How to Restore Travertine Surface

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Things You'll Need

  • Stiff broom

  • Painter's tape

  • Plastic sheeting

  • Clean rags

  • Travertine cleaner

  • Travertine stripper

  • Paintbrush roller

  • Mop

  • Stiff brush

  • Rental steam cleaner with hard-floor attachment

  • Spray bottle

  • Travertine polish powder

  • Natural hair pad

  • Orbital sander

  • Travertine sealer

Travertine surfaces add elegance to any room or surface.

Travertine floors that have lost their luster or appear stained require restoration. Restoring travertine tile will clean any dirt and grime that has accumulated over the years and bring the shine back. Travertine stone is very porous and delicate when it comes to moisture and acid stains, such as the ones caused by citrus. The travertine surface should be sealed to prevent any future damage or staining.

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Step 1

Sweep up any loose dust and dirt from the travertine surface with a stiff broom. Use painter's tape to attach plastic sheeting around areas you wish to protect, such as baseboards, cabinets or wall transitions.

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Step 2

Clean the travertine surface area with a clean rag, using a pH-neutral cleanser specially formulated for delicate travertine.

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Step 3

Strip the travertine surface with a chemical stripper specially designed for travertine stone. Apply the stripper to the travertine surface with a paintbrush roller. Allow the stripper to sit on the travertine according to package directions--up to two hours.

Step 4

Scrub the surface with a stiff scrub brush and rinse with a clean mop and water. You may need to rinse the travertine surface two to three times before the stripper is completely gone.

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Step 5

Attach the hard-floor attachment onto the rental steam cleaner and slowly glide the machine over the entire travertine surface. Adding heat to the stripped and natural stone will lift stains and small scratches.

Step 6

Spray the travertine surface with water using a spray bottle. Apply a layer of travertine polish powder to the travertine surface. Add more water if needed to form a milky hue. Attach a natural hair pad to an orbital sander and buff the stone surface until the desired amount of polish is achieved. Rinse the excess polishing powder off the travertine with a clean mop and water until clean.

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Step 7

Dampen the travertine surface with water through a spray bottle. Wet the stone surface with sealer made specifically for travertine. Cover the entire stone surface, leaving no dry spots. Leave the travertine sealer on the surface according to the specified time given by the manufacturer--usually 30 minutes. Respray the stone surface again with the travertine sealer and wipe off with a clean rag.

Step 8

Allow the travertine to cure for at least 48 hours.

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