PLEASE NOTE: CUSTOM SALTILLO INTERNATIONAL IS PROVIDING
THIS INFORMATION AS A COURTESY TO CUSTOMERS AND INSTALLERS. WE
ASSUME NO RESPONSIBILITY FOR TILE INSTALLATION.
GETTING STARTED
Always order
at least 15% more tiles than needed for the area to be covered.
Round the quantity up to full boxes so you can store tiles cleanly
and conveniently in your garage, attic, or basement. The extra
tiles will allow for any breakage that may occur during installation,
as well as for possible future tile repairs. Many a homeowner
has been relieved to have tiles handy for a later repair, transition
to an additional room, or a new decorating plan.
Although
some prefer to use contrasting grout, we lean very strongly towards
a grout color that complement your Custom Saltillo Tiles.
We have observed that complementary grout colors draw focus to
the tiles, while contrasting the grout and tiles seems to draw
more attention to the grout.
Grout specifically
made for installation of Mexican Pavers is now widely available.
Grout should be installed level with the tile. We recommend a
1/2' to 3/4'' grout joint to make up for the variation in sizing
and thickness of the tiles. Fill all chips, cracks and lime pops
with the same grout you are using to lay the Pavers. It takes
at least 72 hours for grout to dry and cure.
Take
Note
- DO NOT
SOAK TILES in water or set them in "wet mud" or install them
over an uncured mortar bed! The excess moisture can cause the
lime "pops" to pop or can cause "efflorescence" to occur. Temperature
and humidity of the environment should be considered before
starting installation. Temperature swings, change of seasons,
and dampness prevent timely drying of grout, so all attempts
should be made to compensate for these conditions by adjusting
indoor air and heat settings accordingly.
- Note:
Be aware that Saltillo Pavers, when installed outside, will
age and change as a result of the changing climate due to the
sun, ultra violet lights and the weather. Saltillo Pavers are
not frost resistant.
- Lime
pops are the result of limestone rising to the surface of the
tile while baking. A thin crust forms over the limestone that,
if broken or "popped", can leave a hole on the tile. Lime pops
can be repaired with grout and then re-stained, if necessary.
Efflorescence is a chemical reaction that can occur in cement-based
materials when they are exposed to humidity during installation
or curing. Efflorescence has a white, salty look that forms
on the tile itself. Leaching is when the white salty look forms
around the grout joint.
- DO NOT
USE ANY TYPE OF ADHESIVE TAPE on Custom Saltillo Pavers;
or any other type of tile that is sealed with a surface sealer,
such as Charlotte Mexican Paver Sealer, as it will pull off
the finish when it is removed. NOTIFY ANY HOUSE PAINTERS OF
THIS INFORMATION BEFORE THEY PREPARE THE AREA TO PAINT.
- BEWARE
OF CERTAIN CARPET PADS MADE OF RUBBER, for use under carpets,
as they may stick to the tiles or leave marks on the tiles.
- FOR MORE
INFORMATION ON TILE INSTALLATION SPECIFICATIONS CALL THE CERAMIC
TILE INSTITUTE OF AMERICA (CTIOA) 310-574-7800 OR VISIT THEIR
WEB SITE AT www.ctioa.org.
SEALING, FLOOR POLISH AND MAINTENANCE OF YOUR CUSTOM SALTILLO
TILES
If you have
purchased Custom Saltillo Pavers in their raw form, please
be advised that all porous tiles should be pre-sealed before they
are grouted to prevent the tiles from being stained by the grout.
There are
two types of sealers, impregnators and topical coatings.
Charlotte
Impregnator Sealer works below the surface of tile to
protect it from oil, grease and food stains. It is a specially
formulated, environmentally safe, non-toxic, water-based sealer
that provides a long lasting protective matte finish. Impregnator
may be used on limestone, sandstone, flagstone, slate, marble,
granite, quarry tile, grout, Saltillo, Tecate, and terra cotta
Pavers. This product allows vapor transmission and is not affected
by ultra-violet light. May be used for interior and exterior application.
Charlotte
Mexican Tile Sealer is a specially formulated, clear,
durable, medium gloss, water base sealer. It provides a
long lasting protective coating that protects the tile from oil,
grease and food stains. It may be used on Saltillo, Tecate, terra
cotta Pavers, and slate. This product allows moisture vapor transmission
and is not affected by ultraviolet light. May be used for interior
and exterior application.
