Installation and maintenance of terrazzo tiles

Terrazzo tiles must be installed on a well-levelled, clean and dry surface. Humid subsoil will cause fur deposits on the tile’s surface.
Apply the adhesive evenly on the surface the tile is being laid on, using a large-toothed comb trowel. Also apply adhesive on the back of the tile.
Position the tiles with your hands – without hammering – leaving a thin gap (1 or 2 mm, thickness of a filling-knife) for the joint. A thicker gap should be used with under-floor heating and outdoor installation (min 2mm).

The pigments contained in coloured grout may infiltrate the pores of the tiles and stain them irreversibly.
After humidifying the tiles, the grout space should be filled with very liquid NON-PIGMENTED cement grout filler using a filing knife.
Excess grout should be removed immediately with a damp sponge.
Avoid spreading the grout onto the whole tile surface.

After installation and grouting, it is recommended to polish (sand down) terrazzo floor tiles, the same way you would proceed with marble or natural stone floors.
Abrasive polishing should be used to level the surface and even tone and shine of the entire floor.
By removing a thin surface layer (polishing) of Terrazzo it can perfectly level the surface and even out tone , curvature and shine of the tiles/floor. This is specially recommended when installing large tiles. Additionally it can repair a floor that has suffered mechanical or chemical damage.
If you prefer to have a shinier terrazzo, the floor should be buffed with a buffing machine and neutral wax.
As with marble, Granito or other limestone floors, terrazzo can be crystallised. This simple process will harden and protect the surface of the tiles as well as enhance colour and give a shiny finish. A marble specialist should carry out this process with a buffing machine.

The sealer is applied after the installation and grouting of the terrazzo tiles, over a clean and dry floor.
Mosaic Sealer is a solvent-based sealer that limits water and oil penetration.
Mosaic Sealer impregnates the tile, reduces its porosity and keeps its natural matte aspect.
It must be applied with a brush or a roller on a dry and clean surface. One or more successive applications until the tile is saturated. You may buff with a fine cloth to give it an even distribution.
This process is only done once, as the sealer will penetrate within the terrazzo tile.
Do not apply too much. The excess would leave glistening stains on the surface (brush traces). Remove the excess sealer with a cloth before it completely dries on surface.
Always try the sealer on a loose tile before applying it on the entire surface, in order to measure the grade of absorption of the tiles.

Like marble, cement tiles or natural stone floors, the surface of Terrazzo tiles is cleaned with PH NEUTRAL products ( NON ACID and NON ALKALINE products). Natural soap and cleaners for marble are easily available in most supermarkets. We sell « MOSAIC SOAP », a natural and Ph neutral soap. Finally, regular waxing will help create the patina and enhance the beauty of the Mosaic Terrazzo (we suggest using « MOSAIC WAX »).

For cleaning and stripping a very dirty floor, use a large diameter floor polisher with a hard fibre disc (black or brown), water and PH neutral soap or mild non-acidic cleaners. Rinse thoroughly to remove the sludge generated by abrasion. Mosaic can provide a soft cleaning product for domestic use or a stronger cleaner that will help remove residues left after an installation (“MOSAIC CLEANER”). Buffing machines can generally be hired at local DIY retailers.

These floors require special protection and attention. Please consult MOSAIC factory

Download installation and treatment advice Donwload Terrazzo tiles laying and protection guide

Cleaning and maintenance products For All Cement-based Floors

  • SEALER
  • NEUTRAL SOAP
  • NEUTRAL WAX
  • CLEANER FOR HOUSEHOLD USE
  • CLEANER
  • CRYSTALLISER FOR HOUSEHOLD USE

  • Sealer

    Price: £25 Litre: 1L

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    Info plus info PROPERTY - Mosaic Sealer is a liquid impregnator that limits absorption of water and oils into porous materials. It penetrates the pores of the tiles and does not affect the natural finish of a cement floor. This solvent and resin based product is to be applied with a brush, cloth or roller on a clean and dry surface. One or more successive applications until the tiles are saturated. Ensure the room is ventilated and avoid applying in excess. Any sealer not absorbed within a few minutes will remain on the surface. You may buff the surface with a fine cloth to remove any excess and avoid a shiny or patchy finish. Always try the sealer on a loose tile before applying it on the entire surface, in order to measure the grade of absorption of the tiles.

    DANGER - Highly flammable liquid and vapour. May be fatal in case of ingestion affecting airways. May cause serious skin and eye irritation. Can cause drowsiness and vertigo. Toxic to aquatic life with long-term negative effects. Should medical advice be required, take the label or container with you. Keep out of the reach of children. Keep away from heat sources, sparks, open flames and hot surfaces. No smoking. Wear protective gloves, clothes and eyewear and protective mask. IN CASE OF INGESTION: Immediately call the POISON CENTRE or seek medical help. IN CASE OF CONTACT WITH THE SKIN (or hair): Remove immediately contaminated clothing. Rinse skin with water or shower. IF INHALED, take the person outside and maintain in a comfortable position for breathing. IN CASE OF CONTACT WITH THE EYES: Rinse carefully with water for several minutes. Do not swallow.

