Treatment
Cleaning Protection Finishing and maintenance Treatment diagrams Troubleshooting Specific notes about our flooring and paving Conclusions and discussion
Introduction:
Surface layer
(glazed or not glazed)
Water absorption
(linked to porosity)
Moulding method
(pressing or extrusion)
Main destination
(floor or wall coverage, interior or exterior)
Introduction:
Moulding method
Pressing Pressing Pressing Pressing Extrusion
Main use
Indoor coverage Indoor flooring Outdoor paving/Indoor flooring Outdoor paving/ Indoor flooring Outdoor paving/Outdoor coverage/Indoor flooring Indoor flooring/Outdoor paving Outdoor paving/Indoor flooring Out. paving/Ind.floor./ Out.cover. Out. pav./Ind. floor./Out.cover.
It should be pointed out, however, that following technological and system developments occurring in the ceramic tile industry over the last few years, the classification shown here has begun to reveal a few limitations in terms of its representativeness, above all with regard to single-fired tiles, which now include several specific products that are the results of new technology.
Introduction:
The UNI EN 87 standard is the basic norm containing the classification, definitions and characteristics for ceramic tiles.
It is an extremely simple, schematic classification, since it is based on just two parameters, which are:
Introduction:
A
Pressed tiles
The tiles in the A groups are extruded, while those in the B groups are pressed.
I groups are those with the lowest level of porosity, while III groups have a
higher level of porosity.
The standard also establishes 8 product standards, indicating different requirements that must be met by the tiles in that group.
Introduction:
Extruded ceramic tiles with low water absorption Dry pressed ceramic tiles with high water absorption Dry pressed ceramic tiles with low water absorption Dry pressed ceramic tiles with water absorption Dry pressed ceramic tiles with water absorption Extruded tiles with water absorption Extruded tiles with water absorption (6%<WA10%) Extruded tiles with high water absorption
Dimensional and appearance characteristics Water absorption Bending strength Surface hardness according to MOHS scale Deep abrasion resistance for unglazed tiles Linear thermal expansion Thermal shock resistance Crazing resistance Chemical resistance unglazed tiles Chemical resistance glazed tiles Surface abrasion resistance for glazed tiles (PEI) Moisture expansion using boiling water Frost resistance
Functional Layers
Tiles form the surface finish of a more complex building system: the floor. This system is formed by different layers, each of which is usually comprised of a different material. For this reason, before laying the tiles, it is advisable to look at greater depth at the surfaces on which they are to be installed.
Functional Layers
List and graphic symbols of the functional layers that form a floor.
Functional Layers
Covering layer
This is formed by tiles and, as already mentioned, its function is to provide a surface finish. This layer must be designed and installed so as to guarantee conformity with the following requirements: Regularity Completeness and durability Safety
Bedding layer
The function of this layer is to connect the tiles to one another and to make them adhere to their supporting surface. It may be formed using cement mortar, adhesive or aggregate.
Functional Layers
Levelling layer
This layer serves to absorb errors in support surface flatness and to eliminate any surface unevenness or irregularities. It is also used to house piping, if any. It is generally made using cement-based binders.
Functional Layers
Functional Layers
Damp-proofing layer
This serves to prevent the passage of water to the underlying layers and areas. Polyethylene film is generally used for damp proofing.
Load-bearing layer
This is the structure to be clad and its function is to transfer its loads and the load to which the floor is subjected to the vertical static load structures. These structures are generally floors in concrete and masonry or in reinforced concrete cast in situ, etc. For exteriors, it is natural earth.
Expansion joints
>From a size point of view, tiles have a rather fine thickness (approximately 15 16 mm for terracotta tiles). From a mechanical viewpoint, they are rigid, or in other words, they cannot deform to any great degree and, if subjected to mechanical stress, they will break once their elastic deformation range has been exceeded.
Expansion joints
Every material has its own thermal expansion coefficient and therefore, it responds to a given change in temperature with a different variation in its dimensions. It must be taken into account that the layers of which the system is comprised are not free to move, since they are joined to one another in different ways; they are bound and therefore, any change in temperature invariably leads to tension. All types of structures have joints between adjacent sections to allow relative movements, although these may be limited, between one part and another. It is important to know the location, extension and size of these joints, since they must also be inserted in the bedding and covering layers.
