Trouble Sealing Travertine
by Lloyd
QUESTION:We are having travetine installed, for the 2nd time. 1st install had spots, sponge marks and a dirty window sealed in. The installer tore up the just installed floor and now has installed new floor. we took a piece and tried to apply sealer and it still has some appearance of a dirty window look.what do we need to have the installer/contractor do to prepare and properly prepare the floor? What are the best products? ANSWER:Sealing travertine isn't always necessary. Travertine is not very absorbent despite what you may have read or been told that is stains... not true.Travetine can etch (corrosion from acids) leaving dull light spots that people often mistake for "stains", but it's a completely different issue and sealing won't prevent it. In fact, when polished travertine is essentially non-absorbent, stain-proof and cannot be sealed... sealer won't absorb. You didn't tell me if the travertine was polished or honed. When honed travertine can usually take one coat of an impregnating sealer. However, if it is honed and your are getting the "dirty window" look (I assume you mean a hazy film) then the procedure was done incorrectly. If the travertine is polished then there's your problem. Polished travertine cannot be sealed. The sealer just sits on top and dries into a dull haze. It can be stripped off, but you just tore it out. So, if polished... problem solved. Don't seal it. You don't need to. In fact you can't as noted. But of course no worries... it won't stain except in some extreme circumstance where a substance has remained on the surface for days. If honed, then water test it to se if sealing travertine is necessary. If it is, I'd recommend using SenGuard or Stone Sentry Sealers. Also, you must apply it properly. You can't let the sealer dry on the surface. If you like, you'll find complete information about sealing granite, marble, travertine in the All About Sealing Manual. Another thing to consider when thinking about sealing travertine is the risk of staining. If the floor is in the kitchen, then you'll want to seal it if testing shows it needs it. However, everywhere else in your home is at very low risk for staining and whether or not to seal becomes a judgment call. Maybe sealing travertine dining room or main bathroom floor is a good idea, but for living rooms, bedrooms, family rooms it's typically unnecessary. Consider how often you spill something and leave it on the floor for 10-15 minutes or more. Remember, it isn't carpet. It won't stain on contact. It will take many minutes for anything to absorb into honed travertine. Now if you spill something acidic like wine, juice, coffee, soda the travertine can etch almost instantly and once etched it will become more absorbent and possibly stain more quickly. However, stains and etch marks can be removed, so nothing is terminal. Good Luck, Ryan P.S. Get all the facts, answers, explanations and simple solutions with step-by-step instructions for any issue, problem or question with our Granite & Marble Maintenance Manuals.
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