Cotto FAQ - Stone Care Questions

Cotto - Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions about caring for cotto

What is the difference between an impregnator and a sealer/coating?

An impregnator (like MN Stain-Stop or MN Basic Protection) penetrates into the stone pores and works from within. It does not change the surface appearance and allows the stone to breathe (water vapour can still pass through). A sealer or coating (like TC Sealant) forms a visible layer on top of the surface, creating a film finish. Impregnators are generally preferred for natural stone as they maintain the natural look and breathability, while coatings are sometimes used on cotto/terracotta for a specific aesthetic effect.

Should I wax or impregnate my cotto floor?

Both are valid - it depends on the look you want. Traditional wax system (TC Classic Primer + TC Classic Wax): creates a warm, satin patina that deepens over time. Authentic Italian look. Needs more maintenance (Cotto Easy-Clean, annual wax top-up). Modern impregnation (TC Impregnator): invisible protection, less maintenance, more practical. Better for kitchens and wet areas. Important: do NOT mix systems. If switching from wax to impregnation, strip all wax first with WAX-OFF.

When should I use MN Power-Clean vs KF Intensive Cleaner?

MN Power-Clean is formulated for natural stone - optimised for marble, granite, limestone, etc. KF Intensive Cleaner is formulated for ceramic tiles, cotto, and clinker. Both are alkaline intensive cleaners. If you have a natural stone surface → MN Power-Clean. If you have ceramic/porcelain tiles, cotto, or clinker → KF Intensive Cleaner. Both are safe on all surfaces (alkaline), but each is optimised for its specific surface category.

My cotto floor has yellowish wax build-up - how do I fix it?

This happens when multiple wax layers are applied without removing the old ones, or when wax is applied too thickly. You need to strip completely and start fresh. Apply Lithofin WAX-OFF undiluted. Leave 15-30 minutes. Scrub vigorously with stiff brush or scrubbing machine. Remove dissolved wax with clean cloths. Rinse. Repeat 2-4 times until all old wax is gone (the surface should look uniform). Then start fresh: TC Classic Primer, let dry, then TC Classic Wax in thin coats, buffing each one.

I just had new stone installed - what should I do first?

Wait for grout/mortar to cure (5-7 days for most, 7-14 days for cotto). Then: 1) Remove cement haze with appropriate cleaner (MN Builders' Clean for stone, KF Cement Residue Remover for tiles). 2) Rinse thoroughly and allow to dry completely (24-48 hours). 3) Apply appropriate impregnator (MN Stain-Stop for stone, KF Protective Impregnator for tiles, TC Impregnator for cotto). 4) Remove excess within 10-15 minutes. 5) Allow 24 hours to cure before use.

Can I use a pressure washer on my stone?

Yes, but with caution. Keep minimum 30cm distance from the surface. Use a fan nozzle, not a point nozzle. Soft stone (sandstone, limestone, cotto) is more vulnerable - use lower pressure (max 100 bar). Hard stone (granite, basalt, slate) can tolerate higher pressure. Never aim at joints at close range - this can wash out joint sand/mortar. Never pressure wash polished stone (will damage the polish). Chemical pre-treatment with ALGEX or Outdoor Cleaner reduces the need for high pressure.

What is the difference between cotto and terracotta?

The terms are often used interchangeably, but there are differences. Cotto traditionally refers to Italian hand-made or artisan-produced tiles, typically irregular, highly porous, and fired at lower temperatures. Terracotta is a broader term for any fired clay tile. Machine-made terracotta is more uniform and slightly less porous than artisan cotto. For care purposes, both are treated identically - they are the most porous common flooring materials and MUST be sealed. Use TC line products for both.

Recommended: Lithofin TC Impregnator

How do I protect outdoor stone from frost damage?

Frost damages stone when water inside the pores freezes and expands. Prevention: 1) Seal with a breathable impregnator (MN Stain-Stop or MN Basic Protection) - this prevents water from entering while allowing moisture to escape. 2) Ensure proper drainage slope (min 1-2%) so water doesn't pool. 3) Keep stone free of leaves and debris that trap moisture. 4) Re-seal before winter. Most susceptible: sandstone, limestone, cotto. Most resistant: granite, basalt, slate. New concrete must cure 28 days before sealing.

When should I use Stainstop PLUS instead of MN Stain-Stop?

Lithofin Stainstop PLUS is the universal version - it works on natural stone, tiles, engineered stone, AND cotto/terracotta. Use it when: 1) You have multiple surface types and want one product. 2) You are unsure about your surface type. 3) You need premium protection on mixed installations. MN Stain-Stop is specifically optimised for natural stone and gives the best results on marble, granite, limestone, etc. For pure natural stone projects, MN Stain-Stop is the better choice.

What are the differences between cotto and terracotta?

Cotto is a type of terracotta that is fired at a higher temperature, making it denser and more durable. Terracotta is more porous and can be more susceptible to staining. For both, use Lithofin WAX to enhance and protect the surface from stains and moisture.

Recommended: Lithofin WAX

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