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The Moravian Pottery & Tile Works: A Working History Museum

Suggestions for finishing and mantaining Moravian tiles

Sealing tiles helps prevent staining, simplifies maintenance, and prepares the tiles for grouting. It also helps to inhibit mildew growth.

Historic Treatments:
"Unglazed red and black wall tiles and all unglazed paving tiles should be oiled before setting as follows: Pour boiled or raw linseed oil to a depth of a quarter of an inch into a shallow tray, (in the style of a bread pan, 2 feet or more square--for large jobs a tray 4 feet square will be found convenient,) let the tiles rest face downward in the tray for at least one minute. Avoid splashing oil on the backs of the tiles which are expected to retain their full porosity and adhesiveness in cement and mortar. After removing from the tray, wait at least 5 or 10 minutes until the tiles absorb the oil. (if several days intervene, so much the better.) Then soak the tiles in water as usual and set them." Henry Chapman Mercer ca 1920

Oiling the tiles will enhance cleanup and help reduce grout staining. The tiles may also be oiled after setting and cleaning. When thoroughly dry, oil the tiles with a mixture of boiled Linseed oil and turpentine. Use enough turpentine to thin the oil so the tile can readily absorb it. For a more aged patina, the tiles may be rubbed with used motor oil instead of the Linseed oil/turpentine mixture, or a mixture of them all. Rub the oil onto the tiles in a light application with a lint free rag. The number of coats depends on the absorbency of the individual tiles. If the mixture remains somewhat tacky, the tiles have absorbed all they can. This excess can be removed by rubbing with a rag and straight turpentine. Make sure each coating is dry before applying another.

The above procedures will give the tiles an aged appearance and give them some resistance to staining from dirt and spills. They may be left in this state, but for added protection and ease of maintenance, a dressing, or top coating is recommended. Paste wax, applied when the tiles are completely dried, was historically used. The advantage to a waxed surface is that it can be cleaned easily, will resist permanent staining of the tiles and can be stripped and reapplied periodically as needed.

Commercial Treatments
Commercial tile and masonry supply stores carry a variety of sealers and dressings. Inquire as to the suitability for porous Moravian tiles.

No Treatment
It is possible to not treat the tiles with anything. Some persons enjoy the natural look of the unfinished tiles. However, left in this state, the tiles are more likely to absorb dirt and spills and to wear more rapidly if in a high traffic area.

Maintenance
As a rule, whenever cleaning Moravian Tiles, glazed or unglazed, proceed with mild methods first and then to stronger methods as needed. Sweep and damp mop floors as necessary. Routine sweeping of grit in high traffic areas is encouraged.

General Notes
Always test materials before applying to ensure suitability for Moravian Tile.

The Moravian Pottery & Tile Works has no recommendations on which techniques or sealants to use.