How to tile with Encaustic tiles
Installation
Encaustic tiles are usually laid with their edges touching, giving an approximate 1mm grout line.
The choice of adhesive will be dependent upon the surface that the tile will be laid upon. Ardex, Mapei and BAL are all good makes.
Encaustic tiles should be wiped with a damp cloth after laying and then left for about 2 days for the adhesive to set and dry.
When dry, the tile surface should be sanded clean (we recommend using 400 grade wet and dry paper). This should be a quick and light sand.
After cleaning the tiles, vacuum them.
Important: To achieve a good finish on the encaustic tiles, please ensure that they are sealed before they are grouted.
To start the sealing process, we recommend using Lithofin MN Stain Stop.
The tiles have to be saturated with sealant until they can absorb no more, however any excess must be wiped off the surface before it dries there.
When the sealant has dried then the tiles can be grouted.
The grout needs to be applied as a creamy paste. There is a broad choice of grouts that can match your tiles. The grout gaps are difficult to clean so we recommend using grey grout.
After cleaning up the grout and letting the tiles dry a final coat of sealant should be applied.
With the encaustic tiles this should just be more of the stain stop.
Maintenance
The tiles need to be cleaned with a PH Neutral Floor Cleaner. Lithofin Easy Clean have a suitable floor cleaning but there are many commercial products available.
Please don’t hesitate to contact Milagros if you require more information on tiling – 0207 613 0876.
Refunds and Guarantees
- We will replace goods if they arrive damaged. We may ask for photographic evidence if we need to notify the courier company. We ask that you inform us within 5 days.
- Refunds are given if the tiles are returned in person to the shop or warehouse or arrive back with us undamaged within 14 days of delivery.
- After 14 days a 20% re-stocking fee is charged if the tiles are returned 14 days after the delivery day of the tiles. We will accept part boxes but at a 50% restocking fee.
- After 90 days a 50% restocking fee will be charged.
- Delivery charges are non-refundable except for where the tiles are damaged.
- Refunds cannot be given once the tiles have been fixed onto the wall.
Characteristics
The making process and the nature of the materials used gives the tiles a distinct character. The cement encaustics tiles have a 5mm layer of coloured cement on a background of lightweight concrete, made using volcanic aggregate. They are more regular in size than our terracotta tiles, and have flatter surfaces. The subtle variations in the colour of each tile makes the laid floor shimmer slightly. They make for a very durable surface and develop a wonderful patina over time.
Each tile is individually handmade, slight variations in colour and shade might occur. It is inherently characteristic of the tiles as they are handmade from natural materials and made in batches.
Suitability
The Encaustic tiles are suitable for all rooms in a house including bathrooms and kitchens. The tiles can be used with underfloor heating. They can be used in wet rooms as long as the tiles are properly sealed. The tiles can be used on walls but we recommend consulting your builder/tiler to ensure the walls are strong enough.
Making Cement Encaustic Tiles
Milagros concrete encaustic tiles are handmade in Mexico. Each tile is individually made in a hydraulic press. First, a layer of coloured pigment is added to the mould. Then a dry mix of volcanic concrete is spread on the back, before the tile is compressed with 25 tonnes of pressure. The compressed tile is cured and dried. This produces a floor tile which can last centuries. Spanish traders in colonial times introduced encaustic tiles to Mexico: they used them as ballast in outgoing cargo ships, so that they could then sail them back to Spain laden with the produce and treasures of the New World.
Commissioning Tiles
All patterns and colours can be made to commission. There is generally a three-month lead time.
