Olivia Carney

Refinishing original flooring by hand is not for the faint of heart, but it was worth every crick in my back. My goal was not perfection, but to bring these original terracotta tiles back to LIFE! And I think I did just that 🫶🏻 My top tips if you're tackling a similar project: • I used a high-pH, alkaline degreaser and stain remover to remove the original finish. If you're not ready to commit to a full refinishing, start with a gentle, pH-neutral cleaner. • Let the tiles dry completely before assessing their appearance or applying a sealer. Terracotta is porous, and you don't want to trap moisture beneath the sealant. • Choose a breathable sealant specifically formulated for terracotta. I recommend an ultra-low VOC satin sealer to enhance the natural warmth of the tiles and help protect against everyday stains without an overly glossy finish. Happy to share links to everything I used for this project. Just ask! ✨ #HistoricHomeRestoration #TerracottaTiles #OldHouseRestoration #DIYHomeRenovation #OldHouseCharm