 4–6 weeks, in order to build up a hard wearing surface.
Option B - Cotto Rapid*
As an alternative finish, providing less protection but requiring less maintenance, Cotto Rapid* can be applied once the tiles have been sealed for the second time. Ensure the sealant is completely dry before application of this product. Two to three coats should be applied sparingly with a clean cloth, allowing sufficient drying time between coats.
Cotto Rapid* should be re-applied once or twice per year. Cotto Rapid* is not recommended for use on Fired Earth Antique
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