How to Seal Limestone Tiles

 Installing limestone tiles can provide you with a very beautiful space for your floor or backsplash. In order to keep the tiles looking good over the long-term, you will need to regularly seal them. Limestone is a porous substance and as such, requires sealing to keep from staining. Here are the basics of how to seal limestone tiles effectively.

What You'll Need:

• Limestone sealer
• Rag
• Broom
• Limestone cleaner
• Mop
• Fan

Step 1: Clean the Area

Thoroughly clean the area before you seal it. If you don't clean the area, anything that is left on the floor will be sealed into the floor and end up looking bad. Start out by sweeping the room and removing any dust that you can. You may want to mop the floor as well, with a certified limestone cleaner. This will eliminate any dirt or residue that is left on the tiles.

Step 2: Apply the Sealer

After the tiles have dried from cleaning, apply the sealer as soon as possible. Apply the sealer with a rag or mop and cover the entire surface of the tile.

Step 3: Allow to Dry

Before using the tiles, make sure that they have time to dry. You may want to point a fan on the tiles to speed up the drying process.

Source: www.DoItYourself.com

How to Remove Staining and Renovate Black Slate Flooring

We received an enquiry from a property developer who had been renovating a property in Acton and needed our help to renovate the Black Slate tiles that had been installed throughout the ground floor. The slate floor had been down over 20 years and ran throughout the downstairs living space. Due to all the work being carried out the black slate had become very dirty with building material and had turned white with staining in many areas. They were uncertain if the floor could be restored but were reluctant to consider relaying it due to the expense.

As usual I went over to the property to understand the nature of the staining and work out the best products and processes for the renovation. There were multiple floors that needed attention so I measured up and worked out a detailed quote that included all the materials that would be needed. After reviewing the quote, I was given the go ahead and a date agreed for the work to start.

Cleaning a Slate Tiled Kitchen

To clean the floor, a strong solution of Tile Doctor Pro-Clean was applied to the floor and then scrubbed in with a black buffing pad fitted to a rotary machine. These pads can struggle to reach into the grout lines so they were given an extra clean using handheld scrubbing brushes. This combination brought the dirt out of the floor to the surface where it could be extracted with a wet vacuum.

Tougher stains on the tiles were spot treated using more Pro-Clean and some of the grouting had to be scrubbed harder with wire brushes until the whole floor was consistently clean throughout.

Once done the floor was rinsed with a very weak dilution of Tile Doctor Grout Clean-Up to further clean the floor and neutralise it following the use of Pro-Clean which is a strong alkaline. The solution was then extracted with a wet vacuum and floor left to dry.

Sealing a Slate Tiled Kitchen

Once dry it was time to seal the floor which will protect it from ingrained dirt and enhance the finish. For this Tile Doctor Stone Oil was applied which being oil-based really improves the texture and dark colour of the stone.

The sealer is applied using a microfibre cloth and any excess product is wiped off before buffing with a white buffing pad on the rotary machine. This left a nice sheen to the tile and a consistent look throughout.

Our client was very happy with the finish, the Slate and Grout had been transformed and the sealer had really enhanced the look of the slate. For aftercare we recommended using Tile Doctor Neutral Cleaner which will provide effective cleaning whilst not impacting the seal.

Source: Black Slate Floor Cleaning and Sealing Service near Acton London

How to Set Hexagonal Tile

Hexagonal tile can look wonderful in a room, giving something akin to a mosaic effect. However, it looks as if it can be very awkward to lay, making sure that all the tiles fit properly. Knowing how to lay hexagonal tile properly is important as is having the correct materials.

What You'll Need:

• Thinset
• 5 gallon bucket
• Drill with mixing attachment
• Trowel with 3/16 inch notch
• Grout
• Rubber float
• Sponge
• Level
• Tile nipper
• Utility knife
• Vacuum cleaner

Step 1 - Prepare

Begin by cleaning the floor of the room thoroughly. Use a broom and dustpan and follow up with a vacuum cleaner, using the hose and nozzle to reach into all the corners and crevices. Once the floor is ready, put the thinset into the 5 gallon bucket and mix it up following the instructions. Use a drill with a mixing attachment to ensure that the thinset is fully mixed.