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Expansion joints
The form of the surfaces to be covered and the variable given by indoor flooring or outdoor paving, have a determining influence on the choice of where and how to install the expansion joints. These joints can in turn influence the choice of tile format, layout and choice of laying technique.
Indoor flooring:
For small-sized rooms, it is sufficient to insert a joint on the outer perimeter of the room; for larger areas, it is advisable to insert a joint approximately every 7 metres, both lengthways and crossways. Moreover, to reduce tension, it is advisable to insert a floating layer between two layers (bedding layer and load-bearing layer).
Expansion joints
Outdoor paving:
Insert expansion joints, with good-quality rubber profiles, approximately every 4 5 metres, both lengthways and crossways, above all for paving over large areas or laid in areas with a high degree of thermal movement. Firstly, it is necessary to check for the presence of structural joints (foundation); if not present, it will be necessary to isolate the reinforcement layer and load-bearing layer from the bedding layer by inserting a floating layer. Geotextiles are normally used out of doors. As well as reducing the tension between the two layers, these geotextiles will not limit the drainage action of the subgrade.
Geotextile layer
If the foundation already has expansion joints, they must also be installed in the bedding and covering layers.
If there are no structural joints in the foundation, it is necessary to insert a floating layer (geotextile) beneath the bedding layer.
First of all, it is necessary for the screed to be even; highly uneven screeds are extremely damaging because they make it impossible to create a laying bed with a constant thickness. This leads to the build up of damp, which then causes the formation of efflorescence and marked differences in expansion coefficients. Example of a non-flat laying bed. These conditions can lead to tile breakage and crumbling.
Geotextile (20 25 mm stabilised Levelling foundation with a slope of 1.5 - 5% concrete dosed for 1 quintal of cement Load-bearing layer Natural earth
Filter drainage protection system Geotextile + Drainage cuspidate membrane Reinforcement and load-bearing layer with a slope of 1.5 5% _ Foundation in concrete dosed for 3 quintals of cement + electrically welded mesh 6 / 8mm. Loose stone foundation Load-bearing layer Natural earth
a)
An extruded protective, drainage membrane in highdensity polyethylene (HDPE), with a high degree of compressive strength and impenetrable at the roots, characterised by a flat face which must be placed in contact with the screed or damp proofing, and by a cuspate face.
An unwoven filtering geotextile in polypropylene (PP), joined to the mesh level with the tips of the cusps.
b)
Terracotta paving, slope 1.5 2% Sand and cement grout or ready-mixed seal Bedding layer _ 6-8 cm foundation using 1.5 quintals of cement and 0.3 sand (alternatively, adhesive) Separation or floating layer - geotextile
Reinforcement and load-bearing layer with 1.5 5% slope _ Foundation in concrete dosed for 3 quintals of cement + electrically welded mesh 6-8mm
Terracotta paving, slope 1.5 2% Grout in sand and cement or ready-mixed seal Bedding layer_Adhesive Levelling layer_foundation, slope 1.5 2% Waterproof sheath Foundation, slope 1.5 5%
Terracotta paving, slope 1.5 2% Grout in sand and cement or ready-mixed seal Bedding layer_Adhesive Double layer of waterproof mortar, reinforced with fibreglass mesh Foundation, slope 1.5 2% Waterproof sheath Load-bearing layer Floor in reinforced concrete
Terracotta flooring Grout in sand and cement or ready-mixed seal Bedding layer_Adhesive
Levelling layer_foundation
Floating layer_polyethylene film
Thermal insulating subgrade _Foundation in lightweight concrete using expanded clay Waterproof sheath
Foundation in loose stone/Lean concrete dosed for 1 quintal of cement
Bedding Layer
5.
6.
7.
Bedding Layer
2.
3.
Using a suitable trowel, spread an even layer of adhesive over the surface.
Lay the tiles before a film begins to form on the surface of the adhesive due to contact with the air (which means that the drying process has begun). Leave a space of at least 3 mm and no more than 10 mm between the tiles. Ensure that the flooring has the necessary expansion joints to compensate for dimensional variations caused by thermal movements. Follow the same precautions used for laying with mortar. It is now possible to buy specific adhesives for high-thickness cotto tiles, while normal adhesives can be used for cotto tiles of lower thickness. However, it is preferable to use adhesives containing hydraulic binders over those containing synthetic resins only. Fast-setting adhesives should be avoided (especially on floorings that have been pre-waterproofed).
