Replies

1. 
   FastEddie1 | Sep 27, 2004 12:14am | #1

   Why do you want to stain them?  The terra cotta takes on a nice color after a few coats of sealer.  And there are sealers sold specifically for saltillo, although other products will also work.

   Whenever you are asked if you can do a job, tell'em "Certainly, I can!"  Then get busy and find out how to do it.  T. Roosevelt

1. 
   WayneL5 | Sep 27, 2004 03:41am | #3

   The color change depends on the sealer.  Oil based sealers will darken the color, but other sealers won't.  So a decision on what sealer will be used needs to be made before any decision to change the color.  Also, some coloring methods will prevent the ability to use certain sealers, so the choices have to be made together.

   I used one of the sealers from Tec, and there was no color change at all.  The sealed and unsealed tiles were indistinguishable by eye.  The only way to tell was to drip water on them.

   http://www.tecspecialty.com

2. 
   EricPaulson | Sep 27, 2004 02:03am | #2

   You might want to look into glazed instead.

   Once upon a time, I remember doing alot of Saltillo, we would stain them on our hands and knees with rags using a mixture of boiled linseed oil and Minwax stain,

   This was done sometime after setting and grouting was complete and dry. We would come back after that with a floor polisher and buff melted Butchers wax onto it. And repeat, and then you need to maintain it after that.

   Very laborious, dangerous and toxic as heck.

   I don't know how it is done today.

   It is a very unique look though.

   Eric

   I Love A Hand That Meets My Own,

   With A Hold That Causes Some Sensation.

1. 
   DANL | Sep 27, 2004 03:00pm | #4

   I said this before when someone else asked about Saltillo tile--in art class we jsut rubbed shoe polish, whatever color we chose, on unglazed terra cotta and it looked very nice. Seems like that would work for these. Probably could color floor wax or "boiled" linseed oil with artists' oil paint too.

1. 
   Scooter1 | Sep 27, 2004 08:43pm | #5

   I have used two methods, modern and traditional:

   Modern:

   You will need a penetrating oil sealer, wood stain, and surface sealer.

   Apply a penetrating sealer. Then apply an oil based woodworking stain to the Saltillo. Wipe the stain on with a rag and then wipe it off with a clean rag. Mess around with it until you get the effect you like.

   I've also seen where the installer brushes the stain on and leave the brush strokes visible.

   In any event, the installer should finish the staining with a surface sealer.

   Old fashioned way:

   You will need Boiled linseed oil, Turpentine, Minwax paste wax (clear or pre-stained), a buffing machine a bristle brush pad and a 3M white pad.

   Combine linseed oil and turpentine 3-1, turnpintine to oil. Apply 1-2 coats ans wipe the excess off. After the mess is dry, vacuum up any powdery residue. and damp op the tile. Let it dry. Apply wax in thin layer with a clean rag, let dry then buff with a buffing machine. It will take three to four applications to get the leathery appearance you are looking for.

   My two cents worth.

   Regards,

   Boris

   "Sir, I may be drunk, but you're crazy, and I'll be sober tomorrow" -- WC Fields, "Its a Gift" 1934