Maintaining terracotta is an essential operation that should be done regularly by following a few basic rules: regular cleaning with non-aggressive neutral soap detergents and periodic application of wax.
However, if this doesn’t happen, wear and external agents could compromise the appearance of the terracotta floor. Fornace Bernasconi offers treatment and maintenance services, as well as cleaning and restoration for terracotta floors. Additionally, we provide all the necessary products for those who wish to carry out their own regular or extraordinary maintenance.
If the terracotta floor hasn’t been maintained for a while, it will likely appear dull, matte, and sometimes even dirty. For outdoor floors, moss could have formed on top, or darker areas may have developed due to rainwater, dirt, and leaves leaving their indelible mark.
It’s time to take action by relying on expert treaters or purchasing the right products to clean and treat the floor again, restoring its original beauty. It’s worth noting that, unless there are indelible stains or particularly greyed and stained outdoor floors, handmade terracotta is a material that regenerates and regains its splendor.
Reviving Terracotta by Relying on Expert Treaters
If you rely on expert master treaters, the process will begin with an initial assessment to identify the problem. Based on the condition of the terracotta, the type of intervention will be determined. The approach can range from a simple application of finishing wax (available in glossy, matte, or satin finishes) to more invasive treatments, which may include:
- Decoating: Removing old wax layers, especially if the underlying wax has become very dirty.
- Acid washing with specialized machines: Using a floor scrubber and liquid vacuum to mechanically remove surface impurities.
- Re-grouting the joints: If the floor is old and the old grout crumbles during cleaning, new grout will be applied.
- Water- and oil-repellent treatment: To prevent moisture, mold, and humidity from penetrating the surface.
- Waxing with specialized waxes: Either liquid or paste waxes will be applied to restore shine and protection.
These interventions are tailored to the specific needs of your terracotta floor, ensuring it is properly restored and maintained to preserve its beauty and durability.
In the case of an outdoor floor, deceration is not necessary. However, if the surface has been damaged by previous incorrect treatments, each case must be carefully evaluated, and specific interventions will be required to resolve the issue.
Very often, terracotta floors may appear dull and slightly dirty. In these cases, a simple wash with a neutral cleaner is sufficient to remove the surface dirt (it removes the first layers of dirty wax) followed by a layer of finishing wax to restore the floor’s body and shine.
Who to trust for reviving handmade terracotta?
Fornace Bernasconi, with its decades of experience, offers a comprehensive service capable of intervening on newly installed flooring or existing and treated terracotta floors that require regular or extraordinary maintenance.
In addition, it is able to provide all the necessary products for the treatment and maintenance of your terracotta floor, along with consultancy services for their correct use. These professional products are specifically designed for terracotta, considering its porosity. They are suitable for all types of needs, including cleaning, protection, and finishing of terracotta. We offer water-based or solvent-based products, although we prioritize water-based ones, as they align with our bio certification as producers of materials suitable for eco-building.