4. 5.
Bedding Layer
Applications: Adhesive for indoor and outdoor fixing of ceramic tiles and mosaics of all types on walls, floors and ceilings on traditional supports (cement renders and screeds, brick and block walls, etc.) as long as they are solid, stable and clean. It can be mixed with ISOLASTIC to obtain an elastic adhesive.
Recommended for use with: Cotto Rustico Cotto Linea Casato Indoors Indoors Outdoors (with added ISOLASTIC)
Bedding Layer
Recommended for use with: Cotto Pratico/Protetto Cotto ProntoZoni Cotto Fatto a Mano (Handmade Cotto) Indoors Indoors Indoors Outdoors (with added ISOLASTIC) Outdoors (with added ISOLASTIC) Outdoors (with added ISOLASTIC)
Bedding Layer
Applications: Adhesive for indoor and outdoor bonding of ceramic tiles of all types (earthenware, single-fired, vitrified stoneware, etc.) to walls and floors on: -Traditional supports (cement renders and screeds, brick and block walls, etc.). -Old floors and coverings (ceramic, stone, paving tiles, cement) as long as they are solid and clean. - Cast concrete, prefabricated concrete panels, as long as sufficiently cured (6 months), heating panels, cement-fibre panels, plasterboard, wood or sufficiently bonded derivatives, and tiles no larger than 300 sq. cm.
Recommended for use with: Cotto Rustico Cotto Pratico/Protetto Cotto ProntoZoni Outdoor Pavings and Dcor Outdoors Outdoors Outdoors Outdoors
Bedding Layer
Terracotta outdoors
Cotto paving is able to withstand freezing and thermal movements. However, it is advisable to adopt a few additional precautions to prevent any problems that could occur in extreme conditions to alter the perfect finished look of the paving. Laying the tiles Tiles should be laid in mild weather, with temperatures ranging between 10 and 25 degrees. Wet the tiles before laying, whether using the mortar or adhesive technique. Make sure that the tiles adhere perfectly to the substrate and that there are no cavities in the mortar bed or layer of adhesive. Any air pockets could lead to an accumulation of moisture and, at extremely low temperatures, cause the tiles to come unstuck from their foundation. Avoid laying the paving on structures (screeds) that have not settled definitively. Mechanical stress caused by settling can cause serious cracking in the paving. Insert expansion joints, with good-quality rubber profiles, every 4-5 metres, both lengthways and crossways, especially in the case of large areas of paving or areas with a great deal of thermal movement.
1. 2. 3.
4.
5.
Bedding Layer
Terracotta outdoors
6. Prevent damp and salts from rising from the adjacent or underlying ground by: avoiding direct contact between the terracotta and soil or grassy surfaces, laying the tiles a few centimetres higher than any adjacent lawn ensuring that the screed floor has the proper drainage insulating the paving from areas of standing water, such as swimming pools, gutters, etc. with waterproof sheaths taking care to fill the joints evenly and without cracks. Prevent moisture from collecting on the paved surface by: giving the paving a suitable slope (at least 1.5%) for the perfect run-off of rainwater ensuring that the paving is perfectly flat (no dips) making sure that the paving is perfectly aired all year round (be careful with the nylon sheeting used to cover swimming pools during the winter; place some strips of wood, or a thick-fibre material such as sacking between the tiles and the sheet to guarantee air circulation).
7.
8.
Prevent moisture from collecting beneath the paved surface. If using sheathing (terraces, porches, etc.) this should allow water to run off, creating a sufficient slope on the screed (at least 2%) and using materials that allow drainage.
Introduction
The shape and width of joints, the composition of the grout and the colour used for the joints themselves are areas which, if neglected, can adversely affect installation and final treatment. As the width of the joints increases, this means that the composition of the sand and cement mortar needs to be changed to include more sand. Therefore, a grout width of more than 5 mm will always be rougher and grainier, but above all, it will also be: More absorbent and absorb in a less even manner
As a result, finished appearance and personal tastes aside, technically, the most functional joint is below 7 mm in width.
