Saltillo tile
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Saltillo tile is one of the two most famous products of the Mexican city of Saltillo, Coahuila. (The other is the multi-coloured woven sarapes so typical of the region.) Saltillo tiles vary in colour and shape. Tiles are shaped either by pressing quarried clay with a wooden frame (super), or carving out the desired shape (regular). Depending on the raw tile's placement among other tiles at the time of firing, its colour ranges from yellow to a rich orange. Saltillo tile is highly porous, and soaks in liquid easily. It is difficult to install as it absorbs thin set, grout, wax pencils, etc. Once placed, it stains and scuffs easily. Saltillo is probably a poor choice for outdoor installation in extreme climates.
Preferred methods for installation invariably relate to its propensity for soaking in liquid. One method involves soaking the tile in water, thin-setting them raw, grouting them, possibly treating them, then sealing both the saltillo and the grout with a powerful surface sealer. Another method involves using a penetrating sealer, thin-setting, possibly treating them, grouting them, possibly treating them, then sealing both the saltillo and the grout with a powerful surface sealer.
Treatments for saltillo include: coating them with a surface sealer prior to grouting, applying an admixture of linseed oil and paint thinner, applying natural stone colour enhancers, applying floor hardeners, applying shine, painting them with a water-based paint, coating them with wood stain, etc. As the tile is incredibly porous it will readily absorb just about any liquid.
Every installation should end with one or several coats of a powerful surface sealer.
Saltillo tile may be sealed with a penetrating sealer or a film forming sealer (coating).
A penetrating sealer soaks into the tile leaving no film or appearance change on the surface. THis sealer will have a natural look and the tiles will still look and feel dusty and powdery. Newer penetrating sealers using flurocarbon technology will repell water, oil and grease. They may be used indoors and outdoors. Outdoors they will need to be resealed more frequently due to the uv effects. Popular items include Glaze N Seal's Stone Sealant Impregnator and Aqua Mix Sealers Choice. Because these items penetrate into the tile they generally can not be removed after they have been applied.
A film forming sealer works by leaving a film or coating on the top of the tile. This type of sealer requires multiple coats to build a film that will enhance the tile appearance and provide a protective barrier against water, oil and grease. This filmmay be made of acrylic, urethan or even epoxy resin. Acrylics seem to be the most preferred because or their non yellowing characteristic , ease of use and recoating ability etc.
An acrylic sealer may be solvent based to achieve a dark, rich traditional finish. This "Wet Look" has an old Mexico character. Glaze N Seals "Wet Look" Lacquer seems to be the most popular sealer of this type. Other water based acrylics have less color enhacement but are much easier to use. Ole Tile sealer is a popular product of this type for indoor and outdoor use. . Caution many acrylic sealers are not able to handle outdoor conditions and may not be receommended for outdoor use. However, there are some premioum film forming sealers that can be used outdoors although they will require occasional resealing.
In indoor situations, after using a film forming sealer an acrylic liquid floor polish should be used to increase abrasion protection and extend the life of the sealer. (It is much easier to occasionally repolish the floor than it is to reseal the floor.)
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