wash and then moving forward. For both cleaning new tiles right after installation and also for restoring original encaustic tiles, a degreasing detergent is recom- mended. First, dampen the surface with water, apply the solution to the floor and leave it to “act” for five minutes. Then, scrub the floor with a brush, remove the residue with a cloth and rinse well with clean water. Never use acid products, white spirit solvents or ammonia. There are specific ways to protect bathroom cement tiles against stain- ing. When applying a protective treatment to cement tile floors, it is essential that the floor is perfectly dry. If the treatment is applied too soon, it may very well block evapo- ration of the humidity from under the tiles, leaving damp marks. To protect the tiles against stain- ing without changing their original look, we advise using a solvent- based or a water-based stain proof- ing agent. Use a flat paintbrush to evenly apply a coat of the product, making sure to impregnate the joints, as well. Encaustic tiles should be protected using a finishing wax, which guards the surface against grit and grime caused by foot traffic. This process can also restore the pure beauty of original tiles, while at the same time highlighting their color and TECHNICAL FEATURE–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– FILAPS87 degreas- ing detergent, used at a 1:5 dilution, is perfect for cleaning the tiles right after installation. FILASATIN wax gives a satin fin- ish to encaustic tiles; for a more polished look, FILACLASSIC is ideal. FILAFOB (solvent-based stain-proofing) or FILAMP90 ECO PLUS (water-based stain-proofing) both protect tiles against staining. 82 TileLetter | September 2018