A Look At The Faber Terracotta Impregnator

Terracotta tiles are a staple for floors and walls. The material, whose name means “cooked earth”, has been part of building surfaces for centuries. Being a natural material, it has its specific requirements during routine care and maintenance. Keeping your installation in top shape is determined by how well these processes are undertaken. This involves ensuring that the right cleaning methods are used, as well as taking steps to prevent issues like water damage to the structure. The Faber Terracotta Impregnator comes in to enable you to take the proactive step that will keep your installation in top shape for the long term. Let’s take a dive into what you can expect from this formulation.

Long-Lasting Protection

The primary goal of the Faber Terracotta Impregnator is to block water absorption and rising damp. It penetrates deep into the material, forming strong bonds with it and preventing the tiles or blocks from soaking up moisture. While it is in the structure of the material, it serves to prevent moisture from the environment from rising through the stone, and the associated problems that this would bring. That means you get to avoid troubles such as efflorescence, surface spalling, or algae, mould and other kinds of fungi growths in the structure.

The high water-repellent nature of the formulation enables it to be used during grouting operations on cotto and terracotta installations. These operations typically involved loads of water being used, and there is the inherent risk of water damage to the installation. The Faber Terracotta Impregnator provides the water resistance needed for the washing and grouting to be safely carried out, which has the welcome benefit of preventing grout stains from forming as well.

Retain the Elegance Of Your Installation

Applying protective agents to your absorbent surfaces doesn’t mean you have to compromise on their beauty. With the Faber Terracotta Impregnator, that will not be a cause for concern. Firstly, this is due to the penetrating nature of the formulation, where it gets into the surface itself and doesn’t form a film on the installation. This also means that the original breathability of the treated surface is maintained. Secondly, the product will not alter the existing colour or tone of the installation. As such, you get to ensure that your installation remains looking great, while still providing the required protection from the threats it faces on a daily basis.

Speaking of colour changes, another issue that faces surfaces is stains, whether they are from food or drink spills, ink blots or even oil and greasy stains. Here, stain-proofing treatments are typically applied to increase the resistance of the installation against these elements. You can boost the performance of the stain-proofing treatment by first applying the Faber Terracotta Impregnator as a water repellent primer. In this case, allow at least 24 hours of drying time between the application of the Terracotta Impregnator and the stain-proofing agent.

Dirt-resisting properties

One of the main issues with materials like Terracotta is that, despite their natural charm, they don’t have a glaze on the surface. This causes them to easily trap dirt and dirt. The more the soiling that gets embedded in the structure, the greater the risks of damage and the faster the wear and tear. The Faber Terracotta Impregnator treatment helps you combat this as well. The formulation limits the ability of the material to hold dirt, preventing the substances from being locked in the structure. This helps in prolonging the lifespan of the installation, and reduces the expenses that go into the cleaning process.

The Faber Terracotta Impregnator is suitable for indoor and outdoor surfaces – it’s actually resistant to the damaging effects of UV radiation and weather. In addition to terracotta installations, as indicated by its name you can also use this product on concrete surfaces, cementine, cotto and even cement-marble agglomerates. Carrying out a pre-test on your installation will confirm whether the product will be suitable for the situation. This test can be conducted on a concealed section of the floor or an unused tile/slab.

For the application itself, the Faber Terracotta Impregnator will first need to be diluted before use. 1 part of the formulation is mixed with 2 or 3 parts of water, and the resultant solution spread over the target area. Ensure that the whole surface has been covered with a thick layer of the product, and then allow it to dry. Within a little time, the treated surface will appear to be visibly dry, but allow at least 24 hours for full drying to occur. After this, normal traffic can resume on the area, and additional treatment can be applied if needed.

To get optimal results:

Give the surface a thorough clean before treating it with the product. Getting rid of the dirt and grime that is riddling the area is key to prevent them from being embedded in the wet coats of the formulation.
Ensure that the surface being worked on is fully dry before you commence with the application.
With temperatures affecting the bonding process between the installation and the product, ensure that the surface being treated is not overly heated. You can plan to make the application during the cooler periods of the day.

Maintaining Surfaces Treated With The Faber Terracotta Impregnator

Working with the wrong chemicals can ruin the installation, and weaken the treatment. Acids, ammonia-based solutions, vinegar and the like are not ideal for the cleaning of these natural stone tiles. Here, it is vital to work with agents that will be compatible with the particular installation, and not degrade the protective treatments that have been applied. Faber, the brand behind the Terracotta Impregnator, has also availed formulations such as the Neutral Cleaner that can be used for maintenance tasks. The company is an industry leader, from its headquarters in Italy to markets spread across Europe, Asia and the Middle East. A long track record that goes back to 1986, the widespread popularity of the over 250 products that it has delivered, to achieving certifications like the ISO:9001:2015 from Certiquality, you can rest assured that you’re getting value for your money. With these formulations, you will be able to preserve the integrity of the installation, and keep it in its optimal condition for longer.

A Look At The Faber Terracotta Impregnator