Installation and Impregnantion of Natural Terracotta Tiles

This guide is complementary to general knowledge of tile installation. The tile installer should therefore read these instructions before work begins. The client and/or end user may also benefit from being familiar with the installation process. At the end of this document, a cleaning guide is provided, which the user should follow when cleaning.

Please read this guide carefully, as no claims will be accepted once the tiles have been installed.
You are welcome to contact Villa Tiles for advice before starting the installation process.

Minor transport damage such as chipped edges etc. is not subject to complaint. A standard waste allowance of minimum 10% must therefore be observed to cover possible minor damage and cutting waste.

Villa’s handmade floor bricks and terracotta tiles are produced using craft methods that are approximately 1,000 years old. The tiles are handmade and intentionally display irregularities, variations in colour tones, and small chips. These characteristics are part of the product and are not grounds for complaint.
The tiles must be impregnated before use.

Cleanliness during installation and throughout the impregnation process is essential and must be strictly observed.

Installation Process

Lay the tiles with 1–3 mm joints.
Mix tiles from different boxes during installation.
Apply a generous amount of tile adhesive so that any height differences can be levelled out.
Inspect the tiles continuously and sort out any tiles that fall outside the desired overall appearance.
Agree with the client/builder on the desired aesthetic result.
Vacuum and wash the tiles using clean water without soap. A mop and scrubbing sponge may be used.
Allow the tiles to dry completely.
Check that the appearance is as desired and that all dust and dirt have been removed. Replace any tile that visually disrupts the overall look.
Impregnate the tiles with Fila MP90 Eco Extreme.
Use a foam roller on a handle to apply an even coat.
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions and allow the impregnation to dry.
MP90 Eco Extreme makes grout residue removal easier and simultaneously provides a base impregnation of the tiles.
Grout the tiles using a yoghurt-thin grout mixture.
Work on small areas at a time only.
Remove grout residue continuously and thoroughly.
Vacuum and wash the tiles again with clean water without soap.
Use a mop and scrubbing sponge if necessary and allow the tiles to dry.
Repeat the impregnation with Fila MP90 Eco Extreme.
This also impregnates the joints, making them water-repellent and resistant to dirt.
Apply with a foam roller for an even coat.
Follow the product instructions and allow to dry.
In shower areas, this step must be repeated 8–10 times, until the tiles no longer absorb impregnation liquid.

Shower Area

As mentioned, impregnation in shower areas must be especially thorough. This applies particularly to the floor and up to half a metre up the shower walls.

Use Fila MP90 Eco Extreme until the tile surface is fully saturated.
Apply the impregnation 8–10 times with a roller in thin layers.

The first applications may be applied wet-on-wet.
Subsequently, increase the intervals to 20 minutes, then 30 minutes, 1 hour, and up to 2 hours between applications.
Ensure that the grout joints are also thoroughly impregnated.

Cleaning & Maintenance

Clean the tiles using warm water with a universal cleaning agent (pH above 6.5).
Brown soap may be used occasionally and can help build a protective layer against dirt, but no more than once per month.

The tiles do not tolerate acid, meaning cleaning products with a pH below 6.5.
Acidic cleaners will damage the tiles, cause lime to leach out, and may worsen lime-related issues. Acid-based products therefore have the opposite of the intended effect and must never be used.

Only use cleaning products with a pH value between 6.5 and 11 (never below 6).
Ideally, use products with a pH of 9–10.
In cases of heavy soiling or limescale, use a deep-cleaning product and a scrubbing sponge.

For commercial cleaning or particularly frequent cleaning routines, Villa can be contacted for individual advice.