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Quarry Tile
Cleaning - Problem Solving - Protection - Care
Quarry Tile is one color of hard fired clay "through the body". It is not glazed and has very low absorption. This page discusses the regular surface Quarry Tile. For high traction surfaced Quarry Tile, see that page. |
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
- Wide range of colors and textures.
- Some are "flashed". This is a process in the kiln that results in variegated color.
- Surface finishes vary from soft/smooth to the slightly grainy finish shown above.
- Grit and raised rib finishes provide greater traction. Those are discussed on another page as they create unique installation and maintenance issues.
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ADVANTAGES TO THIS MATERIAL
- The great variety of colors and textures allow for a wide spectrum of design options.
- A very hard and durable tile.
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CONSIDERATIONS (All Are Preventable!)
(Click links for Aldon's solutions to these issues!)
- 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.
- 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.
- Can scratch during installation, however, one of the "solvent-penetrating" sealers tends to make the scratches disappear.
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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 The Sealer Results Shown Below - these pictures are using the same piece of tile to eliminate the variations between pieces.
An Aldon sealer does far more than just bead water and look pretty! To see what that is
click here.
Your results may vary somewhat from these pictures due to variations in computer display and the surface materials themselves. Nevertheless, you will be able to see the differences well enough to make good choices.
Different areas of the same piece are used as much as possible to minimize raw material variations.
Of all the sealers Aldon manufactures, the ones shown are recommended as best suited to this surface type.
(Important: If your project has had any sealer applied in the past, it must be evaluated differently. To see why,
Click here!)
"Crystal Glaze Sealer"
Water Based - Coating Type
Picture is Quarry Tile
- Top portion is unsealed.
- Sealed in one application.
- Medium to High gloss created.
- No effect on color, but gloss makes it appear enhanced.
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"S-B-S Sealer"
Solvent Based - Penetrating Type
Picture is Quarry Tile
- Top portion is unsealed.
- Sealed in one application.
- Low (matte) gloss created.
- Some color enhancement.
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* Note: 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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