Installation and Maintenance Guide: Revealing and Protecting Your Cement Tiles

Choosing tiles from Maison Carocim means opting for a living material, the heir to over 40 years of artisanal expertise. Unlike inert industrial tiles, genuine cement tiles possess a soul. They are composed of mineral powders and natural pigments that give them their unique matte and velvety texture. However, this inherent quality comes with a requirement: expert installation and appropriate treatment. These are not simply technical steps, but the foundational ritual that will guarantee the longevity and patina of your floor. Whether you hire a professional or install them yourself, this guide is the essential reference for a successful project. For a detailed and illustrated description, consult our Installation and Maintenance sheets, available on our website, included with your order, and included in your delivery.

Step 1: Laying Cement Tiles, the Golden Rules

The aesthetic appeal and durability of your floor depend primarily on the quality of the cement tile installation. Our artisanal manufacturing process results in slight variations in thickness and shade, which contribute to the product's charm but require careful attention during installation.

Preparation and Layout

Before laying the first tile, the surface must be perfectly dry, flat, and clean. If in doubt, don't hesitate to level the surface again; the starting point is often the most important. Next, (unless you opted for pre-treated tiles when ordering) remember to apply the first coat of sealant to your tiles after cleaning and drying them. This will prevent any adhesive or grout stains from becoming embedded in your tiles. Before starting the installation, we strongly recommend doing a dry run (laying out the tiles without adhesive) on a small area. This allows you to mix tiles from different boxes to harmonize color variations and check the alignment of patterns, especially for our complex collections like "Cézanne at Home" or geometric designs.

Double Bonding: A Necessity

For perfect adhesion, the double-bonding technique, applied perpendicularly to the tiles, is essential. Use a high-quality, flexible tile adhesive specifically designed for small areas. If you are tiling in a bathroom or laundry room, ensure your adhesive is suitable for damp environments. Apply the adhesive to the floor and also to the back of the tile (buttering). Important: never wet the tiles before installation! Cement tiles must be laid dry. Once laid, the tiles should be leveled by hand or with a white rubber mallet, being careful not to strike them too hard to avoid creating micro-cracks.

Step 2: Grouting, a Delicate Phase

The grout is the signature of your floor. For cement tiles, we recommend a very thin grout line (1 to 2 mm maximum). A grout line that is too wide will disrupt the harmony of the pattern, especially for continuous designs. Choose your grout carefully: Select your grout from our range. This will ensure you get a quality product, tested by us, and available in a wide variety of colors. Be careful with black or highly pigmented grouts (anthracite) as their volatile pigments could irreversibly penetrate the pores of the tile during cleaning. Apply the grout to small areas at a time, immediately cleaning off any excess with a clean, damp sponge, without allowing the cement residue to dry on the tile.

Step 3: Treatment, the Secret to Longevity

This is a step that should never be neglected. Cement tiles are naturally porous. Without protection, they are susceptible to stains (grease, wine, coffee). The initial treatment and maintenance is therefore what will "seal" the surface while still allowing it to breathe.

Drying: Patience is a virtue

Before applying any product, the floor must be completely dry. After installation and grouting, wait until all the moisture from the adhesive has evaporated. This can take 3 to 7 days depending on the season and the room's ventilation. Treating a damp floor risks trapping efflorescence (whitish stains) under the protective coating.

Application of Pore Sealer (Water/Oil Repellent)

Once the floor is dry and clean (cleaned with a mild cement cleaner if necessary), apply the second coat of the water and oil repellent impregnating treatment (such as those in our Fila range). This product, invisible to the naked eye, saturates the pores of the cement. It creates a chemical barrier that prevents liquids and grease from penetrating, without altering the matte finish of your plain or patterned tiles. It's the lifeline for your floor, especially in kitchens or bathrooms.

The Finish (Optional): Wax

For those who want a satin finish and added protection, a finishing wax can be applied after the water repellent. It will nourish the color, enhance pigment contrast, and provide an immediate patina, making future maintenance easier.

Step 4: Daily Maintenance, Simple Actions

Living with a Carocim floor is a daily pleasure. Its maintenance shouldn't be a chore. Once treated, the tile is very easy to clean.

  • Regular Cleaning: Use clean water mixed with a neutral soap (pH neutral) or a mild, specialized cleaner (such as Cleaner Pro). Liquid Marseille soap is excellent because it nourishes the stone, but be careful not to use a very oily black soap, which could leave a residue on the floor over time if not rinsed properly.
  • The Sworn Enemy: Acid. This is the golden rule. Never clean your cement tiles with bleach, vinegar (whether white or red, pure or diluted), limescale remover, or harsh acidic detergents. The limescale in the marble dust will be immediately attacked, creating irreparable dull stains. In case of an accident, rinse the affected areas with water immediately.

Over time, your tiles will develop a patina. The colors will deepen, and the surface will become smoother. It is this elegant wear that gives the old floors so beautiful, the ones we admire in the country houses of Aix-en-Provence. By following these instructions for laying and maintaining cement tiles, you will pass this heritage on to future generations.