INSTALLATION
Install tile. Allow installation to cure over night. Grout tile.
Allow grout to cure for a minimum of 72 hours before sealing the
grout. Use the same sealer for the grout that was used to seal
the tile. If you purchased our tiles pre-sealed, or stained and
pre-sealed, you will need to seal the grout once it has cured
with 1 to 2 coats of Charlotte
Mexican Tile Sealer.
MAINTENANCE
Following
the application of Charlotte
Mexican Paver Sealer, we recommend that you apply 3-4
coats of Charlotte
Floor Polish as a protective coat over the sealer, to
protect your sealer from wearing. This is the product you learn
to maintain and will need to re-apply periodically depending on
surface traffic, to keep your tiles looking beautiful. Floor Polish
is a clear, durable, floor finish that resists black scuffmarks
and, when properly maintained, leaves a beautiful high-sheen finish.
It may be used on all types of sealed adobe clay tiles, slate,
unpolished natural stone and quarry tile. It may also be used
on all resilient vinyl and linoleum floors. Floor Polish should
be used over a clean, dry, previous sealed floor, as long as the
sealer is in good condition and is properly bonded to the tile.
Test a small area to ensure desired results. Coverage: 100 to
500 sq. ft. per gallon, depending on type of tile, texture of
surface and method of application. Recommended for interior application.
We recommend
cleaning with Charlotte
All Surface Cleaner.
Tile floors
also need protection from furniture scrapes and scratches. We
highly recommend using Magic
Sliders®; they move heavy furniture as easily as if it
had wheels. Magic Sliders come in different sizes and are
easy to install on your furniture. They are available from Custom
Saltillo International and Charlotte
Custom Products.
With the
proper products and maintenance program, your tiles will look
as beautiful as the day they were installed for years to come.
Products
for the maintenance of Custom Saltillo Pavers can be purchased
from our sister company,Charlotte Custom Products www.charlottesproducts.com.
You may also order tapes on how to properly maintain your new
Custom Saltillo installation.
Removing Efflorescence
Under normal
wear, efflorescence diminishes on its own, as the moisture in
the grout evaporates. Efflorescence can also be removed manually
with a stiff-bristled brush. If the efflorescence is resistant
to brushing, you may need to use an acid procedure to remove it.
Acid
Cleaning Procedure:
Grout must cure a minimum of seven (7) days before acid cleaning.
Removal of efflorescence, as well as minor grout haze, can be
achieved by using Sulfamic acid cleaner. (Sulfamic acid
is a mild, odorless, crystal.) Test a small, inconspicuous area
and allow it to dry completely prior to treating the entire installation.
- Saturate
the target with clean water and let soak for 15 minutes.
- Mix 8
oz. of sulfanic acid crystals to one (1) gallon of very hot
clean water.
- Wipe up
all excess water and then apply the acid solution. Pour enough
acid solution on the grout so that it puddles in the joints.
Then scrub it with a stiff nylon bristle brush.
- After
scrubbing, let acid remain on grout for approximately 10 minutes;
scrub again.
- Wipe up
all acid solution with clean rinse water.
- In the
final rinse it is necessary to neutralize the acid. This can
be done by mopping or sponging the tiles and grout with a solution
of 1/4 cup of ammonia to one (1) gallon of clean water. Let
the tiles dry a minimum of 12 hours before applying any sealers
or colorants.
CAUTION:
Acid cleaners should not be used on soft natural stone such as
Mexican Pavers, marble, limestone, or travertine installations.
Always observe product precautions and wear appropriate safety
equipment.
CHARLOTTE
CUSTOM PRODUCTS
ALL
SURFACE CLEANER - This pleasant lemon-scented product
comes in a convenient spray bottle and is formulated for everyday
cleaning. Unlike other cleaners, All Surface Cleaner quickly and
easily disinfects, removes odors, kills germs and keeps them from
spreading, deodorizing and cleaning in one easy step. Safe to
use on tile, grout, marble, granite, slate, limestone, sandstone,
flagstone, porcelain, Formica®, linoleum and walls.
