This is a classic black-and-white encaustic tiled floor in a bathroom in Burton On Trent which has been brought back to life after its sealer was accidentally damaged during decorating work.
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The floor featured a traditional chequerboard design with a geometric border, typical of the Victorian and Edwardian style. Although the tiles were still in good physical condition, the floor had been left looking dull and scratched after protective covering was removed following the decorating of the bathroom.
Decorating Work Damages Sealer Leaving Floor Looking Dull
The job came to us through a local painting and decorating company who had been working in the property. To protect the floor from paint splashes, they had covered it with protective material while decorating.
Unfortunately, when the protection was removed, sections of the existing sealer came away with it. This left the encaustic tiles with an uneven appearance, with areas looking dull and scratched.
It appeared that the original floor had been treated with a topical sealer. Unlike an impregnating sealer, a topical sealer sits on the surface of the tile, making it more vulnerable to damage or lifting if unsuitable coverings or adhesives are used over it.
The decorating company were understandably concerned that they had permanently damaged the floor.
Sealing an Encaustic Tiled Bathroom Floor with Tile Doctor Colour Grow
With the floor completely dry, I applied two coats of Tile Doctor Colour Grow.
Colour Grow is a colour-enhancing impregnating sealer designed to penetrate the pores of the tile rather than sitting on the surface. This provides protection from within the tile, helping to prevent dirt from becoming ingrained ensuring it remain on the surface where it can be easily cleaned away.
The result was a restored and much more consistent finish across the entire bathroom floor, bringing the traditional black-and-white pattern back to life.
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The decorating company were delighted with the result and, most importantly, relieved that the floor had not been permanently damaged.
Aftercare
For ongoing maintenance, I recommended Tile Doctor Neutral Tile Cleaner. Being pH neutral, it is suitable for regular cleaning of sealed tiled floors without compromising the sealer.
With the damaged topical sealer removed and the floor protected with a suitable impregnating sealer, this beautiful traditional encaustic floor is now much better equipped to withstand everyday use while retaining its classic appearance.
Source: Encaustic Tiled Bathroom Floor Cleaning and Sealing Service in Burton upon Trent Staffordshire
Based in Sutton Coldfield, Trevor is an expert in tile, stone, and grout maintenance. As a trusted agent of Tile Doctor—the UK’s largest professional tile, stone, and grout restoration network Trevor has access to specialist products and proven techniques to tackle a wide range of cleaning and restoration challenges. Whether interior or exterior, domestic or commercial, you can rely on expert care and outstanding results.