  • Soap

    Price: £12.5 Litre: 1L

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    Info plus info PROPERTY - Liquid PH neutral soap for daily use. Diluted in water, the soap will disinfect and nourish cement based tiles.

    DANGER - May cause serious eye irritation. Should medical advice be required, take the label or container with you. Keep out of the reach of children. Read the label before use. Wash hands thoroughly after use. Always wear protective gloves, clothes and eyewear as well as a protective mask. IN CASE OF CONTACT WITH THE EYES: Rinse carefully with water for several minutes. Remove contact lenses. Keep rinsing. If the irritation continues, seek medical attention.

  • Cire

    Price: £17.5 Litre: 1L

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    Info plus info PROPERTY - Liquid Wax which can be used diluted in water or pure. Once dry, the floor can be buffed with a cloth, fibre or felt pads which will give the tiles a sheen and enhance colours. The wax will help create a patina and protect the tiles further.

    DANGER - Product not classed as a risk for health or the environment. Keep out of the reach of children. Read the label before use. IN CASE OF INGESTION: Immediately call the POISON CENTRE or seek medical help. IN CASE OF CONTACT WITH THE EYES: Rinse carefully with water for several minutes. Remove contact lenses. Keep rinsing. In case of an accident or drowsiness immediately call the POISON CENTRE or seek medical help. Should medical advice be required, take the label or container with you. Dispose of content and container according to local waste management regulations.

  • Cleaner1

    Price: £12.5 Litre: 0,75L

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    Info plus info PROPERTY - The household stain cleaner helps tone down grease stains and other marks resulting from daily use with a cement tile floor. Spray the product thoroughly on the area to treat, leave it a few minutes before scrubbing with a buffing machine and fibre disc or a green scouring pad. Add water if necessary. Rinse very well the residues to finalise the process.

    DANGER - Always wear protective gloves, clothes and eyewear as well as a protective mask. May cause serious skin and eye irritation. Should medical advice be required, take the label or container with you. Keep out of the reach of children. Read the label before use. IN CASE OF INGESTION: Rinse mouth and DO NOT induce vomiting. IN CASE OF CONTACT WITH THE SKIN (or hair): Remove immediately contaminated clothing. Rinse skin with water or shower. IF INHALED, take the person outside and maintain in a comfortable position for breathing. IN CASE OF CONTACT WITH THE EYES: Rinse carefully with water for several minutes. Remove contact lenses. Keep rinsing and do not ingest. In case of an accident, immediately call the POISON CENTRE or seek medical help. Dispose of content and container according to local waste management regulations. Do not use this product with a paint spray gun.

  • Cleaner2

    Price: £12.5 Litre: 0,75L

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    Info plus info PROPERTY - Soft acid-based liquid cleaner that acts on calcareous elements and residues from installation.It will also dissolve a thin layer of the tile surface and help with cleaning. The product is sprayed over the floor. It may be used pure or diluted, depending on the level of cleaning required. Upon spraying, the acid reacts with the calcareous elements, producing gas bubbles and a coloured sludge. A few seconds after spraying, the acid is no longer acting and the chemical cleaning process must be immediately completed with mechanical abrasion using a buffing machine with a fibre disc (or a green scouring pad). If necessary, add water prior to buffing. Rince immediately and thoroughly with clear water to remove the residues and sludge.

    DANGER - May cause serious skin irritation and ocular injuries. Should medical advice be required, take the label or container with you. Keep out of the reach of children. Read the label before use. IN CASE OF CONTACT WITH THE SKIN (or hair): Rinse skin with water and soap. Remove contaminated clothing immediately and wash. IN CASE OF CONTACT WITH THE EYES: Rinse carefully with water for several minutes. Remove contact lenses. Keep rinsing. IN CASE OF INGESTION: Immediately call the POISON CENTRE or seek medical help.

  • Crystalliser

    Price: £17.5 Litre: 0,75L

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    Info plus info PROPERTY - To be applied using a floor buffing machine once the floor has been fully cleaned, rinsed and dried. Crystalliser, without magnesium fluorosilicate. Hardens the tiles, leaving them more resistant to abrasion and stains while giving them a slight shine. Spray a small amount over the area to be treated and work the surface with the buffing machine and discs (fibre or stainless steel wool discs) until the product has been absorbed and the tiles are completely dry and shiny.

    DANGER - May cause serious burns to skin irritation and ocular injuries. Should medical advice be required, take the label or container with you. Keep out of the reach of children. Read the label before use. IN CASE OF INGESTION: Rinse mouth and DO NOT induce vomiting. IN CASE OF CONTACT WITH THE SKIN (or hair): Remove immediately contaminated clothing. Rinse skin with water or shower. IF INHALED, take the person outside and maintain in a comfortable position for breathing. IN CASE OF CONTACT WITH THE EYES: Rinse carefully with water for several minutes. Remove contact lenses. Keep rinsing and do not ingest. In case of an accident, immediately call the POISON CENTRE or seek medical. Keep this product in a secure and locked location. Dispose of content and container according to local waste management regulations.