How to Refinish Terrazzo Tile
- 1). Clean the floor thoroughly, using a broom to remove loose dirt and debris. Wet-mop the surface after sweeping with a pH-neutral cleanser formulated for terrazzo or stone floors. Remove any tough ground-in dirt, using a scrub brush. Rinse the floor of any cleanser residue, using clean water. Allow the floor to dry completely.
- 2). Strip the floor of any wax buildup or finish with a commercial floor stripper. Apply the stripper to the floor with a squeegee and allow it to sit in place for the manufacturer-recommended length of time. Remove the stripper along with the wax and old finish with a mop dampened with water. Rinse the mop frequently to keep from spreading the stripper and finish along the floor's surface. Rinse the floor with clean water and allow it to dry.
- 3). Buff the tiles with a floor buffer to create a soft shine. Move the buffer in small circles over the tiles, working in rows across the floor's surface. Overlap the row edges so you get an even coverage of the tile and prevent row marks from developing.
- 4). Apply a layer of penetrative sealer onto the tiles, using a low-pressure hand spray. The sealant will protect the tiles from staining. Saturate the tiles with the sealant until the tiles appear to have a wet look. Wait 30 minutes for the sealant to penetrate the pores in the tile and remove excess sealant from the tile with a clean cloth. Wait 24 hours for the sealant to dry.
- 5). Apply a second layer of sealant to the surface of the tiles, using the same procedure as the first. Wait 24 hours for the sealant to dry before using the floor.
