Sealing Travertine

by Jeff Kiene
(Littleton, CO)

QUESTION:

Just had my Travertine installed and I have some older maybe 8-month old Stone Tech enhancer sealer. I was told not to use because it has expired? True?

Some of my decorative tile installers said to not use a solvent-based sealer on their stone. What is the difference?

The Stone-Tech I have is a solvent-based sealer.

Thanks,
Jeff

ANSWER:

Regarding the "expired" sealer... I have never noticed an expiration date on any sealer product, however, I am not a chemist and I suppose it could be true that sealers expire. But I highly doubt that it would do so in as little as 8 months unless the bottle has been repeatedly opened.

You note that it is solvent-based. Well, solvents evaporate much more quickly than water and if the bottle has been opened a lot it could possibly affect the quality of the product.

If un-opened, I imagine it would keep for years.

Just to save yourself a lot of extra work, I'd call Stone Tech and ask them. (I called today, but it was after hours for them)

Solvent-Based Sealers

Solvent-based sealers have been the norm until recently several states have started to pass laws against the use of "volatile organic compounds" (VOCs). Solvents are included here. VOCs are toxic to you and the environment, so manufacturers have started to produce water-based sealers.

Using a water-based sealer is much more pleasant because solvents have powerful odors and fumes.

There are some technical differences too... solvents are thought to penetrate a bit deeper into the stone and form a more repellent barrier. However, some of the water-based sealers are incorporating new barrier technology. There is some difference in application, but both will provide the desired protection.

Again, I'd call the person who made the suggestion and ask why. You say "decorative tile." What type of stone/tile is it? Does it have some coloring agent or design applied? Possibly the salesperson knows something about that particular tile where solvent-based is not good, but I honestly cannot imagine what it would be.

Most likely the suggestion was made out of concern for you (toxic fumes) and the environment (disposal and polution issues).

Testing Sealer Before Application

I'd test that Stone Tech Enhancer Sealer on a left over travertine and note the results. It will probably change the "look" of the stone since it is of the "enhancer" variety.

Really, I'd recommend you use an impregnating sealer for your initial application rather than the enhancer. Enhancers are more topical and not as durable. Stone Tech has two good impregnating sealers (Bullet Proof and Heavy Duty). Both are water-based won't change the look.

One more note: You need to stick with the same "base" for any future applications. Solvent can be re-applied over water, but water cannot go over solvent, so best to test, decide which one you want to use and stick with it.

Hope this helps,
Ryan