Quarry tiles are a classic, durable option often used in high-traffic areas like reception halls, bathrooms, and outdoor patios. Though practical, these tiles can become neglected and coated in grime over time. However, quarry tiles can be restored to their former glory. See below for details on reviving worn quarry tile surfaces.

Cleaning Quarry Tiles :

To deep clean quarry tiles, first use Tile Doctor Remove & Go Sealer Remover to strip away old sealers and coatings. Next, clean the floor thoroughly with Tile Doctor Pro-Clean Heavy Duty Tile and Grout Cleaner, which effectively removes wax sealers, grease, grime, and general dirt buildup. For especially dirty floors, mix the Pro-Clean with Nanotech Ultra Clean for a powerful cleaning solution that utilizes nanotechnology to lift embedded dirt from the tiles.

After cleaning, extract the soiled solution using a wet vacuum. Then, rinse the floor with water and vacuum up as much of the excess moisture as possible. This will help ensure any cleaning product residue is removed before applying a new sealer. Allow the tiles to dry completely, at least 12 hours, before proceeding.

Note : If you are dealing with a floor with no Damp proof membrane you may experience efflorescence (white salt deposits) on the tile after the clean. To deal with this, the floor's pH level will be alkaline, it's best to neutralize it by giving the floor an acid rinse using Grout Cleanup. This product offers additional benefits, such as cleaning the grout, removing old grout smears or hazing, neutralizing any alkaline salts, and preparing the surface for better sealer adhesion. Rinse the solution with water and remove it with a wet vacuum. Allow the floor to fully dry before applying a sealer.

Sealing Quarry Tiles:

To achieve a low-sheen finish on internal floors, you would apply 4-5 coats of Tile Doctor Seal & Go sealer using a paint pad applicator and tray. Allow each coat to fully dry before applying the next.

For external floors or damp areas, use Tile Doctor Seal & Go Extra sealer instead, applying 4-5 coats in the same manner.

Alternatively, for external areas or a matte finish, use Tile Doctor Ultra Seal sealer. Slate tiles may require 2-3 coats, with drying time between each application.

Always perform a water test to check for full cure sealability (FCS) - a water droplet should bead up on a fully sealed floor.