Traditional grout
Joints less than 3 4 mm wide: This grout is made by mixing normal 325 grey cement in water Joints between 5 and 10 mm wide: This grout is made by mixing 100 litres of fine, well-washed silica sand and 60 80 kg of 325 cement in water It is good practice to wet the surface before spreading the grout; the setting time will be slightly longer but the end result will be firmer and deeper.
Ready-mixed seals
It is preferable to use products that contain no synthetic resins or polymers. In fact, these substances tend to penetrate the natural pores in the terracotta, especially around the edges, causing stains that cannot be removed.
It is advisable to avoid using markedly coloured products (black, anthracite, etc.). In fact, these products are quite difficult to remove once they have anchored to the tile surface and penetrated it slightly so much so, that in some cases, the intervention of flooring specialists is required.
Ready-mixed seals
Fast-setting and drying cement-based grout for joint widths from 2 to 20 mm
Do not use!
Modified with polymers and synthetic resins
USE Interior and exterior grouting on walls and floors in all types of ceramic tiles (earthenware, singlefired, clinker, vitrified stoneware, terracotta, etc.), glass mosaics, natural stone, marble mosaics, reinforced concrete and glass tiles, etc.). Specially recommended when fast flooring use is required. Does not produce calcium hydroxide efflorescence.
Technical Data (at + 23C and 50% R.H.): POT LIFE: 30-45 minutes. MIXING RATIO: from 20 to 26 parts water to every 100 parts ULTRACOLOR, according to the colour. GROUTING AFTER INSTALLATION walls: normal adhesive 3-4 hours; fast-setting adhesive 1-2 hours; traditional application 2-3 days; floors: normal adhesive 24 hours; fast-setting adhesive 3-4 hours; traditional installation 7-10 days. PRACTICABLE: approx. 3 hours. READY FOR USE: 24 hours. COLOURS: 24. APPLICATION: rubber trowel. RESISTANCE TO MOISTURE: excellent. RESISTANCE TO SOLVENTS, OILS, AND ALKALIS: excellent. RESISTANCE TO ACID: poor. PACKAGING: 25, 5 and 1 kg bags.
Cement-based grout for joint widths from 0 to 4 mm (KERACOLOR FINE) and from 5 to 15 mm (KERACOLOR GROSSO).
OK!
USE Interior and exterior grouting on walls and floors in all types of ceramic tiles (earthenware, single fired, clinker, vitrified stoneware, terracotta, etc.), glass mosaics, natural stones, marble mosaics, reinforced concrete and glass tiles, etc.).
Technical Data (at + 23C and 50% R.H.): POT LIFE: approx. 2 hours GROUTING AFTER INSTALLATION walls bonded with normal adhesive 4-8 hours; walls bonded with mortar 2-3 days; floors bonded with adhesive 24 hours; walls bonded with mortar 7-10 days. PRACTICABLE: 24 hours. READY FOR USE: 5 days. FLEXIBLE: no. COLOURS: 8. COVERAGE: according to tile and joint size. APPLICATION: rubber trowel. RESISTANCE TO MOISTURE: excellent. RESISTANCE TO SOLVENTS, OILS, AND ALKALI: excellent. RESISTANCE TO ACID: poor. PACKAGING: 25- 22 and 5 kg bags according to colour.
MANHATTAN
TITANIUM
CEMENT
ANTHRACITE
BLACK
CHAMPAGNE
ANEMONE BAHAMABEIGE
BAHAMABEIGE BROWN
Prewaterproofing
For materials with a high degree of absorption or, if the stylistic choice means opting for a markedly coloured seal, it is necessary to clean the floor surface briefly and to apply the correct doses of absorption reducer and water-repellent product to prevent rising moisture at least two or three days before grouting. In all cases, above all for outdoor paving, water-based water-repellents are preferable to solvent-based ones. In fact, the former can be applied even if the flooring or paving is not perfectly dry. It is advisable to apply the product with a low-pressure (airless) spray for more even coverage.
