Do you know that feeling when you invest your precious time, money, effort and emotions into creating or choosing something that seems perfect in every way, only to watch it lose its charm over time?
We understand, it’s heartbreaking! The same thing can happen with the Travertine flooring you have chosen with such pride. Travertine Tiles with their soft pastel shades and unique patterns cast a spell. The luxurious stone is a favourite of all residential projects and remains high on demand throughout the year. You spend a lot of time selecting the best tiles for your property but later realize they start looking worn out or faded after some time. Sounds familiar? Well, that's the reason why you should seal Travertine Tiles. Here are some insights on how and when to do it, so that they keep looking new and beautiful.
Why Seal Travertine Tiles?
Let us remind you again that Travertine is a natural stone with pores and fissures on the surface. Imagine the damage these open pores can cause to your stone. Dust accumulation, water absorption, bacterial growth, mould, and permanent stains are the damages, just to name a few. Sealing the stone will block the pores and create a barrier between the stone and the possible stains. This applies to all natural stones.
Travertine tiles in outdoor applications like patio, alfresco, stairways or pool side, particularly need sealing to prevent moisture damage and stains. The same applies to indoor Travertine tiles.
In short, you must seal the Travertine tiles because:
- Prevents Staining
- Enhances Durability
- Protects Against Moisture
- Evergreen Elegance
Travertine is porous and can absorb liquids, which leads to stains. Sealing helps create a protective layer against spills.
Sealing the tiles enhances their durability and makes them more resistant to wear and tear.
It also helps prevent moisture from seeping into your premium stone.
With sealing, you can maintain the beauty of your Travertine tiles for ages.
When to Apply a Sealant on Travertine Tiles?
The first time to apply sealant is during installation. Thereafter, Travertine Tiles should be sealed periodically, depending on the usage, cleaning frequency and traffic. The regularity of sealing can vary between one to three years. Travertine is a premium natural stone that stays beautiful over time. But if you see any damage or notice a change in its look, it's a good idea to get a sealant. You can ask an expert for help with this.
Preparation Before Sealing
- Make sure the tiles are dust-free before you seal them. Also, remove the wax-coating if any.
- There should be no pre-existing stains on them. Sealing a stained stone will make the stain darker and permanent. Who wants that? Use pH-neutral cleaner to clean grease build-up or stains from the tile surface.
- Similarly, the subfloor or installation surface needs to be clean and free of debris. If any loose item like nail, wire, or coin gets stuck in the thin-set bed, they might rust and stain the back of the tiles.
How to Apply a Sealer to Travertine Tiles?
- Typically, the sealant should be applied with a brush, sprayer, cotton towel, sponge, or cloth pad.
- A minimum of 30 minutes of drying should be allowed between applications of two or more coats. Once the final coat is applied, you should ideally wait for 3-4 hours for the sealant on the surface to dry up.
- Make sure that you wipe off the sealer if it does not get absorbed by the tiles within 5 minutes of application. Use an absorbent paper/towel or microfiber cloth to clean the sealer.
- The ideal time to allow the sealant to dry after applying sealant is 48 hours in the case of Travertine floor tiles. This will let the sealing to cure and bond with the pores of the stone.
- You can test the sealing with few drops of water. If the tiles have not absorbed the water and did not change their colour, the sealant has been successfully applied.
Post Sealing Tips
Post application of sealer, Travertine Tiles last longer. Just be careful to not use strong chemicals or bleach to clean Travertine as they may cause discolouration, staining, and permanent damage to the surface. Even after sealing, you would need to clean up spills immediately, especially liquids like red wine, juice, soda, oil, or paint. Though sealing makes the tiles impermeable, such liquids may cause them to darken or lose colour in patches. Regular cleaning of Travertine tiles will help keep chances of dust accumulation or debris formation at bay.
In a Nutshell
- Avoid Strong Chemicals
- Clean Spills Immediately
- Monitor for Colour Changes
- Regular Cleaning
- Use Gentle or pH-neutral Cleaners
Also Check- The easy tips to maintain Travertine floor.
Summing Up
Taking care of your Travertine tiles is not as difficult as it seems. With regular cleaning and timely sealing, you can keep them looking great for ages. These tiles enhance the comfort and luxury of your home, so show them your love with proper care. If you ever notice a change in their appearance, consult an expert and seal your floors without being a bludger. Now, take a moment to look down and check if your flooring needs attention. If it does, go ahead and get them ready to shine again!
FAQs
- Why should I seal my Travertine tiles?
- When should I apply the sealant?
- How do I know if my tiles need sealing?
- What should I use to clean Travertine tiles?
- Will sealing my Travertine tiles make them slippery?
- What do I need to do before sealing my Travertine tiles?
- Is it necessary to repair damages before sealing?
Sealing your Travertine tiles is very important, as they provide them with a protective shield. Travertine is a premium natural stone with a porous surface which can soak spills and dirt. Sealing the tiles can create a barrier that keeps these unwanted things from ruining their beauty.
You must seal your Travertine tiles right when you install them. After that, it is best to reseal them every one to three years. Resealing also depends on the foot traffic and frequency of cleaning the tiles. If they start to look dull or you notice any stains, it might be time to bring out the sealant again.
If you start to see stains or if the tiles look a bit faded, that is the sign to seal your Travertine tiles. You can usually tell if your Travertine tiles need sealing by looking for changes.
You should regularly sweep the dirt and use a mild and pH-neutral cleanser to mop the Travertine tiles. Avoid strong chemicals or bleach because they can damage the surface and cause discolouration.
No. Sealing Travertine tiles generally does not make them slippery. The sealant is designed to protect the surface without changing its texture.
Before sealing, make sure your tiles are completely clean and free of dust. Remove any wax coatings or old sealants as well.
Yes, it is very important to fix any damage before sealing. If there are cracks, chips or any other issues, sealing won’t address these problems. Repairing any damages ensures that the sealant works properly and provides the best protection for your Travertine tiles.
*Disclaimer: All information and advice given above in the blog are to the best of our knowledge. Please reconfirm at your end before execution.
