A terrazzo floor requires proper care, and we are happy to share our knowledge. With our maintenance advice, your floor will remain beautiful and shiny for many years. We believe in the importance of using the right cleaning products and methods to preserve the unique appearance of terrazzo.
Important notice about terrazzo tiles
Since the tiles are wet-cut, they may still contain moisture at the time of delivery, making them appear darker or with dark spots. If the tiles are placed separately, the moisture will evaporate within a few hours.
If the tiles are installed while still damp, it is better to wait a few days or weeks before applying the impregnating sealer. Once the tiles are clean and dry, they can be impregnated.
Note: A high moisture level in the cement screed (chape) can also cause the tiles to take a long time to dry completely.
Storage of Terrazzo tiles before installation
Make sure your tiles are stored in a dry place. If the tiles have already been laid but other construction work is still ongoing, cover the tiles with a cotton or linen cloth. Never cover them with plastic, cardboard, painter's tarp, or other non-breathable materials, as this can cause stains that are difficult to remove! Never use non-breathable materials!
Laying Terrazzo tiles: steps and recommendations
Keep the tiles clean while laying them. Check the tiles before starting work. Once the tiles are laid, we cannot accept any complaints. The tiles must be cut with a water-cooled saw. Small holes should be filled with grout. We strongly recommend having the tiles laid by experienced professionals with expertise in this type of tile.
Step 1: Preparation of Terrazzo tiles and substrate
Ensure the substrate is flat, smooth, dry, dust-free, and grease-free. We recommend using
Kiesel Octamus UG30 as a primer.
- Never place the tiles in wet mortar or screed beds.
- Use tile adhesive suitable for natural stone.
- We recommend using Kiesel Servolight S1 Supertec.
- For the best results, apply adhesive to both the substrate and the tiles. Expect an adhesive consumption of 2 to 2.5 kg per square meter.
Step 2: Laying Terrazzo tiles
- Pre-plan the layout of the tiles.
- Remove dust from the underside of the tiles, for example with a damp cloth or sponge.
- After laying each tile, remove any adhesive or cement residues with clean water. We recommend using Lithofin MN Stain Remover.
- Note the weight: Terrazzo tiles measuring 60 x 60 x 2.0 cm weigh approximately 20 kg each.
Step 3: The first impregnation layer for Terrazzo tiles
- The first impregnation layer must be applied before grouting.
- We recommend using Lithofin Stain Stop W.
- This impregnation layer prevents cement and grout residues from penetrating the tiles directly.
- Ensure the floor is completely clean.
- If there are dried adhesive or cement residues, you can gently remove them with a fine scouring pad and water. However, be careful not to damage the floor. An alternative is using a cement haze remover (e.g., Lithofin MN Cement Haze Remover).
- Never use bleach, vinegar cleaners, or other acidic cleaning products, as these can irreparably damage the floor.
- Apply the impregnation layer with a paint roller or rub it in with a soft cloth.
- Allow the floor to dry completely, which may take 12 to 24 hours.
Step 4: Grouting Terrazzo tiles
- The grout gap should normally be 2 to 3 mm wide.
- Keep the tiles free of adhesive and cement residues while laying them, as this can cause stains that are difficult to remove.
- Always use a medium grey or silver-grey grout (we recommend Kiesel Servoperl Royal silver grey or medium grey).
- Grout a maximum of one square meter of floor at a time.
- Remove excess grout with a sponge and clean water.
- Rinse the floor again with clean water after the entire floor or wall is grouted.
- Once the floor is dry, you can remove the remaining cement haze with a cement haze remover suitable for natural stone, such as Lithofin MN Cement Haze Remover.
- Once the tiles are completely clean and dry, you can apply a second impregnation layer.
- Remove any remaining impregnation that is not absorbed.
- Wait two weeks before performing the first cleaning.
Passion for handmade beauty