Red Window Ledge Tiles

rugbymum

Hi all, I hope someone can help. My house was built in the 1950's, and all the window ledges on the inside and out, are made of red tiles. I'm not really sure what they're made of but they really do need some TLC! The red is the "natural" colour and I intend too keep them. Any ideas on how I can restore them to their former glory? I've given them a good scrub and polished them, but I'm fairly sure that there used to be a specialist product available as a friend mentioned that her mother used to use it (they had the same tiles). The name was mentioned at the time, but I can't for the life of me remember what it is. Unfortunately we are no longer in touch.

macman

Any red tile paint will do it.

rugbymum

Thank you.They are really nice big, matt finish (Lord knows what they're made of), I'd just like to restore them to their former glory.

aarchk

My mum used to apply some stuff to the red tile kitchen floor we had in the 70s. Brought the colour up lovely. It was a red tile paint, bound to be some in wickes or wherever. If you want to keep a more 'lived in' rather than 'sparkly new' look it may be better to use some linseed oil (not sure about how much of if it needs mixing with anything as everyone seems to have a diffrerent idea with some suggesting parafin wax).

The tiles you have are probably made of fired clay, same as roof tiles. In many cases they do use roof tiles, I am a buildings archaeologist and often see the nail or peg holes on sills. I have the red tiles on the outside of my 1950s house, the inside are horrible brown glazed though so you are lucky.

SailorSam

I think if you paint them you might find them to gawdy. I've found tile paints to be to bright a red, if you want them to look more natural you're better trying to clean them. Check these.

Quarry Tile Restoration, Cleaning and Sealing, Restoration and Maintenance
How to Clean Quarry Tile Floors | eHow.com

jfdi

I've got a pot of red tile polish in my cupboard that I use (very occasionally!) for our porch floor. They're like this .......... http://www.salvo.co.uk/westsussex/flagstones-floortiles/dennis-ruabon-window-sill-tiles-x31195x2.html

Think I got it years ago from Betterw@re? Just had a look & I don't think they do it any more. How about this? http://www.amazon.co.uk/Tableau-Red-Tile-Polish-250Ml/dp/B002SPBWRK/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1329672124&sr=8-1

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