Today I received a phone call from a customer who wanted to know two things: how to clean metal tile and how to keep it from changing color over time. Great questions! We get these often and, as a result, I’m writing this article. Here’s the scoop on caring for our metal tile.

Here at Statements, we have two metal tile lines that are 100 percent metal: Alumillenium and Anticati. Alumillenium comes in a variety of metal types and finishes. The color that tends to patina most obviously is the Alumillenium antique bronze which ranges in color from a warm bronzy-brown to a deep green after years of oxidation.  If you like the warm tones of the “pre-patinaed” antique bronze there are ways to encourage it to remain true to it’s original color.  Adding a layer of paste wax or lacquer to a well cleaned metal tile will protect and seal it from oxidation and discoloration.

Paste wax is a natural product that is most often used to protect and add luster to hardwoods. It is a less permanent, malleable protectant that adds a subtle sheen to the metals surface. The protective quality of paste wax can be compromised by heat, acidic liquids and/or sharp objects that might scratch the waxes surface. Paste wax can easily be reapplied when necessary.

Lacquer is a resin-based varnish that will seal surfaces in a more permanent way. The solvents in the liquid lacquer evaporate leaving a hard sealant that is available in a variety of finishes from matte to high gloss. One thing to be aware of when considering the use of a lacquer sealant for your metal tile: it’s VOC (volatile organic compound) content. If you’re concerned with potential off-gassing in your home or workplace, check the manufacturer’s label and try to buy a VOC free lacquer! For more general information on VOC off-gassing, click here.

In either case, before you apply a protectant to your tile, clean it up. You can use any non-abrasive household cleaner for your metal tile. I recommend using a neutral-pH cleaner with a lot of hot water. If you have trouble removing years of oxidation, you can use a soft metal scouring pad to uncover some of the metals natural brilliance. Always use a test tile with your cleaner and/or scotch pad to see if you get the desired results before moving onto the rest of your tile. Once it’s cleaned up, apply your paste wax or lacquer depending on the level of permanence and/or look you’re wanting to achieve.