Step 2 - Buy Hexagonal Tile

When you go shopping for hexagonal tile, you’ll find that they’re not packed individually. Instead, they’re glued to a mesh sheet in the same manner as mosaic tile. This makes it easier to lay the tile as there’s no need to position every single tile, just all the sheets. Where most tiles are set out according to reference points marked on the floor, working outward from the center, with hexagonal tiles you begin the process at the corner opposite the door and work to the exit.

Step 3 - Install First Tiles

Start by using the tile nipper to trim the tiles and the sheet so that the tiles fit squarely in the corner. Keep trimming until you’ve achieved good, straight edges on both sides of the corner and dry fit until you’re satisfied.

Having mixed up the thinset, use the mastic trowel to put some on the floor. Be certain to only cover a small amount of the floor at any one time. It should be small enough that you can reach across it to lay the tile without standing on kneeling in the thinset. Lay the first sheet of tile and put the level on press, moving it across the sheet to work out all the air bubbles.

Step 4 - Add Remainder of Tiles

From here work out from the corner, spreading more mastic and laying the sheets of tile. Some will need to be trimmed with the tile nippers for an even fit with the walls. Use the level on each sheet to ensure no air bubbles remain and that the tiles are level. Continue until you’ve covered the entire room and leave to dry.

Step 5 - Add Grout

Mix the grout up in a clean 5 gallon bucket. With the float, spread it across the tile on the floor so that it fills the gaps between the hexagonal tiles. Have another bucket with clean water and a sponge. Use the wet sponge to clean off the excess grout from the tiles, wring it out regularly as you go.

Source: www.DoItYourself.com

How to Tile a Border

 Laying a tile border around the outside perimeter of your tile floor is a job that is going to require some preparation and time. However, this is a job that you should be able to do if you have the proper knowledge and patience. Here are the basics of how to tile a border in a room.

What You'll Need:

• Tape measure
• Tile
• Wet saw
• Trowel
• Tile spacers
• Tile adhesive
• Grout
• Chalk line

Step 1 - Select the Proper Border

There are a number of different types of borders that you could potentially do. In order to choose the right one for your job, you are going to need to look at the different products that are available. You can look at magazines or pictures online in order to get an idea of what you want to do. You can completely customize your border to look like anything that you want. Therefore, you need to spend some time choosing the proper border for your room. You could use the same tile that you installed on the floor and just turn it diagonally or stagger it. You could use listello pieces to create a border. You could use small mosaic tiles to create a border. Your options are basically limitless. Choose the tile for your border and then order it.

Step 2 - Lay out the Pattern

Once you have chosen the tiles for your border, you are going to want to lay it out before installing it. This part of the process can take some time. You want to do a diagram on a piece of paper first so that you can see how you should lay it out. Take the tiles and lay them on the floor so that you can see what they will look like. Adjust the layout to fit your needs. If you are using listello pieces with corners, make sure that you have enough corners for each corner of the tile.

Step 3 - Lay the Tile

You are now ready to lay the border. Using your trowel, apply some tile adhesive to the floor. Then press your border pieces down into that adhesive. Make sure that the border pieces are firmly into the adhesive so that there are no gaps behind the tile. Put tile spacers on the edges of the tile so that you can space the tile appropriately.

Step 4--Allow it to Dry

You should then allow the tile border to dry thoroughly. In most cases, you will want to allow it to dry overnight before moving forward.

Step 5--Grout

At this point, you are ready to apply the grout. Using a grout float, spread the grout over the tops of the tiles and fill the grout joints. When you are done with this, you will want to clean up the mess. Use a sponge and water to wipe down the tiles. This is also going to help smooth out the joints. After you grout joints, you will want to let the grout dry overnight before walking on the tile.

Source: www.DoItYourself.com

Are Ceramic Tiles Sustainable?

The use of recycled and natural, sustainable materials, such as ceramic tile, in building construction has addressed some of the most current environmental concerns. Bamboo flooring is readily recognized as one of those natural, sustainable materials; however, ceramic tile is not. The reality is that ceramic tile is not only sustainable, but it is made from natural materials, doesn’t require the use of caustic cleaners, and can save consumers money.

Composed of natural clay and other raw ingredients, it doesn’t require the destruction of other natural resources like wood or plant material. The clay can be formed into a wide variety of shapes to accommodate a wide variety of uses, such as indoor or outdoor use. The tile can also be finished in many different ways to simulate wood, glass, or metal, adding another distinct advantage of ceramic tile over other flooring materials such as carpeting.

