When a contractor installs a terrazzo floor, his final step was to apply a penetrating sealer approved for terrazzo. This step satisfies the Florida Terrazzo Association specifications which state: "until it has been sealed, terrazzo is unfinished material and, as such, should be carefully protected from possible damage."
The penetrating sealer is absorbed by cement, thus sealing the pores and greatly reducing its absorptive characteristics.
For this type of flooring the protection is internal rather than "on the surface," waxing becomes unnecessary. Waxes will give temporary protection to a terrazzo floor. However, wax tends to wear off readily and also makes the floor slippery. Wax will not allow the floor to take on the natural sheen, or patina, which is characteristic of terrazzo.
Resealing is necessary only when regular cleaning and polishing fails to restore the soft sheen or when neglect has resulted in staining or heavy build-up of soil.
