The washing helps to completely remove any cement residues or anything else that may have formed during the subsequent operations. Three parts of water must be mixed in a backet with one part of acid, otherwise specific products that are easy to find on the market may be used. It’s a good idea to wear rubber gloves as the solution is acid and to use an acrylic pad, a brush or rag to scrub the floor. It not advisable to leave the acid solution on the floor for more than half an hour. Thoroughly rinse the part treated with plenty of water to eliminate the effect of the acid and dry with a rag. In the case of large areas it is recommended dividing this operation into two or more sections to be washed separately. The operation is finished. Before passing on to the next phase make sure that the floor is completely dry. This will take a week in summer or in the case of beingable to heat the environment and a few days longer during winter or damp season.

This operation prevents the cotto from absorbing liquids and becoming stained. Tuscan cotto is in fact slightly porous - between 4% and 18% depending on the type - and this operation will make the floor waterproof and prevent it from absorbing liquids. Nowadays there are specific product, and for these it’s possible to address to cotto seller and to follow instructions on the label. Pour the product into a bucket and use a large paintbrush to cover the entire surface of the cotto, always brushing in the same direction and lifting the brush up at the edge of each tile where there is the grouting. Repeat the entire operation, this time brushing at a 90°C angle with respect to the previous operation. Take care to spread the product evenly to avoid the formation of foam. Once these two coats have been applied the operation is finished. It will now be necessary to wait one or two days before carrying out the waxing operation.

The creamy wax or liquid can either be neutral - white wax -, or pink or dark brown wax. In the first case the natural colour of the cotto will remain unaltered, while with the others, a slightly aged or antique look will be obtained. The wax can be applied with a large paintbrush or a rag. It is a good idea to use a heavy hand with this first application as the floor is dry and will tend to absorb more. Following, use a polisher or a brush to produce a shine. The floor treated in this way is now finished and ready to last over the years without any problems. All that is necessary is to pass over a rag moistened with wax every three weeks.