Saltillo tile

http://www.tilesealing.com/mexicanpavers.htm

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Saltillo tile is one of the two most famous products of the Mexican city of Saltillo, Coahuila. (The other is the multi-coloured woven sarapes so typical of the region.)

Related Topics:
Mexican - Saltillo - Coahuila - Sarape

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Saltillo tiles vary in colour and shape. Tiles are shaped either by pressing quarried clay with a wooden frame (super), or carving out the desired shape (regular). Depending on the raw tile's placement among other tiles at the time of firing, its colour ranges from yellow to a rich orange.

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Saltillo tile is highly porous, and soaks in liquid easily. It is difficult to install as it absorbs thin set, grout, wax pencils, etc. Once placed, it stains and scuffs easily. Saltillo is probably a poor choice for outdoor installation in extreme climates.

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Preferred methods for installation invariably relate to its propensity for soaking in liquid. One method involves soaking the tile in water, thin-setting them raw, grouting them, possibly treating them, then sealing both the saltillo and the grout with a powerful surface sealer. Another method involves using a penetrating sealer, thin-setting, possibly treating them, grouting them, possibly treating them, then sealing both the saltillo and the grout with a powerful surface sealer.

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Treatments for saltillo include: coating them with a surface sealer prior to grouting, applying an admixture of linseed oil and paint thinner, applying natural stone colour enhancers, applying floor hardeners, applying shine, painting them with a water-based paint, coating them with wood stain, etc.

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As the tile is incredibly porous it will readily absorb just about any liquid.

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Every installation should end with one or several coats of a powerful surface sealer.

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