The Victorian-era tiles were the predecessors of modern Quarry tiles. The gold standard for quality in this category was Minton Hollins, an English manufacturer who managed to produce a very durable product, unlike their competitors. However, these types of tiles were subject to the common issues of the Victorian building practices, such as damp conditions and salt problems (efflorescence).

As a result, we work closely with tile cleaning and sealing agents to improve the products currently available on the market to address these challenges.

Victorian tiles can be found in older properties where they are heavily soiled as everyday cleaning materials used just don't manage to bring them back to their former glory. You may also find Victorian tiles under existing flooring or carpets where the previous home owner covered them. They end up with the likes of carpet glue, paint, cement, grout haze etc. on them and they look beyond help. With our expert help, experience and materials we can revive and restore your tiles back to the tiled floor they once were.

Efflorescence:

With older floors where there is no Damp Proof Membrane Efflorescence (Salts) may appear. This can be dealt with and you shouldn't worry about it.

To prevent possible salt issues (efflorescence) after cleaning, use an Acid Gel. Apply the gel and let it soak into the tile for up to ten minutes. Then, scrub the tile with a deck brush, adding water as you go. Extract the solution using a wet vacuum, and thoroughly rinse with water. Vacuum the area again. This process will help prevent the salts from oxidizing and leaving white marks on the tile surface. We do not start sealing the tile until all the white marks have disappeared. If the salts reappear, we repeat the Acid Gel treatment after two to three days.

Victorian Tile Sealing:

If a matt finish is preferred we recommend two or three coats of an impregnating an  colour enhancing sealer, this type of sealer has a colour enhancing agent that will improve the look of the tile. Additionally an impregnating sealer is a fully breathable solvent based sealer and provided the floor is dry before the sealer is applied the sealer will fully cure in 24 hours but can be walked on after a few hours of being sealed.

For a deep, satin-like finish, we recommend Tile Doctor Seal and Go. This water-based acrylic sealer adds a nice sheen and enhances the appearance of tiles. However, the conditions must be just right for it to work effectively - no damp areas and no salt buildup. It's important to note that Seal and Go is not suitable for outdoor applications.

If a satin finish is required and the conditions of the installation are not perfect as described in the paragraph above finish we recommend a product called Tile Doctor Seal and Go Extra which provides a lower sheen finish and can be used internally and externally as being a semi-breathable sealer it is not affected by damp or salt issues. Please note as with all sealers the conditions need to be fully dry at the time of application to allow the sealer to fully cure, once cured (24 hours later) it will provide the required protection similar to the Matt finish option.

Reproduction Victorian Tiles : these are a modern type of tiles unlike their predecessor are a lot less porous and can be cleaned using the same techniques as original Victorian floor tiles however when it comes to sealing these tiles it is important to do a small test first because the sealer may be not be absorbed by the tile due their low porosity. The sealer we recommend for these tiles is called Tile Doctor Colour Grow which is a matt finish sealer and will lift the colour of the clay; one or two coats should suffice.

Victorian Tile Maintenance:

Use a pH-neutral cleaner like such as Tile Doctors Concentrated Neutral Cleaner. When diluted with water, it becomes completely pH-neutral, unlike bleaches and dish soaps, which are not neutral and can damage sealers over time.

Sealers wear down with use over time. To maintain your floors, reapply the original sealer once a year. A single coat is usually sufficient, saving you the time and expense of deep cleaning and resealing every 3-5 years.

Please click on the example links below for our restoration jobs on Victorian Tile floors throughout central Scotland :

Edinburgh Victorian Tile Restoration : Clean and Seal

North Lanarkshire Victorian Tile Restoration : Clean and Seal