Stained terracotta tiles - ideas how to fix?
We had terracotta tiles laid as part of our new kitchen renovation (Andalucia Rojo, from walls and floors). When first laid they looked fantastic - exactly as I wanted (see first photo from before the kitchen was installed).
However, after the kitchen was fitted they got covered up with plastic sheeting by the builders, the underfloor heating got turned on and condensation got under the plastic, so now they have dark stains in them (see second and third picture).
The tiles are laid over a mixture of concrete and suspended wood flooring, with underfloor heating.
Has anyone seen this before? Any idea how we might get it out? It's been washed, steamed, scrubbed with sealant remover (vile stuff that stank the house out). I'm totally stuck what to do other than try to find replacement tiles (the ones we had are discontinued).
Any ideas would be appreciated!
Comments (12)
Sarah Hunter
3 months ago
kazzh
3 months agoRelated Discussions
Awkward kitchen (1)
Comments (16)My 2¢ worth: first of all replace the dark blinds with translucent cordless single cell blinds in ivory or off-white--they let light through and provide privacy + some insulation from cold or heat. Clean, crisp look.That alone will brighten up this space. #2: clear the counterspace!--so much clutter! Where to put all these appliances that get little daily use? Get yourself a ss 24x20 or larger cart on wheels (see Amazon.com--Seville classic ss cart) and store little used, bulky appliances on its shelves--and roll the cart into a nearby coat closet--out of sight and way-- to be wheeled back when needed or individually carried back as needed. 3#gorgeous blue tiled walls.Don't touch them. #4:Walls: keep as is if off-white--not same as trim white white.Just a fresh coat needed.To make it "disappear," paint the radiator the same color as the wall behind it. #5Keep the white trim white--looks bright and clean.Keep kitchen door white. You might want to stop here and make no further changes #6Cabinets: I like Gast pic above on right, but too much blue for your blue-tiled kitchen...IMO. I'd go cooler and lighter...consider the light gray of the beadboard in the Gast pic above right. Beautiful hue. Don't go for the white white everyone clamors for these days.Too stark for your kitchen and too contrasty with the blue tile, too country kitchenish. #7. cabinet hardware: Look like glass knobs in pics. Go for knobs/pulls like in the Gast pic above--or similar in pewter or ss, my preference. Those "modern" ss bar handles don't work with your cabinets. #8 the round table is not a good fit against the wall. Get a small sq or rectangular ss or butcherblock-top table for that spot. Chop off the top tier of your chairs to shorten....and match their tops as they are now so's won't appear to take up so much visual space and still remain comfy--don't replace w/ uncomfortable stools.Keep white. #9. Do away with wood valance over sink window.Too country. #10 Countertops--solid color Corian type or laminate--depends on budget--don't want busy stone textures of quartz, etc. Consider a medium value cool gray. (Or maple butcherblock?). Can't see color/texture of floor.... hope some of this helps. Good luck! lisianthus' pic tho nice is too busy-cutesy for your minimalist aims IMO...See Moreneed help with new wet room tiles
Comments (12)http://houzz.com/photos/3642990 This link kind of demonstrates the use of mosaics and the mirror idea I thought may be cool. Obviously they are vertical but I think it would work either way. Any pics of your tiles? I have seen your other post and know your suite is 'traditional' but another thing to consider I guess is the cost of the mosaics. £££ using lots may mean a big dent in your budget....See MoreTerrible tiles, what to do ????
Comments (22)I'm pretty sure they will have been put in to provide a non-combustable zone behind and around the stove. We are about to install a wood burning stove and the installation instructions specify an area that needs to be heat resistant. Removing or even painting them behind the stove would be difficult and potentially dangerous. I would either paint the rest of the chimney breast a dark green to reduce the impact of the tiles, or add a fire surround (checking with the manufacturer or a reputable installer about clearance) and some painted tongue and groove cladding over the chimney breast depending on your preferred style....See Morefloor tiles
Comments (4)Hi @mjdpower, My suggestion is to go to a couple of floor specialist and ask as they may come up with something different. Whatever you do keep in consideration the size of the room and think on a long term: a poor quality finish could effect your property price in a space as important as the kitchen. I will try something that allow you to go back to your original tiles floor if things do not work out the way you want them to go. A cheap way is to cover the tiles with vinyl and here is how to do it: http://www.doityourself.com/stry/how-to-install-vinyl-flooring-over-ceramic-tiling#b the adhesive should not stain or damage the tiles (ask the manufacture before doing it anyway!) and you have a large choice of design and colours. Paint tiles could be another option, not my favourite but an option. I found this blog where Curry Kay describe step by step how she's did it. It's American USA but it will give you an idea to start with. https://currykay.wordpress.com/2011/03/01/powder-room-brand-new-floor-painting-tile-tutorial/comment-page-1/ Be aware that the kitchen is a high usage room so the paint will take a good bashing and may wear off. Plus the final look on a large surface like the kitchen area could be not as good as on a splash back or smaller vertical surface. I hope it helps! Have fun!...See MoreJonathan
3 months agotim_baker921
3 months agoleighhemmings
3 months ago
David Thomas
3 months agolast modified: 3 months ago
PROThe Baked Tile Company
3 months agolast modified: 3 months ago
PROBetter Homes Studio - Celli
3 months agoSarah Hunter
3 months agoDavid Thomas
3 months agoAnother suggestion from me ! I can see that if your kitchen units have been fitted on top of the terracotta tiles then simply to summon up the energy to have all this re-done would be a bit demoralising, not to mention the cost. I've drawn a picture (attached) for something you could consider.
Basically you create a border with the terracotta tiles and then the major part of the floor is recovered with ceramic or at best porcelain tiles. People often install tiles in this way, with a border; if it's done well it can look quite elegant and would save a great deal of money. A competent tiler would be able to work out where to make the cuts for both the terracotta and the new tiles
Sonia
3 months agoWhilst you are waiting for a remedy, you could buy a cheap n cheerful rug to cover some of the area? Dunelm sell loads. Just a thought. My son in law owns a natural stone cleaning/sealing and supplying business and I could ask him what to do if you wish, although it looks like you have done that with the suppliers already. I think stripping and cleaning the tiles then sealing is an excellent idea. Hope you get it sorted soon.
Mair Cartlidge