The Original ‘Baked Earth’

From the Italian word ‘baked earth’, refined clay is partially dried and cast, molded, or hand worked into a desired shape, then fired for hardness. When unglazed, the material is very porous. Glazed terracotta can vary from relatively waterproof to partially porous. Terracotta/Saltillo is a good value surface material and quite hard wearing though not as dense or tough as most types of stone.

The unglazed color after firing can vary widely depending on the amount of and type of mineral/metal particles in the clay, from orange, orange-like red, to brownish orange color and even yellows, grays and pinks.

Terracotta is usually quite porous and very prone to staining and to water ingress. All terracotta should be sealed for protection.

To maintain the look, breathability and slip resistance of terracotta, it is important to use a high quality, invisible impregnating sealer. Total Seal’s impregnating sealers are safe and suitable for indoor and outdoor surfaces, and for residential or high traffic commercial surfaces.