How to Seal Travertine Flooring
Travertine tile is stone tile that's full of pockmarks and holes on the surface, the result of its natural formation process. On walls in formal areas, the holes are often left open, but on floors they should be filled with grout to prevent impurities from settling in. By using a different shade of grout than the shade of the tiles, you'll still be able to see the natural patterns of the holes. Travertine must be sealed against moisture, a process that's best done in conjunction with the grouting. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Tile sealer
- Paint brush
- Grout (a different shade than the tile)
- Grout float
- Sponge
Instructions
-
-
1
Lay your travertine floor tile in mortar, with proper spacing between the tiles. Let it set for a day. Don't grout.
-
2
Apply tile sealer to the surface of the travertine, using a paint brush and working from the far corner of the room toward the doorway. Apply the sealer only to the face of the travertine, without getting it in the surface holes or spaces between the tiles.
-
-
3
Let the sealer dry about four hours.
-
4
Grout the floor starting at the same far corner. Use your grout float to press the grout into the lines between the tiles and into the holes in the surface, while scraping it flat with the long edge of the float. Use a damp sponge to take up the excess grout, making sure not to dig it out of the holes.
-
5
Let the grout set for four to five days. Brush on two more coats of tile sealer, covering the whole surface, including the grout. Give the sealant 48 hours to cure before walking on the floor.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Ventilate the room when applying the sealer.
