ACEITE TERRACOTA MATE

Monestir Matte Terracotta Oil is a treatment specifically designed for interior terracotta and fired clay flooring. It is formulated to be applied using the traditional oiling method, with the same product serving as both a primer and a final finish. It penetrates the material, nourishes the tiles, and enhances their natural color without the intense shine of the Gloss version, leaving instead a satin-matte finish and a softer, silkier feel.

It is particularly suitable for hand-made terracotta flooring, rustic clay tiles, and highly absorbent tiles in homes, retail spaces, restaurants, and other indoor areas where the goal is to preserve the material’s warm aesthetic and facilitate maintenance.

Untreated terracotta is highly porous and can quickly absorb water, oils, grease, beverages, and other liquids. Matte Terracotta Oil reduces this absorption, creating a barrier against household stains and making subsequent cleaning easier.

Monestir also highlights its high resistance to wear and tear, making it suitable for areas subject to heavy foot traffic. The treatment also provides an anti-grease and anti-fingerprint effect that reduces the buildup of dirt in the pores and on the rough surfaces characteristic of terracotta.

One of its main features is the finish: it nourishes and enhances the natural tone of the terracotta without giving it the glossy appearance of other treatments. The surface takes on a more uniform and silky texture while maintaining the characteristic visual appeal of treated terracotta.

Monestir notes that it allows the tiles to continue “breathing,” does not flake off, and is formulated to prevent yellowing or blackening due to the normal aging of the treatment.

The flooring must be perfectly clean and completely dry before beginning. This is especially important for highly porous terracotta, as the tiles can retain internal moisture for quite some time after cleaning.

Dust, grease, cement residue, efflorescence, encrusted dirt, and old treatments that are degraded or poorly adhered must be removed. On old floors with accumulations of wax, oil, or deep-seated dirt, it may be necessary to first clean or strip the surface with a suitable product such as Sanigel.

The product’s strong adhesion allows many old treatments to be renewed without needing to remove them completely, provided they remain firm, compatible, and properly adhered.

Do not attempt to speed up the process by applying an excessive amount in a single coat. Excess oil hinders evaporation, significantly prolongs drying time, and can cause variations in appearance.

For handmade or highly absorbent terracotta, we recommend using a wide brush—approximately 20 cm—which allows the product to be worked thoroughly into the pores.

On smoother, extruded, or machine-made pieces, the product should be applied more thinly to avoid brush marks. Consistency in application is essential for achieving a uniform finish.

Monestir’s current product data sheet specifies an approximate coverage of 10–15 m² per liter, depending on the porosity and absorbency of the tiles. A highly absorbent artisanal clay may require more product than a compact terracotta tile.

It dries to the touch in about 1 hour, although a 24-hour interval between coats must be observed. The recommended application temperature ranges from 5 to 35 °C.

For routine maintenance, Monestir recommends Cerabric. When high-traffic areas begin to lose their uniform appearance or protection, perform a deep cleaning, allow the floor to dry, and apply a new thin coat of oil.