The various excellent products on sale include: IPA 16 by Geal KEMIOSIL 116 by New Chemical HP/98 by Fila
EASIER FINISHING
SYNOPTIC CHART
LINEA CASATO COTTO PRONTO OUTDOOR PAVINGS AND DECOR
Outdoors
INTENDED USE
Indoors
Outdoors
Indoors
Outdoors
Indoors
Indoors
Outdoors
Mortar / Adhesive
Mortar / Adhesive
Adhesive
Mortar / Adhesive
Mortar / Adhesive
Kerabond
Kerafloor
Kerabond
Kerafloor
Kerafloor
Kerafloor + Isolastic
5mm
5mm
5mm
5mm
Touching
6mm Rusticated
4mm (Bis)
Grout Keracolor Grosso 23 50 10 - 3 7 Grout Keracolor Grosso/Fine 23 50 10 3 7 Grout Keracolor Grosso 23 50 - 3 Grout Keracolor Grosso/Fine 23 50 10 3 7 Grout Keracolor Grosso/Fine 23 50 10
3mm Smoothed
Grout Keracolor Grosso 23 50 3
PRE-WATERPROOFING
NO
NO
NO
Always necessary
Treatment
Treatment:
Cleaning
Technical times
The time required to wait between installation and treatment is given by: Curing or the release of salts from the terracotta tile The stabilising time of the laying bed and grout width Tile surface drying Before washing, it is recommended to respect the times provided in this table:
COTTO RUSTICO COTTO PRATICO/ PROTETTO
CLIMATE
LINEA CASATO
COTTO PRONTO
LAYING METHOD
CLIMATE
CLIMATE
CLIMATE
CLIMATE
Warm Dry
20 - 25
Cold Damp
30 - 40
Warm Dry
5-7
Cold Damp
8 - 10
Warm Dry
Cold Damp
Warm Dry
5-7
Cold Damp
8 - 10
Warm Dry
20 - 25
Cold Damp
30 - 40
Warm Dry
30 - 40
Cold Damp
45 - 60
Not foreseen
3-5
5-7
2-3
3-5
2-3
3-5
2-3
3-5
3-5
5-7
5-7
10 - 15
NOTE: The times given in the table are purely indicative. For subgrades in expanded clay with damp proofing, the waiting times for mortar should be doubled and the area heated where possible.
Treatment:
Cleaning
This pock-marked effect problem may even occur a few months after handover, especially when the finishing treatment has been carried out using varnishing or filmforming products, which should be avoided in any case. This reduces or prevents the residual moisture present in the substrate from being released through the tile.
Treatment:
Cleaning
Treatment:
Cleaning
Washing
Preliminary cleaning is aimed at: Removing unwanted substances and restoring the original colour and appearance Freeing the characteristic porosity so that the final protective treatment can be absorbed deep down.
Knowledge of the origins of terracotta (formats, surface finish, installation) also offers useful information with regard to arranging the work to be performed with the following operational means:
CHEMICAL PRODUCTS and MECHANICAL EQUIPMENT
Treatment:
Cleaning
Dedicated action
which is performed according to the choice of chemical products with specific dissolving action for the prevalent type of dirt present.
Fast action
It is necessary for the dirt residues to be easily and completely removed from the cotto surface in the least amount of time possible and using the least amount of water. This factor, which is known as emulsifying the dirt is of fundamental importance to successful washing.
Treatment:
Cleaning
NEW COTTO
INCORRECTLY TREATED COTTO Neutralises after alkaline wash; Emulsifies after solvent wash; Cleans away lime scale soiling Dissolves natural and fatty wax treatments Wax remover that dissolves synthetic and polymer treatments; Dissolves metalized acrylics in resins, varnishes and silicones
Cement grout and lime scale residues; Colour wash paint; Saline efflorescence Dark oxidation; Pollution stains; Mould and algae Removes synthetic stains; Quarzites and synthetic paints
Traditional reactive agents, although they have a strong breakdown action on the substances present, lead to notable re-absorption of the broken down dirt, especially during the rinsing process, which requires copious amounts of water.
Treatment:
Cleaning
DETERDEK and FILADRASTIC , respectively de-scaler and lime remover; strong degreaser and alkaline wax remover.
COTTO MUST BE CLEANED QUICKLY, WELL, AND USING THE SMALLEST POSSIBLE AMOUNTS OF WATER AND REACTIVE SUBSTANCES, ESPECIALLY WHEN USING TRADITIONAL REACTIVE PRODUCTS.
