Terracotta Finish Application Guide
Our Natural Terracotta floor tiles are made from real clay, giving each tile its own unique character, warmth and natural variation. To protect their surface and enhance their appearance, we offer three specially selected finish bundles: Light, Deep and Antique.
Each finish creates a different look, from the soft, natural tones of our Light Finish to the richer, warmer colours of our Deep Finish and the beautifully aged character of our Antique Finish.
This step-by-step guide explains how to apply the cleaning, sealing and finishing products included in each bundle, helping you achieve a beautiful, long-lasting finish on your terracotta floor.
Before you begin: Ensure your tiles have been laid, grouted and are ready for treatment. Terracotta is naturally porous, so it is important that tiles are thoroughly clean and completely dry before applying any sealing or finishing products. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions and test products on a small, inconspicuous area before treating the entire floor.
A soft, natural finish that preserves the gentle, earthy tones of terracotta.
Our Light Finish bundle is designed to protect your terracotta tiles whilst maintaining their natural appearance, with a subtle sheen that brings out the beauty of the clay.
The bundle contains three products, applied in the following order.
Step 1: Clean with Intensive Cleaner
Before sealing, thoroughly clean the tiles to remove any dirt, dust, installation residue or other contaminants.
The dilution required will depend on the level of cleaning needed:
Light cleaning: Dilute one part Cleaner in 10 parts warm water. Apply with a cloth or mop, then wipe thoroughly with a clean, damp cloth.
Heavier cleaning: Dilute one part Cleaner in 3 parts warm water. Apply liberally across the tiles and, if necessary, agitate with a scrubbing brush. Leave for 5–10 minutes, keeping the surface wet with additional solution. Scrub again, mop up and rinse thoroughly with clean water.
Very heavy cleaning: Use Cleaner undiluted, agitating with a scrubbing brush if required. Rinse thoroughly with clean water afterwards to neutralise the treated surface.
Allow the tiles to dry completely before moving on to the next step.
Step 2: Seal with Matt Finish Sealer
The Matt Finish Sealer penetrates the porous terracotta, helping to protect the tiles against staining whilst maintaining their natural appearance.
Shake the bottle thoroughly before use. Ensure the tiles are completely clean and dry.
Apply the sealer using a soft cloth, brush or sealant applicator pad.
Allow at least 2 hours between coats. More absorbent tiles may require additional coats and a more generous application.
After approximately 1 hour, buff the surface with a soft, lint-free cloth or buffing machine to achieve an even finish and remove any excess sealer.
The aim is to saturate the porous surface with sealer without leaving excess product sitting on top of the tiles.
Drying time: The sealer will dry in approximately 2 hours but requires a further 3 days to develop full resistance.
Important: Do not apply in direct sunlight. Although the sealer helps to inhibit oil-based staining, any spills should still be wiped away promptly.
Step 3: Finish with Clear Wax
Clear Wax provides the final protective layer and creates a soft, attractive sheen.
Ensure the tiles are completely clean and dry and that the Matt Finish Sealer has fully cured.
Stir the wax thoroughly before use.
Apply sparingly using a soft, lint-free cloth, working in small, manageable areas.
Buff promptly to a gentle shine using a short-haired brush, soft cloth or mechanical polisher.
Your terracotta floor will now have a beautifully natural finish, with the gentle warmth and variation of the clay preserved.
A rich, warm finish that enhances the natural depth and colour of terracotta.
Our Deep Finish bundle is ideal for those who love the traditional, earthy appearance of terracotta.
Using boiled linseed oil to enrich the natural colour of the clay, followed by a protective clear wax, this finish creates a deeper, warmer appearance.
The bundle contains three products, applied in the following order.
Step 1: Clean with Intensive Cleaner
Before sealing, thoroughly clean the tiles to remove any dirt, dust, installation residue or other contaminants.
The dilution required will depend on the level of cleaning needed:
Light cleaning: Dilute one part Cleaner in 10 parts warm water. Apply with a cloth or mop, then wipe thoroughly with a clean, damp cloth.
Heavier cleaning: Dilute one part Cleaner in 3 parts warm water. Apply liberally across the tiles and, if necessary, agitate with a scrubbing brush. Leave for 5–10 minutes, keeping the surface wet with additional solution. Scrub again, mop up and rinse thoroughly with clean water.
Very heavy cleaning: Use Cleaner undiluted, agitating with a scrubbing brush if required. Rinse thoroughly with clean water afterwards to neutralise the treated surface.
Allow the tiles to dry completely before moving on to the next step.
