Cleaning & Sealing Terrazzo

Pre Sealing Terrazzo

Occasionally pre sealing terrazzo is required prior to installation. This is dependent on the type of terrazzo, installation methods and products being used. It is always best to consult with your tile supplier to verify whether your terrazzo requires this treatment. If required, sealing terrazzo on all six sides using Aqua Mix® ProBlock a minimum of 24 hours prior to installation.

Aqua Mix® ProBlock is a water-based penetrating sealer designed to resist staining caused by water-soluble minerals (including picture framing effect) which are normally absorbed through the back of the tile during installation. It also helps resist efflorescence migration.

If applying an Enhancing Sealer as the final surface seal, DO NOT apply any ProBlock to the top surface as it will stop the penetration of enhancing sealers. Please contact Aqua Mix® prior to installation if an enhancer is specified for use.

Pre-Grout Sealing Terrazzo

If the terrazzo does not require to be pre-sealed, it is still highly recommended to apply a coat of sealer on the surface prior to grouting. This is to act as a grout release and assist in the grout clean-up process. This is very important as acidic cleaners cannot be used to removed cured grout residue. The final sealer you select should be the product used as the pre-grout sealer.

Grout Haze Removal

It is important that all of the grout haze is removed between 3-10 days. A minimum of 3 days for the grout to cure and harden, and no longer than 10 days or it may need to be mechanically removed.

Grout haze can be removed using Aqua Mix® NanoScrub®, if epoxy grout has been used you can remove using Aqua Mix® Sealer & Coating Remover.

Sealing Terrazzo

Smooth surfaces (polished, honed) should only be sealed using either a Natural Look Sealer or an Enhancing Sealer. The best sealer for terrazzo is Aqua Mix® Sealer’s Choice® Gold – Rapid Cure, howev,er we have a range of sealers to suit your requirements:

Sealing Terrazzo with a Natural Look Penetrating Sealer:

• Good: Aqua Mix® Penetrating Sealer
• Better: Aqua Mix® Pro-Solv®
• Best: Aqua Mix® Sealer’s Choice® Gold – Rapid Cure or Aqua Mix® Ultra-Solv®

Sealing Terrazzo with an Enhanced Look Penetrating Sealer:

• Good: Aqua Mix® Stone Enhancer
• Best: Aqua Mix® Enrich’N’Seal™

Note: Sealing terrazzo with a penetrating sealer will not alter the slip resistance. For more information regarding slip resistance, click here

Maintaining Terrazzo Surfaces

Countertops and Walls

Countertops/Bench-tops, vanities, and walls should be regularly cleaned using any of Aqua Mix® Routine Cleaners.

Regular use of Aqua Mix® Aqua Shield™ Cleaner & Resealer will ensure that your terrazzo always maintains maximum stain resistance.

Floors

Floors should be regularly cleaned using Aqua Mix® Concentrated Stone & Tile Cleaner. If the surface is allowed to build up, then scrub the surface using Aqua Mix® Stone Deep Clean, Aqua Mix® Heavy-Duty Tile & Grout Cleaner or Aqua Mix® NanoScrub® and an Aqua MIx® AquaScrub.

Etching of Terrazzo

Because carbonates (marble, travertine or limestone, cement and terrazzo) react to acid (acidic liquids & cleaners) to create carbon dioxide, the effects to the stone are permanent. The destruction of carbonates shows on the surface of stone as etching.

Although the particles of stone cannot be recovered, they can be polished or refinished to match the finish of the stone.

Stain Removal

If you have a stain that you wish to remove, Aqua Mix® Poultice Stain Remover should be used. This product is a blend of absorbent clays that can be mixed with water or an appropriate chemical to extract the stain from within the tile.

Stain Removal Guide