Cleaning/sealing terracotta floor tiles

[VulcanWoman]

Hallway floor tiles could do with cleaning/buffing/sealing after uncovering from old floor covering removed and decorating. Paint splashes I was planning to get off with white spirit then cleaning with hot soapy water. What have you used to make them have a nice sheen and seal.

[PigletJohn]

I don't think white spirit will remove paint once it has hardened.

Is it gloss or emulsion?

[VulcanWoman]

It's gloss, I've just had a go, yes you're right, I used the white spirit to get rid of this horrible black glue that was left on them from taking old tiles stuck on the terracotta, came off a treat, anyway, managed to get the bigger bits of paint off with scraper, have you got any other ideas? Thank you for your reply.

[PigletJohn]

You can get a scraper with disposable blades, very sharp, looks a bit like a Y shaped razor, then use a green or black nylon pan scourer to rub off the remains.

Modern paint strippers have had the toxic chemicals removed and are rather weak.

[VulcanWoman]

Yes, that's the scraper I have, they're really useful for loads of jobs aren't they. I've just tried the nylon scourer but doesn't seem to be coming off, I've also tried the regular square type scourers that are half sponge, maybe that's the one you meant, which is working better, more abrasive, hopefully isn't scratching, the floors pretty worn from years of wear anyway. I've learnt my lesson, I'll be covering the floor well when I finish off the other wall .
A while back I tried Pledge multi surface wax that can be used on stone but didn't turn out as well as I'd hoped but maybe I need to do a few layers of it. Thanks again.

[PigletJohn]

these
or the black ones are tougher

also sold in DIY and decorating places for this kind of job.

[VulcanWoman]

Yes, they're the ones I have but with the half sponge. Will get the heavy duty black ones though if it doesn't come off completely, will get scrubbing!

[origamiwarrior]

Piglet John, what do you recommend for removing (hardened on) grout from the pitting in quarry floor tiles? When our tiler installed them, even though he sealed first, I don't think he washed the grout off well enough/quickly enough, so they always look slightly dirty, even when they are newly washed. Thanks!

[PigletJohn]

I suppose a metal scraper. You might have to use a paint scraper rather than the razor type. If you make the surface wet first, it will scratch less (the gritty cement or grout will scratch worse than the blade)

[ChablisTyrant]

We are having some luck on terracotta tiles with acetone and a lot of scrubbing. It is slow work!

[VulcanWoman]

I had to look up what acetone was nail varnish remover, I've just tried it! Elbow grease is needed but the dirt that came off on the cotton wool! Thanks.

[ChablisTyrant]

Great! Make a chart - one tile a day!!!

[SwedishEdith]

What do you use as a sealant?

[Fluffycloudland77]

Lithofin do grout removers for different tile materials.