Mexican Saltillo Clay Tile

Items needed for installation of Saltillo Tile:

1. Tile
2. Grout
3. Multipurpose adhesive or thinset.
4. ½ " notch trowel
5. Clean cloth
6. Sealer
7. Tape measure
8. Roofing square
9. Chalk box
10. Grout float
11. Portable saw (rented from tile store) or an abrasive carborundum blade.

Fast Installation Method

A. Preparation of a floor is very important. Clean the area where the
tile is to be laid thoroughly. If it is not cleaned of all debris (oils,
wax, or paints, etc.) the tile may not adhere properly to the floor.
B. Thoroughly dust the tile surface by rubbing with a clean cloth to
Remove all dust.
C. Seal tile surface following instructions on selected sealer label or
trained personnel at place of purchase.
D. After surface sealer dries, brush reverse side of the tile to remove
most of the loose clay although some dust will remain.
E. Measure the area where the tile is to be laid, decide where to begin.
This should be a place where you will have the most full tile. Cuts should be made in a place where they will not be noticed as much.
To find a starting point lay 2 to 3 tiles against your straightest, most visible wall, then come away from the wall 2 or 3 tiles leaving space for the grout joint. Now take a measuring tape and measure the tile then walk down the same wall and put a mark at the same distance way from the wall. Take your chalk box and pull across the measurements on the floor and pop a line making sure you have pulled the chalk line taunt before doing so. This process will take at least 2 or 3 people to do or you can use two heavy objects it you are alone to hold the line in place. Repeat the process on a adjoining wall preferable another long straight one, running the opposite way and do the process again. Now you should have a point in where to begin. The chalk lines should be right on the edge of the roofing square on both sides. If not you may have to adjust the lines.
F. To make cuts on abrasive carbonundum blade or a portable tile saw can be used to score the surface of the tile approximately 3/8's "
or more along desired cut. (Tile saw can be rented from most tile
stores.) Place the tile next to the area where the tile is to be cut
measure the area to cut and measure the same on the tile. Measure
twice, cut once is a good rule to follow.
G Multipurpose thinset/adhesive should be trowelled with a ½ " notch
Trowel on a small area of the floor at a time.
H. Place tile on the trowelled section with a twisting motion while pressing down with your hand and spacing to desire joint space. (1/2 " to 1 "). You can also purchase spacers at the desired width from the tile store.
I. Tap over the surface of the tile with a wooden handle of a tool. If hollow sound is heard pick up the tile and apply more adhesive to the areas where full coverage was not attained and repeat step H.
J. After tile is installed do not walk on or more tile for more than a twenty-four hour period after which you may apply grout.
K. After selecting a floor grout and mixing as recommended by bag, press the cement paste between the tile filling the spaces. Wipe up any excess grout with a damp sponge, rinsing frequently. Do not flood floor.
L. After more that 48 hours light traffic may be permitted and a final coat of sealer may be applied over both tile and grout.
M. The installation is complete but floor requires maintenance and care as recommended by the manufacturer of sealer used or per your retailer.

Additional Information

A. Installation over wooden floor requires more preparation than cement floors.
B. Mud setting requires much more procedures and should be done by a professional.
C. Saltillo tile is absorbent and should be sealed to prevent staining.
D. Tile is not frost proof. Exterior installation is recommended only in covered areas or sealed with penetrating/waterproofing sealers.
E. Saltillo is intended to be rustic tile and characters mentioned previously only add to its natural beauty.
F. Presealed tile should never be wet or floor flooded since moisture in or under the tile may result in effervescence forming on the surface and separate sealer from tile or cause tile to come up from adhesives.
G. Grout lines on presealed tile should not be sealed for at least 15 days after installation to allow the moisture in the grout to escape.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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