- The Languedoc Forum -

EG · * Joined: 07 Sep 2009 Posts: 8

Hello everyone! I posted this question in another forum, but still don't have a response. Maybe someone here can help?

About 2 months ago we finished our renovation/moved into our flat in center of Beziers. As it is a very old building we tried to save/maintain all the old features in the flat, including the original tiles, which we at first thought would be a beautiful addition to our kitchen . My husband decided to take this task on himself (sigh), and well, the tiles are all slightly "off" - they were salvaged from the bathroom and also found in the kitchen, and they are all slightly different colors and heights (even though they are all the same pattern - the original thick tiles with floral pattern typical of old buildings in France) and when you walk on the floor in the kitchen you can feel the small differences in the height of each tile and see the spots on the tiles where either ancient glue was applied (there was a nasty green carpet on top of some of them for many decades) or where they faded a bit depending on which room they were in.

Here's the question: I know that lots of people rip them out of their homes, but in a last attempt to save them (we've designed the tiled backsplash in the kitchen as well as the cabinets to match the floor tiles as we liked them so much), and also to save us the huge headache of ripping apart our kitchen again to take off the floor and replace them, does anyone know of any French products that can either renew/refresh old tiles? - The pattern goes quite deep into the tile so removing the surface by chemicals/abrasives or other strippers might be ok. Also, how do you get these old tiles to be a bit shiny? They are quite dull due to their age, but the colors of the tiles themselves (different colors of pink/aubergine/purple) are so fantastic we really want to keep them if at all possible!

Sorry it took so long to explain this. Can anyone out there offer their experiences/ideas/opinions on how to fix them? Thanks so much, Elise

collaway · ** Joined: 26 Aug 2008 Posts: 16

I have had the same interest in restoring our tiles. So far I have tried steel wool, a lot of elbow grease, a product called a decapant (which I think is intended to strip the surface so a new coating can be applied, but it didn't really do much to clean them).
I am planning next to try sanding them.
But I'd be interested if you find out what kind of sealer could be applied to shine them up afterward. I was thinking that asking at a tile store would be helpful.

EG · * Joined: 07 Sep 2009 Posts: 8

Thanks for your reply. We also have done all the above and not received great results yet. We also got to the point where we think we should sand them with an electric sander/tool. After the tiles are sanded somebody suggested using a sealant with linseed oil, which should be suitable for any unglazed tiles. We are also going to try to get some help from someone at Castorama as well as some of the antique tile shops in Pezenas to see what they advise. Will let you know how we get along. Please let us know if you find anything else that works for you - we'd really appreciate the help.

Kind regards,

Elise

Simon & Ruby · Posted: Sat Nov 21, 2009 1:15 pm Post subject:

HG Golv Polish is great for sealing tiles. Very easy to apply and dries very quickly. It gives the tiles a waterproof Satin finish. We bought ours in Leyroy Merlin, but I'm sure other DIY stores also sell the HG range of products.

Lux · * Joined: 17 Feb 2008 Posts: 3

Aquamix Sealer and coating remover will remove old waxes and sealers followed by Aquamix heavy duty tile and grout cleaner agitate using a rotary machine with a white pad. Seal tiles with 2 or 3 coats of Aquamix low sheen sealer followed by Aquamix seal and shine. Always follow the instructions on the bottle. Aquamix should be available online in France. I restore old stone floors including quarry, terracotta, limestone, travertine, marble etc.. as part of my business in the UK and have tried many makes of cleaning products and found Aquamix to be the best IMO. Any more help please contact me. PS Hoping to move to France in 2011.

graham34 · Posted: Tue Nov 24, 2009 10:34 pm Post subject:

Lux · * Joined: 17 Feb 2008 Posts: 3

Graham

These will not be a problem if you follow the process explained earlier but a colour intensifing sealer may make the colours on these tiles become more enriched. Always do a test area on a few tiles in an area thats not to prominent to see if you get the required results. Aquamix do an intensifier called Enrich and Seal. Also most other companies such as HG, Lithofin, Fila etc.. will also. Please note all Aquamix products are water based so no eye watering and lung damage from solvent fumes that most of the other makes do.

graham34 · Posted: Wed Nov 25, 2009 1:04 am Post subject:

Many thanks Lux will look into it, although it will be next spring before we're back and can give it a try (and hopefully before 2011!)
_________________
Graham

www.languedoc-dining.com
www.languedoc-wine.blogspot.com
www.aspiran.com

EG · * Joined: 07 Sep 2009 Posts: 8

Thanks everyone for replying to my post. Tried to find Aquamix distributor in France and spoke to their importer in the UK (apparently it is an American product line). They distribute for France out of Germany and am currently waiting for the information which I will share with everyone once I receive it.) This was very useful information and am grateful to all of you for your help. Hopefully I am one step closer to restoring my antique tiled kitchen floor rather than digging them all up and throwing them out!