GENTLE
SCRUB - Now you don't have to hurt your surfaces to get
them really clean! Although Gentle Scrub's creamy liquid formula
is kind to your surfaces, it's as tough as any leading cleansing
powder on stains. Safely removes soap scum and mineral deposits
from chrome and stainless steel faucets and fixtures, porcelain,
fiberglass, glass and ceramic tiles. You can also use Gentle Scrub
to polish stainless steel sinks, faucets, fixtures, aluminum surfaces
and brass. Great for removing aluminum marks and rust marks on
tiles and porcelain surfaces.
SHOWER
MAGIC - An effective cleaner for removing soap scum, hard
water deposits and ring around the bathtub. Brightens white grout.
It is safe to use on all ceramic tiles with white grout, glass
doors, fiberglass showers and tubs, porcelain bathtubs, sinks,
toilets and all bathroom and kitchen fixtures. Safely removes
rust stains.
MARBLE
& STONE CLEANER - Marble and stone multi-purpose cleaner
removes soap scum and hard-water deposits on marble and stone,
shower stalls, glass shower doors and fixtures, and porcelain
tubs and sinks. M&S Cleaner is concentrated for deep cleaning
and will safely clean marble, slate, limestone, granite, sandstone
and other natural stones on counters or floors. Once area is clean,
use All Surface Cleaner for everyday maintenance.
NOTE: DO NOT USE MARBLE AND STONE CLEANER ON BLACK MARBLE.
HEAVY
DUTY WAX STRIPPER & DEGREASER - A concentrated, non-ammoniated
stripper designed to remove heavy accumulations of waxes and floor
finishes. Dissolves soil and grease and can handle the toughest
jobs. May be used on all types of sealed adobe clay tiles, slate,
quarry tile, and resilient vinyl and linoleum floors. Great for
cleaning colored grout on floors and counter tops.
FLOOR
POLISH - Floor Polish is a clear, durable, floor finish
that resists black scuffmarks and, when properly maintained, leaves
a beautiful high-sheen finish. May be used on all types of sealed
adobe clay tiles, slate, unpolished natural stone and quarry tile.
May be used on all resilient vinyl and linoleum floors. Floor
Polish may be used over a clean, dry, previous sealed floor, as
long as the sealer is in good condition and is properly bonded
to the tile. Test a small area to ensure desired results. Coverage:
100 to 500 sq. ft. per gallon, depending on type of tile, texture
of surface and method of application. Recommended for interior
application.
GROUT
SEALER - To seal grout and dense tile, such as quarry
tile, marble and granite, use Charlotte's own formula Grout Sealer.
This product was designed to provide excellent stain protection,
especially in food preparation and serving areas. Recommended
for interior and exterior applications. Expected wear 10 to 15
years.
IMPREGNATOR
SEALER -Impregnator works below the surface of tile to
protect it from oil, grease and food stains. It is a specially
formulated, environmentally safe, nontoxic, water-based sealer
that provides a long lasting protective matte finish. Impregnator
may be used on limestone, sandstone, flagstone, slate, marble,
granite, quarry tile, grout, Saltillo, Tecate, and terra cotta
Pavers. This product allows vapor transmission and is not affected
by ultraviolet light. May be used for interior and exterior application.
MEXICAN
TILE SEALER - Mexican Tile Sealer is a specially formulated,
clear, durable, high gloss, water base sealer. It provides a long
lasting protective coating that protects the tile from oil, grease
and food stains. May be used on Saltillo, Tecate, terra cotta
Pavers, and slate. This product allows moisture vapor transmission
and is not affected by ultraviolet light. May be used for interior
and exterior application.
We also
have Cleaning Kits, Re-Grouting Kits and Re-Caulking Kits!
CHARLOTTE'S
TIPS
- Always
read product label for specific directions and precautions before
using any cleaning product.
- Always
test area to determine outcome.
- For glazed
tiles with white grout, use Shower Magic to clean tiles
and All Surface Cleaner for daily maintenance. For glazed tile
with colored grout, marble, or limestone, use Marble
& Stone Cleaner for thorough cleaning and All Surface Cleaner
for daily maintenance.
- Unglazed,
porous tiles will absorb stains, so they need to be sealed.
Use either Charlotte Mexican Paver Sealer for a high gloss finish
or Charlotte Impregnator Sealer for a matte finish. Both products
are excellent sealers to use on slate, Mexican Pavers and all
clay tiles.
- To clean
dirty grout, use Heavy Duty Wax Stripper & Degreaser with a
brass tipped brush.
