do i need to seal dolci terrazzo tiles?
for sealing dolci terrazzo tiles, clé recommends a 3-coat application of Stonetech Impregnator Pro Sealer from laticrete. An acceptable alternative is a 4-coat application Stonetech BulletProof Sealer from laticrete.
we recommended sealing the grout lines and tile surface in all applications of dolci terrazzo (dry and wet) as the final step of installation.
if you are installing dolci terrazzo on a busy kitchen backsplash where heavy staining is a concern, we recommend applying the clé top coat kit to the tile surface and grouted areas instead of using laticrete sealing products. the clé top coat kit can provide even more protection against stains on backsplashes. please note that this product is only a top coat and should only be applied as the final step of installation. please do not use this as a pre-grout treatment and be careful during the grouting process, using a grout bag and cleaning up as you go.
for more information about sealing please see our dolci terrazzo material guidelines.
do you offer trim for your dolci terrazzo tiles?
at clé we follow the international model of no trim and highly recommend our clients to do the same. below are the trim alternatives we recommend for this collection.
- if your project needs to turn a corner either inwardly or outwardly, mitering the tiles to meet seamlessly in a corner gives it the cleanest, crafted finish.
- a visible stone tile edge can be honed to make the side match the main surface of the tile.
- if you have a painted surface next to your tile, you can choose to paint the outer edge of the tile to match the painted surface.
- like with any of our tiles, you can also build out the sheetrock so that the surface of the finished sheetrock is flush with the surface of the tile.
for more detailed recommendations about trim, please see our trim guide.
how do i take care of my dolci terrazzo tiles?
mild pH neutral cleaners should be sufficient for most cleaning - test before general use. clean up spills immediately and use a damp mop to mop lightly soiled floors with a neutral cleaner. sand, dirt, and grit do the most damage to terrazzo surfaces due to their abrasiveness. interior wall installations can be cleaned with warm water and damp microfiber cloth. grout lines can be cleaned with warm water and a nonmetal bristled cleaning brush.
see our dolci terrazzo material guidelines for more detailed cleaning advice.
are dolci terrazzo tiles UV resistant? how will my dolci terrazzo tiles age over time?
dolci terrazzo tiles are not UV resistant and will fade over time from sun exposure. shades of green will fade faster than other colors.
over time, a natural patina will occur on floors as they are maintained and naturally wear creating a softer appearance in both color and character.
what type of finish should i expect with this collection?
our dolci terrazzo tiles exhibit a honed, smooth surface.
what types and levels of variation and imperfections should i expect?
with the dolci terrazzo collection you will find extreme color variation derived from natural aggregate set in a cement base. you can also expect to find slight texture and size variation in the tiles of your order. due to the heavy color and shade variations, it is very important to blend the tiles from all boxes once they arrive and place them in their installation area to ensure you have the layout you want before installing.
variation and imperfection ratings:
dolci terrazzo tiles are rated 'level 4 heavy' for color variation, 'level 1 smooth' for texture variation, and 'level 1 slight' for size variation.
see illustrations in the technical specifications section above, and read more about the ratings in our tile variation & imperfections guide.
how will my dolci terrazzo samples compare to my actual order?
as noted in the variation and add on orders sections of our faq, color and size variation between production batches of dolci terrazzo, in addition to variation from tile to tile, is to be expected given the handcrafted nature of the product. this makes it unlikely that your sample will be a perfect match with your actual order.
please be aware that the kinds of stones you’ll find in each torrone of dolci terrazzo will be the same, but the proportion, color, and sizes of those stones can vary, making each tile utterly unique–and your wall or floor a work of art.
what should i expect with my order of dolci terrazzo?
dolci terrazzo pieces come packed face to face and back to back. dust and shipping residue are to be expected and should be cleaned prior to installing.
why do you suggest i order at least 15% more than my measurements?
industry standard suggests adding at least 15% overage due to tile cuts, potential breakage, or future repairs. for more information related to ordering and shipping, please be sure to visit our shipping and returns and delivery information resource pages.