Fixing 1920s Decorative Floor Tiles

mrobsessed

Hi All,

I recently discovered a hidden gem in my house - a meter square mosaic of decorative floor tiles inside the front door that had been completely covered by plastic floor tiles that had been glued over it.

The mosaic is amost totally complete and made out of dozens of square and triangular coloured tiles which are about 5cm square. A few tiles are damaged and about 10 are loose around a gap that must be for a welcome mat to sit in, so I would appreciate some advice about restoring the mosaic as it is a nice feature.

How do I go about gluing the loose tiles without the cement making them higher than the surrounding tiles, and what type of cement do I use? The tiles look like they are sitting on a cement base and there is no sign of tile adhesive behind them. Will I have to buy a huge sack of tile cement for this little job?

I also would like to know where I can get matching tiles or a close fit to replace the damaged tiles, as I'm told the company may still be in existence. Otherwise I'll have to try to get a match and cut them myself somehow.

Finally I need some advice on cleaning the tiles - I am told a layer of paintstripper covered with clingfilm and left overnight will do the trick, but as the old caustic 'nitromors' stripper is no longer sold am wondering if the new white stuff will work.

Many thanks for any advice.

keystone

You'll not get a tile addy solution thin enough to get the loose ones level witrh the stuck ones. If you go down that route you'll have to lift the lot and start again. Try using silicone sealant.

For cleaning first try a vinegar/water mix. If they are really bad go for something like HG Superremover.

Cheers

mrobsessed

Many Thanks.

Using silicone is a good idea, but will it bond strongly enough? What is Superremover?

Canucklehead

mrobsessed wrote: »

Hi All,

I recently discovered a hidden gem in my house - a meter square mosaic of decorative floor tiles inside the front door that had been completely covered by plastic floor tiles that had been glued over it.

The mosaic is amost totally complete and made out of dozens of square and triangular coloured tiles which are about 5cm square. A few tiles are damaged and about 10 are loose around a gap that must be for a welcome mat to sit in, so I would appreciate some advice about restoring the mosaic as it is a nice feature.

How do I go about gluing the loose tiles without the cement making them higher than the surrounding tiles, and what type of cement do I use? The tiles look like they are sitting on a cement base and there is no sign of tile adhesive behind them. Will I have to buy a huge sack of tile cement for this little job?

I also would like to know where I can get matching tiles or a close fit to replace the damaged tiles, as I'm told the company may still be in existence. Otherwise I'll have to try to get a match and cut them myself somehow.

Finally I need some advice on cleaning the tiles - I am told a layer of paintstripper covered with clingfilm and left overnight will do the trick, but as the old caustic 'nitromors' stripper is no longer sold am wondering if the new white stuff will work.

Many thanks for any advice.

Hi...see the excellent advice on the Bricks & Brass website. We have found it an invaluable resource over the years.

HTH

Canucklehead

keystone

mrobsessed wrote: »

Using silicone is a good idea, but will it bond strongly enough?

Yes it will - use as thin as possible. You could also use gripfil but in both cases make sure you get an even bed.

What is Superremover?

Brand name of ceramic/natural stone cleaning agent made by HG.

Cheers

mrobsessed

Thanks Canucklehead, that's a very useful site.

Canucklehead

You're welcome....I forgot to mention this website has a link to Tesselations (the national database for historic tile designs)...might help you find a match.

Good luck with the restoration.

Canucklehead