Are you thinking about a tile restoration project? While tile is a durable material with many positive attributes it has certain characteristics which require specialized maintenance and cleaning. It is commonly thought that tile is not porous, and, while this is mostly true it is still not an impenetrable substrate. This is particularly the case in bathrooms and in exterior tile where various acids, rust and other contaminants and stain and degrade the surface of the tile. The grout that is placed between tiles is particularly subject to degradation given its cementitious make-up. As discussed in other sections of this website, cementitious materials are quite porous and have capillaries through which odor causing bacteria, water, mildew and other foreign substances can enter. Therefore, both tile and grout are subject to breakdown and many of the cleaning methods used on tile accelerate this life-shortening effect. In addition, tile color can fade over time and slip-resistance can also degrade with continued traffic.
The best way to clean tile utilizes an extractor which uses heat, steam and vacuuming to pull contaminants from the tile. This both sanitizes and restores the original look of tile. On a day to day basis, cleaning chemicals like bleach, hydrogen peroxide, enzymes and vinegar are used. The downside to these cleaning agents is that they don’t typically saturate deep enough into tile to eliminate bacteria which can cause issues the dreaded bathroom odor.
Another way that tile is modified is by refinishing tile. In this type of application the tile is cleaned and a thin layer of colored epoxy or other polymer/resin is applied to tile. This is not typically done on floors because the bond is not strong enough to hold up to foot traffic. The tell tale sign that this process has been done is that the grout appears to be the exact same color and texture as the tile.
The RexShield Tile system is designed to close the pores in grout and tile so that there is no place for odor causing substances to become embedded. RexShield Tile penetrates down into the grout and tile creating a dense matrix. It also creates a glass-like film on the outer surface that prevents mold, mildew and odor causing bacteria to adhere. This also makes it easy to clean because rather than using enzymes, baking soda, vinegar and other common grout cleaning chemicals a simple cleaner such as Safety Clean can be used. This allows you to use a kid-friendly, and non-toxic cleaner that will effectively and easily remove any surface contamination.
Step 1. The work area needs to be free of all unattached materials such as shampoo bottles or other equipment
Step 2. There will be a thorough and deep restorative cleaning performed using an extractor which uses hot water, pressure, disinfecting agents and vacuuming process.
Step 3. Adjacent areas where the RexShield Tile Restoration product is not applied will be protected via masking
Step 4. The RexShield application will be applied once the surface is dry using the appropriate tools for any given area. It is typically a one coat process, though it can be two coats such as with RexShield Concrete. There is a 4 hour drying period after which light traffic is allowed. Protective materials can be removed at this point.
Step 5. A full cure is achieved within 5-7 days. During this time light traffic only can be done, no cleaning agents or other chemicals other than water should come in contact with the surface at this time.
1. No harsh brushes are necessary. These don’t need to be used because odor causing matter is prevented from being embedded in the substrate.
2. Only a topical cleaning from now on will be needed. RexPro’s Safety Clean has been specifically designed to provide the best maintenance protocol for this coating. Acceptable agents would also include neutral floor soaps with a light disinfectant. RexShield is incredibly chemical resistant so it will not degrade with most cleaners. Rather, harsh cleaners that are toxic are not needed and this is why we discourage their use on our coatings.
3. When properly applied and maintained RexPro warrants our RexShield products for a period of 5 years against yellowing, delamination, and premature wear
How does the RexShield Tile restoration system compare to conventional tile reglazing?
Tile reglazing
RexPro Sealers & Coatings offers an innovative line of coatings for a variety of substrates such as Interior Flooring, All Vinyl Surfaces (VCT), Hardscapes (pavers, concrete, and building materials), Industrial and Residential, Boats and other Marine Vessels, and Oil and Gas.
