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How to: Clean | Seal | Restore
Metal Tile
Sealing - Cleaning - Problem Solving - Protection - Care
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| These are all metal all the way through. Not a metallic glaze on clay tile. There is another page for discussion of metallic glaze tile. |
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There is no need for confusion or problems brought about by misidentification of a surface type, yet it happens all too often. If you would like to see why this is the case and how to properly identify a surfacing material .....
Click here
If you are concerned about doing it yourself - consider that the satisfaction of a project is directly related to your knowledge of what needs to be done and how. Who actually does the work is less important. We estimate that 25% of the usage of Aldon products is by "do it yourself" homeowners and we know they are happy because we hear from them.
| MATERIAL DESCRIPTION - With Identifying Characteristics
- All metal, not a metallic glaze.
- They come in copper, steel, chrome, satin nickel, pewter, and brass.
- This picture is a hammered copper tile inset in a wooden beam mantle. ........................>>
- Pressed, hammered, stamped, molded and burned to crate innovative finishes and designs
- Metal, of course, is very durable
- Generally expensive tile with long delivery times
- Creates an integration of look in a kitchen with metal appliances
- Less expensive are ceramic metallic glazes ( see Tile, clay, glazed page)
- Soft metals like copper can scratch
- The inherent light reflectivity adds "sparkle" to a room
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ADVANTAGES TO THIS MATERIAL
- Available in all types of metals, inc. copper, steel, cast iron, and more.
- Many choices for finishing gloss - from none to high gloss.
- Some are textured.
- Some are chemically treated to create an antiqued look.
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CONSIDERATIONS (All Are Preventable!)
(Click links for Aldon's solutions to these issues!)
- If the texture is deep enough, it can make sense to prevent grout being trapped in that texture. Do not use a sealer as a grout barrier
(pre-seal). Prevent grout smears, surface scratching and keep grout residue out of surface texture by coating with Aldon "Grout Easy" before grouting. "Grout Easy" is a water soluble coating that comes off easily while grout is being cleaned up with water and a sponge.
- "Stainless Steel" tile, if truly that metal, are extremely resistant to most things. However, if cleaning off grout residue with Aldon Grout Residue Remover , test first with high water dilution and proceed cautiously. Remember acid and metal create rust over time.
- Efflorescence (subsurface originating white powdery stains) can occur in the grout. However, it is
easily cleaned.
- Grout colors can "fade". The appearance of fading is actually from light efflorescence and
can be stopped by sealing with the appropriate Aldon sealer.
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Following are recommendations for products you may need (in sequence of use ) for whichever of the categories applies to you. Please review each and mark your printed
worksheet accordingly.
Layed, But Not Grouted
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 Grout Easy
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 Efflorescence Treatment
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 Grout Residue
Remover
(should not be needed after using Grout Easy)
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Grouted, But Not Sealed
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Grout Residue
Remover
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Efflorescence Treatment
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.............Sealer ( see below )
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 Lifeguard
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Care ...........
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Sealer Has Been Applied
Important! - First -
Click here!
 Premium Stripper- ...........Cleaners ?
- ...........Sealer ( see below )
- Lifeguard
- Care ..........
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Regarding sealing:
Contrary to your first thought, it actually can make sense to seal a metal tile. In most case it is not necessary, however, here are a few things to consider:
- Copper will turn dark in a short time. If you do not like that look and want to retain its new look - S-B-S Sealer protects copper from oxidation that creates the darkening. You can see a page showing copper restoration and protection
here
- Iron, as tile or anything else, will rust. S-B-S Sealer protects iron from rusting.
- Stainless steel would not need protection. Any other metal that will change from contact with moisture and/or air can be protected with S-B-S Sealer.
An Aldon sealer does far more than just bead water and look pretty! To see what that is
click here.
(Important: If your project has had any sealer applied in the past, it must be evaluated differently. To see why,
Click here!)
"Same Day Sealer"
Water Based - Penetrating Type
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"S-B-S Sealer"
Solvent Based - Penetrating Type
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Use the aerosol spray for a light even coating on metal.
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Will protect copper and steel from darkening.
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One Application
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Some Color Enhancement
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Medium (matte) to high Gloss depending on number of applications of sealer.
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* Note: For flooring - will add another level of gloss to any of the above sealed surfaces.
It also prevents traffic wear to the sealers finish.
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