Step 2: Apply Boiled Linseed Oil
Boiled Linseed Oil penetrates the porous terracotta, enriching its natural colour and creating a deeper, more traditional appearance.
Ensure the tiles are clean and completely dry.
Using a brush, apply an even coat of Boiled Linseed Oil, allowing it to absorb into the terracotta.
Continue applying coats until the tiles are saturated, allowing at least 12 hours between each coat so that the oil can cure properly.
Most terracotta tiles will require one or two coats, although particularly absorbent or handmade tiles may need as many as four or five coats.
Allow the final coat to dry for at least 24 hours before applying the wax.
The number of coats required will depend on the natural porosity of your tiles. Avoid leaving excess oil pooled on the surface.
Important: Oil-soaked cloths and applicators can spontaneously combust if stored incorrectly. Follow the manufacturer's safety instructions for their handling and disposal.
Step 3: Finish with Clear Wax
Clear Wax provides the final protective layer and creates a soft, attractive sheen.
Ensure the tiles are completely clean and dry and that the Matt Finish Sealer has fully cured.
Stir the wax thoroughly before use.
Apply sparingly using a soft, lint-free cloth, working in small, manageable areas.
Buff promptly to a gentle shine using a short-haired brush, soft cloth or mechanical polisher.
The result is a beautifully rich terracotta floor, with deeper earthy tones and the timeless warmth associated with traditional clay flooring.
A characterful, aged finish that gives terracotta a timeless, traditional appearance.
Our Antique Finish bundle is designed to bring out the rustic charm of natural terracotta. Combining a protective matt sealer with a specially selected Antique Wax, it creates a softly aged appearance that accentuates the natural texture and variation of each tile.
The bundle contains three products, applied in the following order.
Step 1: Clean with Intensive Cleaner
Before sealing, thoroughly clean the tiles to remove any dirt, dust, installation residue or other contaminants.
The dilution required will depend on the level of cleaning needed:
Light cleaning: Dilute one part Cleaner in 10 parts warm water. Apply with a cloth or mop, then wipe thoroughly with a clean, damp cloth.
Heavier cleaning: Dilute one part Cleaner in 3 parts warm water. Apply liberally across the tiles and, if necessary, agitate with a scrubbing brush. Leave for 5–10 minutes, keeping the surface wet with additional solution. Scrub again, mop up and rinse thoroughly with clean water.
Very heavy cleaning: Use Cleaner undiluted, agitating with a scrubbing brush if required. Rinse thoroughly with clean water afterwards to neutralise the treated surface.
Allow the tiles to dry completely before moving on to the next step.
Step 2: Seal with Matt Finish Sealer
The Matt Finish Sealer penetrates the porous terracotta, helping to protect the tiles against staining whilst maintaining their natural appearance.
Shake the bottle thoroughly before use. Ensure the tiles are completely clean and dry.
Apply the sealer using a soft cloth, brush or sealant applicator pad.
Allow at least 2 hours between coats. More absorbent tiles may require additional coats and a more generous application.
After approximately 1 hour, buff the surface with a soft, lint-free cloth or buffing machine to achieve an even finish and remove any excess sealer.
The aim is to saturate the porous surface with sealer without leaving excess product sitting on top of the tiles.
Drying time: The sealer will dry in approximately 2 hours but requires a further 3 days to develop full resistance.
Important: Do not apply in direct sunlight. Although the sealer helps to inhibit oil-based staining, any spills should still be wiped away promptly.
Step 3: Finish with Antique Wax
Antique Wax provides the final finishing layer, adding depth and character to the terracotta and creating a gently aged appearance.
Ensure the surface is completely clean and dry and that the Matt Finish Sealer has fully cured.
Stir the Antique Wax thoroughly before use.
Apply sparingly with a soft, lint-free cloth, working in small, manageable areas.
Buff promptly to a shine using a short-haired brush, soft cloth or mechanical polisher.
Your finished floor will have a beautifully characterful appearance, celebrating the natural texture and individuality of genuine terracotta.
Caring for your finished terracotta floor
Once your chosen finish has been applied and fully cured, a little regular care will help keep your terracotta floor looking beautiful for years to come.
Sweep or vacuum regularly to remove loose dirt and grit, and clean using a suitable pH-neutral floor cleaner. Avoid harsh chemicals, acidic cleaning products and abrasive treatments, which may damage the protective finish.
Wipe up spillages promptly and, over time, consider refreshing the wax finish as required to maintain its appearance and protection.
Please note: Natural terracotta is a porous material and each tile may absorb finishing products differently. Variations in colour, tone and finish are part of its natural character. Always test your chosen finish before treating the entire floor, and refer to the individual product labels for full application and safety instructions.
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