DESCRIPTION A. Terrazzo
flooring is composed of marble chips set into
Portland Cement. Additional marble chips are
sprinkled over the surface prior to the final
set. After setting, the floor is ground to a
smooth hard surface with heavy grinding machinery.
Generally 75% of the floor will be marble chips
with the remainder being concrete.
PREPARATION A. Newly installed Portland
Cement Terrazzo should be properly cleaned prior
to seal ing. A neutral or very mild acid cleaner
should be used to remove all surface dirt and
foreign matter from the floor. If a gray cast
appears on the floor, this is a result of salt
deposits which should be removed with a mild
acid cleaner. Rinse well with clean water and
allow to dry. B Old terrazzo floors should be
thoroughly stripped with a stripper/degreaser
to re move all old soap film, wax, or salt deposits
and other residual matter. Rinse well with clean
water and allow to dry.
SEALING A. Because of the concrete portion
of the floor, all new terrazzo should be sealed
to protect the grouting and to avoid penetration
of stains into the floor. New floors may be
sealed with a water-based sealer undercoater
formulated for hard surfaces, or for a more
permanent seal the new stain resistant Aquathane
HP sealer may be used may be used. Old terrazzo
may require two coats of sealer.
FINISHING A. Terrazzo floors may be finished
with a non-slip, non-buffable floor finish to
avoid excessive slip conditions. Urethane fortified
or finishes designed for hard surfaces would
be the coatings of choice. Degree of gloss desired
would also have a bearing on finish selection.
Apply two coats using a standard wet mop. Allow
proper dry time between coats and prior to traffic
on floor.
