Trasforming a Dull Minton Tile Floor Into A Thing Of Beauty

Last Updated on January 15, 2026 by David

We are in Tutbury, Staffordshire, restoring a Minton-style clay tile floor.

This floor is about 80 years old and is in excellent condition for its age.

The main issues with the floor were:

• Ingrained soiling – over the years, the surface has worn, leaving pits and voids that have filled with soil.
• Old gripper adhesive – whoever removed it did a good job, but some traces remained.
• Old, worn surface sealer residue – the tiles had previously been sealed, although the type of sealer was unknown.

We started by installing protective plastic sheeting on the walls and adjoining rooms to prevent splashes and spills from the work area.

The gripper adhesive was treated with a gel solvent stripper. The rest of the floor was treated with a broad-spectrum sealing and coating remover. The treatments were left in place for a couple of hours.

Rotating brushes and cleaning pads were then used to remove the stripping residues. The edges and corners were cleaned by hand, right up to the skirting boards.

Once the floor had been carefully rinsed and dried, several areas were identified that needed further treatment. In total, four treatments were required to fully clean the floor.

We could have cleaned the floor more quickly with high-pressure rinse-and-capture equipment, but we avoided it to reduce the risk of driving water into the subfloor.

Although the process took longer, the floor remained stable, with no subsequent issues.

After cleaning, the colours appeared lighter, particularly the yellows. This is typical with old clay tiles, as the slightly darker top layer gradually wears away over time.

A stone oil treatment was applied to deepen the colours while still allowing the floor to breathe.

Once the stone oil had cured, a penetrating impregnating sealer was applied to provide additional protection while maintaining breathability.

After the impregnator had cured, a clear wax was applied and buffed to achieve a soft sheen.

The result is a Minton tile floor that looks well cared for, with a consistent and sympathetic finish.

The client was delighted with the outcome and commented on the renewed vibrancy of the colours.

This is one of many Minton restorations referenced in our Victorian tile cleaning and restoration guide, which explains why these floors go dull over time and how the right process brings back clarity and colour.

We explained the importance of ongoing care to keep the floor looking its best.