Re-Coloring Blue-Black Quarry Tiles?

[pete]

'Mrs Pete' has been doing a fantastic job in cleaning off the layers of floor paint, cardinal red, and other muck, from the previously covered quarry tiles in our dining room, as you'll see here, with a few 'as they were' tiles showing too: http://hypertelia.com/photoset.php?s=tiles

What you'll also hopefully see are the patchy blue-black ones, where the red is showing through. Now we don't mind this too much, it's an old floor after all, but does anyone know if restoring the color is an option?

Also, I've searched the archives here for advice on how best to finish them once they've been scrubbed up properly, linseed oil is mentioned, as is beeswax/turps. The vic soc's site mentions linseed and also says that "Modern cold wax polishes, for example Johnson's Traffic Wax, or HG Golvpolish are perfectly adequate." I'd be interested to hear of any particular recommendations for any of these approaches.

Thanks!

Pete

 

[peter-300]

From my experience, I laid some quarry tiles (black and red) and I individually applied cardinal red and black (can't remeber the name of the ncomapny name - it is no longer cardinal). This obviously too ages and there were instances of me getting the wrong colour on the tiles. I then sealed it. It looks OK but was a lot of work.

However, in my kithcen I have original red ones and I applied linseed oil diluted with white spirit and it has come up an absolute treat ! Most of the tiles are now even (this is after applying everything from cardinal red to modern sealer!!). I would try this on an area. It almost acts like water (but ina more permanent way) in that it gives them a more even colour.

 

[pete]

Thanks Peter (top name by the way ;-) ),

I find cardinal red a bit too red to be honest, although don't recall ever seeing the black version. I think that I may go for the linseed oil option, and leave the patchy tiles as they are—it's authentic after all!

- Pete

 

[Peter]

Linseed oil is the way to go.

 

[erusfarley]

If you want to really bring out the colours go for tableau floor polish, tis available in red and black and is like boot polish, just make sure you put it on with toothbrush to avoid overlapping, wait til dry then buff with soft cloth or clean brush. I used one of those car polishing covers for my sanding plate on my drill, makes it a bit easier.
I have used the red on a previous victorian quarry tile floor and the black one on my current floor so I can virtually guarantee it works, the polishing up is the hardest bit.

I have another topic running re:floor tiles as although i have managed to get the colour back i cannot get a wet look shine on my all black floor.
if you are not too worried about an intense shine (although it does build up a beautiful soft sheen) go for the tableau. if you want pics of a finshed, blacked up floor email me and i will send pics.
link to tableau website
http://www.tableaurpm.co.uk/household_care.htm