Travertine is a type of marble used for floors, countertops, walls and kitchen panels. This type of stone is porous and can be stained very easily if the pores are not sealed with a penetrating insulator that is able to saturate all the various holes well. Here's how to seal travertine!
Steps
Step 1. Start with well cleaned travertine surfaces
If there is something covering them, remove it before you start sealing!
Step 2. Clean the travertine surfaces with a neutral detergent and a microfiber cloth
If the surface is very dirty, you could use an alkaline cleaner to remove the dirt and grease.
Step 3. Dry the travertine surfaces with a cotton cloth once clean
Then let it dry for 24 hours.
Step 4. Rub the penetrating insulation on the travertine surfaces using a lambswool cloth
It seals all pores well, but make sure there are no lumps of insulation left.
Step 5. Wait for the first layer of penetrating insulation to dry completely
Water-based insulation may take longer than solvent-based insulation to dry.
Step 6. Now rub a second layer of penetrating insulation over the travertine surfaces
Step 7. Polish with a cotton cloth once the second layer of insulation is also dry
This way, you will avoid stains and remove excess insulation.
Step 8. Remove all stains by applying a little more penetrating sealer to the affected area and then buffing it, finally allowing it to dry again
Step 9. Make sure the insulation has had enough time to saturate the marble and dry before allowing people to start walking or touching the marble again
Advice
- Thoroughly clean the travertine and reseal it every year or every two years.
- Open windows and doors to make sure the space you work in is well ventilated. Penetrating cleaners and insulators can produce noxious fumes.
- For maintenance cleaning, use a microfiber cloth and warm water with a neutral detergent if you need to wash more thoroughly.
Warnings
- Acidic substances such as lemon, vinegar, wine and baking soda affect (or erode) travertine marble, so it is important to clean any stains caused by them as soon as possible. It is also important to continue maintaining the sealing of your travertine surfaces, because when the pores are sealed the acid remains in the surface more and the travertine is damaged less.
- Do not use a finish insulator. These insulators sometimes scratch the marble or do not last very long. In addition, the porous nature of the stone can cause the finish insulation to produce air bubbles and, as a result, dirt remains trapped. The penetrating insulators expand in the pores and become part of the stone, while at the same time protecting it.