Glazed tile offers a surface that cannot be penetrated by odors or other contaminants. For this reason, no chemical cleaners are needed. Only mild cleaners or even just warm water can clean tile sufficiently while avoiding adding dangerous chemicals to the water system.

Invulnerable to stains or absorbing odors, ceramic tile offers a much longer lasting flooring option over carpeting. It is a money-saving material since ceramic tile doesn’t need to be replaced as often as carpeting.

It may not be at first readily recognizable, but ceramic tile is a surprisingly sustainable alternative to traditional flooring materials.

Source: www.DoItYourself.com 

5 Types of Tile for Kitchen Tile Backsplashes

Kitchen tile splashbacks can provide added beauty and style to your kitchen, as well as make it easier to maintain. Furthermore, you can demonstrate your creativity and add flair to your kitchen’s design with your choice of tile.

If you are leaning towards having a tiled splashback, there are several options from which you can choose. The information you will find on the five types of splashback tiles below will help you make an informed decision as to which type of tile will be the best fit for you and your kitchen.

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1. Porcelain Tile

Often ceramic and porcelain tiles are thought to be the same, but they are not. They are, in fact, manufactured completely differently.

Porcelain is made from compressed porcelain dust. This type of tiling is very dense and tough, thus sturdier than ceramic tile.

Another feature of porcelain is that it can be manufactured with a matt, glazed, or highly polished finish. It is important when choosing tile for a splashback that you use a glazed tile. The glazing will protect the tile from kitchen grease and smudges, make it easier to clean, and ensure it lasts longer.

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2. Ceramic Tile

Ceramic tile is made from clay, then fired in a kiln. The visible part of the tile is a glaze which is coloured or patterned.

Your choice of colours and patterns is virtually unlimited. An advantage of ceramic tile is that it is easy to cut, making it simple to install.

Regardless of whether you choose porcelain or ceramic tiles, they are both available in a range of sizes and both are installed the same way. Tile adhesive is used for placing the tiles, and the gaps are then filled with grout.

There is also a wide range of colours for grout that allow you to coordinate the tiling with your kitchen’s interior colour scheme.

Both porcelain and ceramic tile are excellent choices for a splashback because they do not stain easily, making for simple clean-up.

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3. Glass Tile

Another choice in tiling is glass. Just like ceramic and porcelain, glass tile is a great option because of its waterproof nature.

Glass has a unique appearance in that it reflects light, making your kitchen splashback appear as if it has tiny, sparkling gems. The grouting used for glass is a specialised mortar, or unsanded grout. You may even wish to consider adding some glass tile as an accent with your choice of tile.

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4. Metal Tile

Chrome, copper, and aluminium tiles can also make an interesting and attractive addition to your kitchen. These tiles can create a contemporary look and can also suit a more traditional kitchen.

Depending on the overall effect you wish to create with your metal tile, you can choose between a shiny or brushed finish.

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5. Stone and Marble Tile

Stone and marble are popular choices for both countertops and splashbacks in today’s market. With marble, you will find a variety of styles available.

The downside of a stone splashback is that stone cannot be sealed, making it more difficult to keep clean. 

Source: www.DoItYourself.com

Can I Use Bleach to Clean My Ceramic Tile Floor?

 A ceramic tile floor is very durable. When cared for, the tiles will last for many years. Generally speaking, all you need to do to clean it is to sweep it daily and use a damp mop to wash it.

Bad Stains

For stubborn dirt or stains, a couple of drops of soap in mop water will be sufficient. If the tile or grout is white, you can add a bit of bleach to the mop water. This will remove yellowing and stains.

Is Bleach Necessary?

Bleach is not needed in routine cleaning of ceramic tile, and is actually a bit of overkill. Use it only for bad stains and yellow grout.

WARNING: Bleach stains clothing and is toxic to inhale, so be sure to wear old clothing and gloves and check your work area has proper ventilation before you use it. If you're going to have your face close to the bleach while you work (which often happens when leaning down to clean floors), then wear a face mask and safety glasses. This is especially important if you have a history of respiratory problems.

Source: www.DoItYourself.com