Treatment:
Cleaning
LIST PRODUCTS
FILA PRODUCTS
GEAL PRODUCTS
ACIDO TAMPONATO
ALCALE
FILADRASTIC
FILASOLV
Correspondence between list products and the brand names of some companies.
Treatment:
Cleaning
Single-brush polisher
Treatment:
Cleaning
HOW TO PROCEED: work on dry flooring. Pour the detergent directly onto the
surface and spread it with the wiper. Unless otherwise indicated, it is always best to start out using an undiluted product. Brush it thoroughly with the floor polisher at medium-low speed and a weight pressure of no less than 30 kg. Quickly vacuum up the liquid because cotto tends to absorb washing residues and the reactive products used deep down. For this reason, it is best to work in pairs: one to operate the floor polisher and the other the liquid vacuum cleaner. A final rinse with clean water is most important to eliminate any last residues of dirt or washing products; this must be performed quickly and using the floor polisher or a broomcorn brush. After rinsing, vacuum up the remaining liquid and thoroughly dry the surface with cloths and sponges.
(*) Caution! For terracotta tiles from the Casato line, use broomcorn brushes or soft pads only, and dilute the detergent so that the concentration is less aggressive.
Treatment:
Cleaning
1 cleaning oxidation marks; 2 cleaning mould and algae; 3 cleaning an incorrect treatment
Treatment:
Protection
Primers
The protection stage requires the application of primers. According to their action, primers are divided as follows: WATER REPELLENTS OIL REPELLENTS
(deep down protection) (surface protection)
With reference to the solution in which they are dispersed: SOLVENT BASED WATER BASED
Treatment:
Protection
Primers
Solvent-based primers are characterised by rather small molecules and a high degree of chemical inertia; for this reason they operate deep down. They are excellent from a performance viewpoint, although they should only be used in expert hands. They also dry quickly and must only be applied to perfectly dry flooring or paving.
Water-based primers on the other hand, are characterised by a slower drying process and by rather large molecules (water). For this reason, they are recommended for waterproofing highly absorbent flooring. They are also easier to apply, since they can also be used on material that is still damp. These primers have less of an adverse effect on the environment although they do lose their effectiveness as time passes.
Treatment:
Protection
Technical times
This table contains the minimum times required to wait between the completion of washing operations and the protection stage:
COTTO RUSTICO COTTO PRATICO/ PROTETTO LINEA CASATO COTTO PRONTO OUTDOOR PAVINGS AND DECOR COTTO FATTO A MANO (HANDMADE COTTO)
PROTECTION
PROTECTION
PROTECTION
PROTECTION
PROTECTION
PROTECTION
Solvent based
Water based
Solvent based
Water based
Solvent based
Water based
Solvent based
Water based
Solvent based
Water based
Solvent based
Water based
7-15 days
4 hours
3- 4 days
Not foreseen
7-15 days
4 hours
15-20 days
4 hours
(*) Unless a certain stain-proof action is required. In this case, it is possible to apply a solvent-based oil- and water-repellent product.
Treatment:
Protection
Water repellents
EVAPORATED WATER (drying)
CHEMICAL BARRIER
terracotta surface
RISING MOISTURE
Siloxane primers with a high degree of penetration, chemical inertia, and lasting action. They prevent rising moisture and water absorption. They also combat the formation of efflorescence, dark marks, and mould. They leave the transpiration capacity (vapour permeability) of the material unchanged. Especially indicated as initial primers for treating tiles laid indoors and out. They also favour the even absorption of subsequent treatment products: wax for interiors and oil repellents for exteriors.
Treatment:
Protection
Oil repellents
STAINING SUBSTANCES
WATER SOLUBLE GREASE
CHEMICAL BARRIER
terracotta surface
These give the material a fluoride-based, stainproof, protective surface that is completely invisible. They do not alter the original colour of the material. They do not film and they also do not change the vapour permeability (transpiration) of the original material. They are not able to receive subsequent treatment products but can be applied on top of water repellents. Their use is practically limited to outdoor paving only.
