MOSAICfactory

Terrazzo tiles installation

Terrazzo tiles must be installed on a well-levelled, clean and dry surface. Humid subsoil will cause fur deposits on the tile’s surface.
Apply the adhesive evenly on the surface the tile is being laid on, using a large-toothed comb trowel. Also apply adhesive on the back of the tile.
Position the tiles with your hands – without hammering – leaving a thin gap (1 or 2 mm, thickness of a filling-knife) for the joint. A thicker gap should be used with under-floor heating and outdoor installation (min 2mm).

The grout between tiles

The pigments contained in coloured grout may infiltrate the pores of the tiles and stain them irreversibly.
After humidifying the tiles, the grout space should be filled with very liquid NON-PIGMENTED cement grout filler using a filing knife.
Excess grout should be removed immediately with a damp sponge.
Avoid spreading the grout onto the whole tile surface.

Polishing and crystallisation of Terrazzo

After installation and grouting, it is recommended to polish (sand down) terrazzo floor tiles, the same way you would preceed with marble or natural stone floors.
Abrasive polishing should be used to level the surface and even tone and shine of the entire floor.
By removing a thin surface layer (polishing) of Terrazzo it can perfectly level the surface and even out tone and shine of the floor. Additionally it can repair a floor that has suffered mechanical or chemical damage.
If you prefer to have a shinier terrazzo, the floor should be buffed with a buffing machine and neutral wax.
As with marble, Granito or other limestone floors, terrazzo can be crystallised. This simple process will harden and protect the surface of the tiles as well as enhance colour and give a shiny finish. A marble specialist should carry out this process with a buffing machine.

Treatment and protection with sealer (Mosaic Sealer)

The sealer is applied after the installation and grouting of the terrazzo tiles, over a clean and dry floor.
Mosaic Sealer is a solvent-based sealer that limits water and oil penetration.
Mosaic Sealer impregnates the tile, reduces its porosity and keeps its natural matte aspect.
It must be applied with a brush or a roller on a dry and clean surface. One or more successive applications until the tile is saturated. You may buff with a fine cloth to give it an even distribution.
This process is only done once, as the sealer will penetrate within the terrazzo tile.
Do not apply too much. The excess would leave glistening stains on the surface (brush traces). Remove the excess sealer with a cloth before it completely dries on surface.
Always try the sealer on a loose tile before applying it on the entire surface, in order to measure the grade of absorption of the tiles.

Cleaning and daily maintenance

Like marble, cement tiles or natural stone floors, the surface of Terrazzo tiles is cleaned with PH NEUTRAL products ( NON ACID and NON ALKALINE products). Natural soap and cleaners for marble are easily available in most supermarkets. We sell « MOSAIC SOAP », a natural and Ph neutral soap. Finally, regular waxing will help create the patina and enhance the beauty of the Mosaic Terrazzo (we suggest using « MOSAIC WAX »).

Cleaning with a buffing machine and fibre disc

For cleaning and stripping a very dirty floor, use a large diameter floor polisher with a hard fibre disc (black or brown), water and PH neutral soap or mild non-acidic cleaners. Rinse thoroughly to remove the sludge generated by abrasion. Mosaic can provide a soft cleaning product for domestic use or a stronger cleaner that will help remove residues left after an installation (“MOSAIC CLEANER”). Buffing machines can generally be hired at local DIY retailers.

Heavy traffic floors: bars, shops or restaurants

These floors require special protection and attention. Please consult MOSAIC factory’stechnical service.