"Mexican Tile" is a type of terra cotta (terracotta) tile; however, Terra Cotta has its own unique characteristics that requires a separate page. True Mexican Tiles are hand made and fired at relatively low temperatures. Therefore, they are not flat or perfectly square. There might even be animal tracks in the surface. The colors vary considerably from beiges, yellows, and oranges. Mexican tiles do not get baked in a kiln at high temperatures. Instead, they are left to bake outside in the Mexican sun and if it is a cloudy day the temperature can fluctuate which increases the porosity of the tiles. Mexican Tile's natural, warm colors and durability make it a popular choice for informal rooms, such as the kitchen and sunroom. Even a properly sealed floor eventually acquires layers of soil from foot traffic and frequent spills. Where the sealer has worn away or was never applied, the porous tile holds the dirt deeper than normal household cleaners and mops can reach. Dirt and stains are ground into waxes and acrylic coatings.

Even a properly sealed Mexican Tile eventually acquires layers of soil from foot traffic and frequent spills. The one big downside to Terra-Cotta tiles is that they have no glaze on the surface and can soil deeply dirt very quickly. The answe,r of course, is to seal them. Terracotta tiles are the most problematic to seal. Wax sealants tend to discolor to a darker shade and the wax or floor finish will scratch and powder off - leaving quite a mess!Flat Tire Repair Cost Canadian Tire Fortunately, Mexican Tile can be cleaned with StoneTech™ Professional's All Purpose Cleaner, Klenzall or Revitalizer without altering its natural tone or texture. Paper Towel Holder CampingYears of soil can be dissolved and vacuumed away. Best Buy Of Traverse City

Old finishes are more of a problem, especially if a petroleum based coating was applied. Saltillo, a form of Mexican Tile, is often custom colored with a stain that can wear off or be harmed. Saltillo is very porous and is sun dried instead of fire-hardened like ceramic tiles. Efflorescence is common with saltillo tile. Efflorescence is the wicking up of salts within the tiles when unfinished tile gets wet. Incidentally, Saltillo is the capital of Coahuila state in Mexico and is pronounced säl te'yo. Because Mexican Tile and Saltillo are somewhat soft (Saltillo being the softest), these should never be cleaned at pressures above 800 PSI and then only if the grout is in good condition. Mexican Tile requires care to ensure that it lasts for years and generations and imparts natural beauty to the surroundings. Keep surface free of dust, which may otherwise produce scratches. Hence, dust interior floors frequently using a clean non-treated dry dust mop. Use warm water to clear regularly using a mop or sponge.

Natural stone is very porous. The best way to prevent stains is to treat the surface with a protective sealer. The sealer fills in the pores and repels spills on the surface, allowing you time to completely wipe it away. We recommend that you use care and maintenance products from StoneTech™ Professional that are specially formulated to protect and enhance the beauty of your sandstone. or BulletProof™ to maintainTo deepen color, seal with EnhancerPro™. Although we usually think of Mexican Tile as "hard," it is a porous material. If left unsealed, spills and everyday messes can easily penetrate the surface. The liquid eventually evaporates but the stain is left behind. Removal of oily stains is easily accomplished with StoneTech™ Professional Oil and Stain Remover. Fluorochemical technology, incorporated into StoneTech™ Professional BulletProof™ and EnhancerPro™ is the most advanced technology available, providing the ultimate shield against both water and oil-base stains.

The micro-molecular formula actually bonds with the stone surface to deliver unsurpassed wear resistance and durability. And because the sealer reacts with the stone, you no longer have to worry about its porosity. It works on all types of stone, from ultra-porous Juparana Columbo to super-dense Absolute Black. Depending on the type of soil, stain or other foreign matter present, select one or more of the following options: For stripping off any existing topical acrylic, urethane, epoxy, heavy wax coatings and epoxy grout haze: For cleaning of grease, oil, dirt, dry soil and soap scum from Mexican Tile: For removal of efflorescence, grout haze, salts, mineral deposits and all other calcium-based stains (acidic cleaning) on Mexican Tile: Natural stone surfaces must be sealed to prevent or minimize staining. natural stone untreated may greatly hinder the complete removal of stains inThe following suggestions are for impregnating the stone and will allow the stone to breathe.

Allow new installations to cure for 72 hours prior to For a natural looking protector on interior and exterior surfaces (heavy duty protection, water and oil repellency) on Mexican Tile: For a natural looking protector on exterior surfaces (heavy duty protection, water repellency only) on Mexican Tile: StoneTech Professional� Heavy Duty Exterior Stone and Masonry Sealer is a water repellent specially designed for exterior projects such as facades, cladding, pool decks, parking areas and driveways. It is very resistant to chemicals (i.e., chlorine) and to the effects of weather (i.e., ultraviolet light/sunlight, driving water/rain). For a color enhancing, impregnating (non-topical) protector on interior and exterior surfaces (heavy duty protection, water and oil repellency) on Mexican Tile: Highly alkaline, acidic, ammoniated, abrasive cleaners and/or bleach may break down the sealer, adversely affecting repellency and may not be good for the stone. Use a neutral cleaner specially formulated for natural stone.