Treatment:
Protection
CHEMICAL BARRIER
GREASE
terracotta surface
RISING MOISTURE
These are normal mixes, in solvents, of fluoridated copolymers with a stainproofing action and siloxane primers with a deep-down water-repellent action to provide dual oil- and water-repellent protection. They do not create films, or substantially alter the transpiration capacities of the material. They add a slight colour tone to the original shade. They are moderately receptive to subsequent treatment products such as, for example, neutral liquid wax in the case of indoor flooring.
Treatment:
Protection
PHYSICAL BARRIER
terracotta surface
Primers with vegetable oil or natural wax bases and resins in plant-based solvents for water-repellent and stainproof protection. Compared to the traditional oil-based mixes, (linseed oil), they penetrate and dry with greater ease. They add a more or less intense colour tone. Suitable for use on flooring or paving where there is no risk of rising moisture, indoors or in covered outdoor areas.
Treatment:
Protection
ES / 82 and OP / K , Respectively, deep-down water repellent and oil and water repellent. Both are solvent based.
Treatment:
Protection
LIST PRODUCTS
/
FILA PRODUCTS
HP / 98
GEAL PRODUCTS
IPA - 16
FILASPRINT 2000
ANTIMACCHIA /
OP / K
W / 68
BASOIL
Correspondence between list products and the brand names of some companies.
Treatment:
Since terracotta tiles are made from a rough material that is highly absorbent compared to other traditional tile types, it is necessary to clean and protect them and also to give them a tone and performance that leave them easy to care for using modern means in the areas in which they are installed. Finishing operations for flooring laid indoors normally take the form of applying: SOLVENT-BASED OIL-WAX DISPERSIONS WATER-BASED RESIN-WAX EMULSIONS ( Wax paste) ( Liquid wax )
Wax pastes (traditional treatment) nourish the tiles deep down, giving them a warm appearance. They are available in different colours: natural (neutral), blond (yellow), leather (brown), and aged (antique brown). In this way, it is possible to give tone to the tiles to obtain specific colour effects. Just applying neutral wax paste creates a slight colour effect without altering the original shade of the flooring.
Treatment:
Wax paste is not diluted and it is applied after the base coat of water repellent. It must be applied in two layers at a distance of 8 hours from one another to obtain a more even result and to be able to correct the tone of the first application, if necessary. It is advisable to apply the wax with a normal synthetic bath sponge and to buff it later with a woollen cloth or floor polisher. Darker colours should always be applied as a second coat.
Variations in the finished appearance of original cotto, created by different finishing treatments.
Treatment:
Liquid waxes are used to provide a final finishing coat. They give the flooring: Wearproof surface protection Light stainproof protection A base for subsequent maintenance These are normally emulsions of high-quality natural wax with added polymers. It is also possible to buy formulas that create a more wear-resistant protective layer (synthesis waxes), which are therefore more suitable to areas subject to a great deal of traffic (offices, restaurants, etc.). As a final finishing coat, this product is applied over the wax paste with a cloth, mop or other wax application means. If the flooring is finished with liquid wax only, it is advisable to apply it with a wide brush.
Treatment:
Maintenance
Maintenance is performed more or less frequently according to the condition of the flooring and to different personal requirements. For routine maintenance, it is sufficient to wash the flooring with a diluted solution of liquid wax (23 glasses in a bucket of water); for extraordinary maintenance, re-apply a coat of pure wax, using a brush. Every so often, use a mild de-greasing detergent to remove any black marks from the flooring and to prevent layers of wax from building up.
Treatment:
WAX PASTE
LIQUID WAX
COTTOWAX Klinwax
DESCALING DETERGENT
DETERGENTE
FILACLEANER
CB - 90
Correspondence between list products and the brand names of some companies.
Treatment:
Treatment Diagrams
COTTO RUSTICO
LINEA CASATO
COTTO PRONTO
AREA
AREA
AREA
Indoor
Outdoor
Indoor
Outdoor
Indoor
Indoor
Outdoor
Outdoor
Indoor
Outdoor
A-B
Treatment:
24 hours
Wax Paste
4 hours
8 hours
Wax Paste
8 hours
Cera Liquida Neutra or
8 hours
Polymer Wax Emulsion
Treatment:
24 hours
Cera Liquida Neutra (neutral liquid wax)
8 hours
Cera Liquida Neutra
8 hours
Cera Liquida Neutra or
8 hours
Polymer Wax Emulsion
Treatment:
WITH CAUTION Idrorepellente (water repellent) For water-repellent treatments or Antimacchia (stainproof product) For water and oil-repellent treatments
Treatment:
2 days
Cera Liquida Neutra (neutral liquid wax) or
2 days
Wax Paste or
3 4 days
Idrorepellente (water repellent)
2 hours
Cera Liquida Neutra
8 hours
24 hours
Cera Liquida Neutra
2 hours
Cera Liquida Neutra
Treatment:
2 4 days min.
