17 May 2024

All About Sealing Travertine Tiles: Dos and Don’ts

Flooring plays a crucial role when it comes to adding an elegant touch to your home décor. It sets the theme for other features in your design space. Your choice of flooring can make or break the look of your furniture style and other décor elements. Neutral flooring options are best. They offer numerous opportunities for experimentation with bright colours and bold fabrics.

Travertine is a popular choice when it comes to subtle and timeless flooring designs. Travertine tiles make a beautiful addition to your interiors and accentuate your living rooms, kitchen floors and bathrooms. However, they can lose their lustre and patina over time without appropriate care and maintenance. Sealing Travertine tiles is foremost when it comes to saving them from damage and protecting their natural texture. In this blog, we’ll discuss the dos and don’ts of sealing your Travertine tiles to help you increase the worth of your investment.

What are Travertine tiles?

Travertine tiles are a popular choice for indoor spaces. They are well-suited for floors, walls and countertops in a honed and filled finish. Our Classic Light Travertine is a stunning blend of beige and ivory hues and brings natural beauty and durability to your design space for years. Being a porous natural stone, it is prone to etching, staining and moisture damage. Sealing Travertine tiles from time to time helps protect them from these elements and prolongs their life span.

Some dos and don’ts to keep in mind when sealing your Travertine tiles.

Dos

Cleanse the tile surface
Before sealing your tiles, ensure the surface is clean and dust free. Vacuum the area or use a broom to get rid of any dirt or debris. Use a soft brush and a pH-neutral cleaner specifically meant for Travertine tiles to remove stains. Let your surface dry fully before moving to the next step.

Choose a stone-appropriate sealant
There are two types of sealers available in the market – tropical and penetrating. Penetrating ones get immersed into the surface of the stone. They strengthen the surface and provide a shield against the elements. On the other hand, topical sealers stay on the surface and act as a barrier against stains and moisture. Consult with a professional installer to find out the appropriate sealer meant for use on your Travertine tiles.

Apply the sealer correctly
Apply a thin and even layer of the sealer on the tile surface using a roller brush. Work on small areas and ensure the sealer doesn’t splash on the surface. Wait for the sealer to dry completely before applying a second coat. Read the manufacturer’s instructions carefully to get the best results.

Allow the surface to dry completely
After applying a second coat of the sealer, let the surface dry completely before putting the furniture back or walking in that space. This usually can take a few hours or even a day or more depending on the sealer type, humidity levels and weather conditions outside.

Seal the grout lines
If your Travertine tiles have grout lines, make sure to seal them too. Since grout is typically made of porous material it can absorb stains and moisture and damage the surface of your tiles. Check the compatibility of your grout sealer with your tile sealer and apply it after the Travertine sealer has fully dried.

Reapply the sealer periodically
Depending on the traffic and frequency of use, reapply the sealer every 1-2 years or as recommended by your installer at the time of installation. This will keep your tile in good condition and enhance its appearance and lifespan.

Don’ts

Never seal wet or dirty tiles
When you apply a sealer over wet or dirty tiles, it will trap all the moisture and dirt below the surface of the tile. This will cause stains and discolouration. Before applying a sealer always ensure the surface is clean and dry to get the desired results.

Don’t let spills sit on the surface
Don’t wait for a long time before cleaning spills and stains. Clean them immediately with a pH-neutral cleaner. The longer you wait the tougher the stains can get.

Don’t use harsh and acidic cleaners
Keep your Travertine tiles away from harsh cleaners and rough tools such as wire brushes or scouring pads. These can put scratches on the surface and damage the texture of the tiles. Use a soft cloth or brush for cleaning the tiles.

Avoid high-pressure cleansers
Avoid using high-pressure water cleaners on your Travertine surfaces. It can push water and dirt into the pores of the stone causing stains and permanent damage.

Don’t over-apply the sealer
Using too much will not give you better results in fact, this can blur the texture of the surface. Make sure you use a thin layer and apply it evenly. Avoid overapplying. If you see extra sealer, dab it with a dry absorbent cloth.

Don’t think one application is enough
Travertine tiles need periodic sealing to maintain their durability and lustre. Depending on the frequency of use, seal your tiles every 1-2 years. Do consult a professional to understand the accurate sealing requirements of your tiles as per your space.

How to seal Travertine tiles and pavers?

When it comes to sealing Travertine tiles and pavers, there are certain steps that you need to follow:

The first step is to check and ensure no strains on the pavers before sealing. And we mean pressure washing them so that all the dirt and grim are removed.
Once you’ve cleaned the space, wait for 2-3 days.
Test your sealant on a small space first before going all in.
If all is good, apply sealant all over the Travertine tiles or pavers with a paintbrush.
You must work in small sections so that it is applied evenly.
Let it dry for 24 hours. It is one of the most important steps in sealing Travertine tiles and pavers.
Avoid any contact with water during this point.

This is the easy-peasy way to understand how to seal Travertine pavers and tiles.

The Final Takeaway!
Whether you’re an expert homeowner or using Travertine tiles for the first time, now you know the importance of sealing your indoor Travertine tiles to maintain their beauty and durability. By following these simple dos and don'ts, you can ensure that your Travertine tiles are protected and look their best for years. Sealing tiles is an investment in the long haul and will help prevent costly repairs or replacements in the future.

Don’t hesitate to reach out. Speak to our stone experts if you have any questions or want to explore our range of Indoor Tiles for your next renovation project.

*Disclaimer: All information and advice given above in the blog are to the best of our knowledge. Please reconfirm at your end before execution.