Forums > Specific Focus > Home, Garden & Construction in Mexico

milgracias

Dec 12, 2003, 5:10 AM

Post #1 of 10 (8761 views)

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Saltillo Tiles

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Feliz Navidad Amigos! I have a question -- we just bought a home in San Miguel and some of the inside saltillo tiles are pretty beat up and have white deposits. The former owner said this was because they had been mopped with water -- but that if I wanted to have the shiny rich amber look to them, I should have them scrubbed and then use use kerosene. She said my maid would know what to do.... We then got sidetracked and I forgot to persue the topic. Could anyone elaborate? My maid, it turns out, has no idea... Scrub with what? Is this to remove the deposits? Then -- straight kerosene? or ???? If anyone knows how to do this, could you please give me specific instructions? Also -- doesn't this smell and isn't it a fire/health hazard to us and the maid? Any help you can give me will be greatly appreciated. Gracias!

Rolly / Moderator

Dec 13, 2003, 11:17 AM

Post #2 of 10 (8720 views)

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Re: [milgracias] Saltillo Tiles

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Try scrubbing the white stains with white vinegar and a non-metal scrubbing pad. If the stain is lime-based (it probably is), the vinegar should remove it.

The kerosene idea strikes me as not a good idea. I did a long Google and could find no reference to kerosene with Saltillo tiles. I do know that some people apply used motor oil to concrete to seal and stain it. Perhaps the kerosene idea is a variation of this low cost scheme.

The tiles need to be sealed. If they are old and discolored, you will probably need to sand them first and then apply a sealer. Talk to the folks at a local tile store that sells Saltillos.

Rolly Pirate

bournemouth

Dec 13, 2003, 12:32 PM

Post #3 of 10 (8716 views)

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Re: [Rolly] Saltillo Tiles

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Mopping with water containing some kerosene is something I have seen done in stores in Nogales and elsewhere. I think it's now probably an old fashioned idea. The kerosene imparts a mild sheen to the tiles and presumably also keeps the pores of the tiles filled.

Georgia

Dec 13, 2003, 4:23 PM

Post #4 of 10 (8704 views)

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Re: [milgracias] Saltillo Tiles

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There is a product called Mex Seal for sealing tiles once they are scrubbed, cleaned and rinsed. We use it on our tiles with good results. I don't know where you would find it, but it's manufactured by Sparks Southwest at 1804 Industrial Blvd., Colleyville, TX 76034 according to the label.

jennifer rose

Dec 13, 2003, 6:19 PM

Post #5 of 10 (8697 views)

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Re: [milgracias] Saltillo Tiles

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We've routinely used kerosene to clean tile without any problems. Simply provide adequate ventiliation.

One tile treatment that's popular in Michoacan involves a mixture of kerosene, wax and chapapote (tar). It's simply daubed on and wiped off, leaving a lustrous sheen. The same mixture is used to color and seal rustic wood. What's really neat is that the color can be easily darkened simply by adding more chapapote.

milgracias

Dec 14, 2003, 11:29 AM

Post #6 of 10 (8681 views)

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Re: [jennifer rose] Saltillo Tiles

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Gracias to everyone for your replies!

Jennifer - where locally would I find those ingredients?

jennifer rose

Dec 14, 2003, 11:55 AM

Post #7 of 10 (8679 views)

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Re: [milgracias] Saltillo Tiles

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Well, I buy those ingredients at La Bodeguita, the all-purpose Ma & Pa hardware and building supply store in my neighborhood, but that's about 150 miles from San Miguel de Allende. Surely you've got a similar hardware store in your area. Or ask your gardener.

The chapapote is sold in bulk, and so is the wax. Or you can buy a can of Johnson's wax. You'll need a plastic kerosene jug. BTW, kerosene makes a great fire starter, too. (Hey, I learned something from all those years as a guest at the Hotel Villa Montana!)

sandykayak

Mar 17, 2004, 8:51 AM

Post #8 of 10 (8566 views)

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Re: [milgracias] Saltillo Tiles

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Venezuelans routinely wash tile floors with kerosene.

Not sure if I read it or heard it during my recent trip to the Lake Chapala area, but someone said they laid a sheet of plastic before laying the saltillo tiles and that kept the humidity from coming up.
Sandy Kramer
Miami, Fla & El Parque

MariaLund

Mar 22, 2004, 9:22 AM

Post #9 of 10 (8539 views)

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Re: [sandykayak] Saltillo Tiles

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I heard that washing floors with kerosene prevents bug infestation - an important consideration where there are scorpios, bed bugs or other creatures you don't want to be too close to. I haven't heard of it improving the look of the tiles, but if it does both jobs, more power to it.
Vivere non est necesse, navigare necesse est!

Texwheel

Apr 7, 2004, 10:22 AM

Post #10 of 10 (8462 views)

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Re: [Georgia] Saltillo Tiles

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I live in Arlington, Texas, about 20 minutes from Colleyville. If you'd like help contacting them just e-mail me...I'd be happy to help. Tom,
Tom Williams
Georgetown, Texas
Texwheel@aol.com