Antimacchia (stainproof product)
Treatment:
DILUTE
2 days
APPLY WITH A CLOTH
Wax supplied
Treatment:
2 days
or
3 - 4 days
Antimacchia (stainproof product) For a secure stainproofing action
Treatment:
3 - 4 days
Antimacchia (stainproof product) For a secure stainproofing action
Treatment:
STOP
4 hours
Water-based water repellent or
Treatment:
4 hours
Water-based water repellent or
2 4 days min.
Idrorepellente (water repellent)
8 hours
Cera Liquida Neutra (neutral liquid wax) or
8 hours
Wax paste
24 hours
or
24 hours
Cera Liquida Neutra
8 hours
Cera Liquida Neutra
8 hours
Polymer wax emulsion
8 hours
Cera Liquida Neutra
Treatment:
4 hours
Water-based water repellent or
2 4 days min.
Idrorepellente (water repellent)
Troubleshooting:
Floors that have not yet been treated
Grout residues
Clean with buffered acid (Service acido Geal / Deterdek Fila). More stubborn build up can be removed with specific products used in higher concentrations (Acido 13H3 forte Geal / Fila PH Zero).
Saline efflorescence
This appears if the washing operation was performed too early or inaccurately. Wash the tiles again, not forgetting to respect the technical times. From laying to acid wash: 40 days for traditional mortar laying; 15 days for adhesive laying; 2-3 months for handmade cotto laid using mortar.
(see table on slide 42)
Troubleshooting:
Floors with finishing treatment
Troubleshooting:
Treated floors
Troubleshooting:
Tiles laid outdoors
Blackened paving
Rain, dust and smog can blacken cotto tiles laid outdoors. It is sufficient to wash the paving with a strong degreasing detergent (Service idrosolv Geal / Fila DX/83) to remove the dirt that has accumulated over time.
Tyre marks
Wash thoroughly with a strong degreasing detergent DX/83), and a stiff brush. Rinse.
(Service idrosolv Geal / Fila
Traditional cotto
Waterproofed by immersion Wide range of floor and special pieces Releases no efflorescence Does not form mould Easier to clean Ideal for indoor and outdoor use
Warning!
Do not consider this cotto to be a pre-treated or ready-to-use product, or even a non-absorbent or stainproof cotto Cotto Pratico has extremely fast installation and finishing times
Waxed in a controlled environment Available in 3 colours Does not release efflorescence Easy to clean Immediate finish
Warning!
Do not define this cotto as being a stainproof product; avoid soiling it excessively during grouting operations
Cotto ProntoZoni
Our Research and Development laboratory has devised a mix of fluxes, that is applied to the product while still dry.
Cotto ProntoZoni
This maintains all of the beautiful qualities of real cotto flooring, but without any of the characteristics that have classified it as difficult. It needs no treatment not now or ever
The presence of corundum gives the product its high degree of surface strength. Resistant to wear, chemical agents and the elements. The characteristics of this mix mean that the product can absorb and release water, but not liquids of higher density.
The contents of this presentation have been optimised and revised by the Technical Division of Industriepica in collaboration with: Geal srl _ Agliana (PT) Fila Industria chimica spa _ S. Martino di Lupari (PD) Mapei spa _ Milan Tenax spa _ Italy Sources: Le piastrelle di ceramica by A.Tenaglia, G. Timellini, C. Palmonari In-house publication from Centro Ceramico Bologna Il cotto toscano unantica piastrella ancora da apprezzare pienamente by E. Giusti Geal srl _ Agliana (PT) All rights reserved. Reproduction, in any form, of written or illustrated parts of this booklet is strictly prohibited, unless expressly authorised.