Dyeing a terracotta floor: products and advice
Staining a terracotta floor is a dream for many people looking to renovate their interior or exterior spaces. Terracotta is a material that lends an elegant style to spaces while also adding a rustic touch. It's no coincidence that it's used in both country farmhouses and modern lofts.
The beauty of terracotta
It's a charming covering, capable of conveying warmth and a sense of intimacy thanks to its color. Unfortunately, terracotta is also very delicate and tends to stain very easily. If it does stain, you need to act quickly and precisely, implementing specific solutions to prevent the formation of an indelible stain.
Considered highly prized in the construction and furnishing sectors, terracotta instantly exudes style and warmth. It's often used, not surprisingly, to embellish living rooms or kitchens, areas where, however, stains and dirt are more common. This is a real problem for terracotta, which is a porous material: its consistency makes it very similar to a sponge . Although it is a good insulator and a valuable product, proper care is essential to avoid stains and damage.
Because terracotta stains
Why does terracotta flooring stain easily? This material is made of terracotta, that is, clay and water that are mixed, shaped, and then fired at extremely high temperatures. This creates a material known for its durability , yet it is quite porous, capable of absorbing any substance it comes into contact with. Terracotta is therefore prone to staining easily and is vulnerable to aggressive agents such as oils, greases, acids, mold , or fungi.
Dyeing a terracotta floor
How can you revitalize a terracotta floor? Revive the color is an excellent solution. For example, you can use Oil-K , a toning oil for interior and exterior terracotta. This vegetable oil-based impregnator with water- and oil-repellent properties provides a high level of toning to the treated surface, revealing warm, bold colors. Its advantages are numerous. It penetrates deeply, creating a "wet look," is easy to apply, does not go rancid over time, and allows the material to breathe.
Using it is easy. It is recommended to shake before use, operating at temperatures between +15°C and +30°C . Avoid applying the product on very hot surfaces, in the presence of strong winds or rain. Furthermore, any surfaces that could be damaged during the operations must be protected. After thoroughly cleaning the objects and on a dry surface, it is possible to apply 1-2 coats of OIL-K with intervals of approximately 1-2 hours between each application. The product must be distributed evenly with a brush, a wax spreader, a fleece or a cotton cloth and a brush. If the environment is well ventilated and the temperature is good (25°C), it is possible to complete the treatment with suitable products, for example Linfocot and Sintesi 3/P . Otherwise, it will be necessary to wait two or three days. The natural oils found in the product require temperatures above 15°C to be able to cross-link and complete the treatment.
