Recovery and Restoration of a Flood-Damaged Tuscan Terracotta Floor
21 March 2025
A Bespoke Restoration Work
Restoring terracotta floors presents a key challenge in preserving one of the finest examples of Italian architecture. People widely appreciate terracotta for its rustic yet elegant appearance. Nevertheless, without proper treatment, these floors often suffer serious damage — especially during extreme weather events like flooding.
A great example of effective terracotta floor restoration comes from the work of Impresa Pippolo, led by Timpano Giuseppe. He is a skilled artisan who treats and maintains natural stone surfaces with expert care.
Step 1: The total de-waxing of the floor
The process began by removing old layers of wax and residues from previous treatments. These elements often cause the terracotta surface to appear dull and altered. To achieve the best result, the team applied SGRISER, a highly effective alkaline-solvent wax remover. This product eliminates wax, oils, and embedded dirt. As a result, it restores the floor to its original condition.
Next, the team rinsed the surface with VIACEM after applying SGRISER. VIACEM is a buffered acid detergent that removes cement residues, salt efflorescence, and lime scale deposits. This step is crucial. It neutralizes the alkaline cleaner and prepares the terracotta for the next treatment phase. The result is a completely clean and uniform surface.
Compared to conventional muriatic acid, VIACEM produces fewer corrosive fumes. It emulsifies solid dirt more effectively and offers more controlled dissolving action. Therefore, it provides a safer and more efficient solution for maintaining terracotta surfaces.
See the details of the treatment for your terracotta! Protect and enhance it with the best cleaning and maintenance products. Find out more here.
Phase 2: Protective treatment
Once the cleaning and wax removal were completed, the terracotta floor underwent a protective treatment designed to preserve its beauty and protect it from absorbing stains and moisture. The artisan applied EXCEL PLUS, a new-generation stain-resistant sealer ideal for absorbent stone materials like terracotta. This product works deep within the material, without creating surface films, thus maintaining the material’s breathability and preserving its natural appearance.
To complete the intervention, a finishing layer of IDROFIN MATT was applied— a matte protective wax that enhances the surface’s resistance to foot traffic and dust, while making daily maintenance easier. This finishing product helps keep the terracotta floor consistently clean and protected over time, enhancing its aesthetic without compromising its authentic look.
Do you want an always perfect terracotta in a short time? See the details of the quick treatment for interior terracotta and discover the ideal products for long-lasting protection
Final result and benefits of the intervention
Thanks to the expertise of Impresa Pippolo and the use of high-quality professional products, the flood-damaged Tuscan terracotta floor was fully restored. The intervention brought back the surface’s natural color, removed stains and encrustations, and made the terracotta more resistant to wear and weathering.
This type of treatment not only restores the floor’s original appearance, but also ensures greater durability, reducing the need for future maintenance and making daily cleaning easier.
The art of restoration comes to life through the experience of Impresa Pippolo by Timpano Giuseppe, who transformed this Tuscan terracotta floor with passion and skill. Through careful cleaning, wax removal, and protective treatment, the artisan restored the material’s natural elegance, improving its resistance to the elements.
A floor is not just a surface to walk on—it’s a part of a home’s history. Protecting it means preserving its value and ensuring its beauty over time.
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22.70€
EXCEL PLUS
Professional protective for the stain-resistant treatment of absorbent stone materials. It does not create film, is breathable and does not alter the appearance of the material.
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17.65€
IDROFIN MATT
Specific matt finishing wax for completing the treatments of cotto, stone, and terrazzo placed inside. Over time it protects the basic treatment of the material and its initial aesthetic characteristics.
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16.39€
IDROFIN LUCIDO
Polished finishing wax specific for the completion of treatments of cotto, stone and terrazzo placed inside. Protects over time the base treatment of the material and its initial aesthetic characteristics.
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2.24€
SOFT MICROFIBER CLOTH | MARBEC
Ideal for washable tops such as glass, mirrors, plastic, stainless steel, chrome, ceramic and enamel surfaces. Particularly strong, tear-resistant edge. Can be used for all environments. Measures 40x40 cm.
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23.75€
ARTICULATED MOP FRAME | FILMOP
Can be used with Velcro fringes for washing and disinfecting floors, with abrasive fibres for removing encrustations, and with a sponge and disposable impregnated cloths for wet mopping.
During renovation work, it’s easy to end up with cement residues on floors which, if left to dry, can damage the surfaces and make cleaning difficult. To remove them, you can act manually using plastic scrapers, brushes, and damp cloths, or rely on specific products depending on the type of flooring. For terracotta, VIACEM is ideal—it's a buffered acid that removes encrustations without damaging the surface. For natural stone, DELICACID is gentle yet effective, even on the most stubborn stains. For porcelain stoneware, POWER DET provides deep cleaning without leaving streaks. Alternatively, you can try natural methods like vinegar, baking soda, and lemon—though these are only suitable for light stains. It’s important to avoid metal tools, overly aggressive detergents, or excessive scrubbing to prevent damaging the material. Once cleaned, the floor should be protected with specific treatments and maintained with regular cleaning. With the right precautions and Marbec products, removing cement becomes simple and effective.
The article explains how the company Emila & Pippo restored a damaged Carrara marble countertop using Marbec products, specifically SGRISER and the KIT RECUPERA MARMO, to clean and re-polish the surface, bringing it back to its original shine.
