Sealing Travertine Tile Floors
Tools and materials needed to seal travertine tile:
1. A cleaning product designed for natural stone. Read more about cleaning travertine tile here.
2. Travertine stone sealer.
3. Dust mop or broom.
4. Vacuum.
5. Spray bottle.
6. Water.
7. Soft cloths.
Ok…let get started sealing you travertine!
1. Make sure there is no temporary wax coating applied to the tile. This type of coating will have to be removed before you will be able to seal the tile. Check with the tile manufacturer.
2. Clean the travertine tile with the cleaner that is recommended by the manufacturer. A mild alkaline cleaner usually works best.
3. Add water to the tile using a spray bottle and cover entire surface. Let the water stand on the tile for a few minutes.
4. Begin applying the sealer. Make sure you cover the entire surface. This is an important step in sealing travertine tiles.
5. Wait approximately 30 minutes. You can begin to wipe excess sealer with a clean cloth.
6. You can remove excess build-up of sealer by applying a little more product. Then re-wiping the area again.
7. Important! Allow your sealed travertine floor to cure for 48 hours. This will help to achieve a good strong seal.
Always seal your travertine tile according to the manufacturers directions. Be sure to clean your travertine tile regularly. Proper travertine floor care is very important to maintain the natural beauty and elegance of your travertine tile floor.
Cleaning Travertine Flooring
Travertine floors are a porous natural stone and are susceptible to scratches and marks. Caring for them properly can keep them looking their best. As with any type of floor care it all begins with regular sweeping and mopping mopping. Accumulated dust and dirt will act like sandpaper on your floor. The floors should be regularly swept and lightly mopped for fine particles. Neglecting this step will leave you with really dirty travertine floors that can be challenging to clean when you finally decide to.
Travertine floors should not be subjected to harsh cleaners. Start the process by dust mopping the floor with a plain dustmop, or a vacuum with a proper glider attachment. Once the floor is free of most dust, a microfiber flat mop can be used to clean it. Only neutral cleaners should be used to prevent pitting. A specialized travertine floor cleaner is the best choice for cleaning your floors.
Ideally, you should use stone soap, available from your local stone dealer. This special type of soap will allow you to thoroughly, and safely, clean your travertine floors. If you find that the floor has streaks after mopping, you have used too much cleaner. Once the wet mopping is done, follow with a dry mop to polish out any streaks.
• They should be mopped frequently
• Only mop floors with a neutral pH cleaner or special stone soap.
• Immediately after mopping, the floor should be rinsed and dried.
• Mats should be used inside and outside the area to catch as much dirt as possible before it can reach the floor.
• Spills should be cleaned up immediately to prevent staining.
• Non-slip mats or area rugs should be placed on the floors for protection.
• Have your travertine floor sealed regularly to protect it.
• All furniture should have pads placed under the legs to protect the floor from scratching.
• Abrasives should be avoided.
• Cleaners containing orange or lemon juice will harm your floor and could cause pitting, therefor they should not be used.
• Never allow any kind of cleaner, chemical, liquid, or food to sit on the floor.
Your travertine floors are beautiful, unique and a true asset to your home. Once you know how to clean travertine floors you can keep yours looking their best without causing any damage to them for as long as you own your home. Knowing how to clean the floors and using a proper travertine floor cleaner will allow you to make even really dirty travertine floors crystal clean and as gorgeous as the day they were installed.
Buying Travertine Floors
Travertine is a type of limestone that has been heated and pressed in the earth’s crust for a longer period of time than other types of stone. It’s most common use is in travertine tile flooring. Travertine is stylish, natural, and is often used to create a classic, elegant look. For those that are tired of hardwood or ceramic tile floors and who want to try something different, exciting, and attractive, travertine floors may be the perfect solution.
Travertine Natural Color Variations
Travertine Floors are available in a wide variety of colors. When choosing the flooring for you, it is important to take into account your own personal taste. The color should suit your home and should add the effect to your home decor that you wish for it to have. For example, one popular color, Walnut Travertine, can have a different affect than ivory. walnut travertine floor tiles are a darker, almost brown color that can change the mood and feel of the home environment. Ivory travertine is lighter and adds a classic elegant look. Other popular colors besides walnut travertine, like Oro Crema, add a neutral tint, making for a more traditional, warm feeling. Other popular travertine colors include brown, gold, vanilla , and cream.
Honed Travertine Tile
Honed travertine floor tiles are achieved by polishing the stone much like granite or marble. It often results in a smooth, shiny, and flat surface. Polished and honed surfaces are among the most popular and can be used to create a refined and finished look within the home or any other room or building.
Tumbled Travertine Tile
Tumbled travertine mosaic tile, unlike honed and polished, are not as smooth and shiny. They are offer a flat finished and are much more porous and textured than honed travertine tile. Though these styles are not as popular as the honed and polished looks, tumbled travertine mosaic tile and brushed tiles can still add style and texture to any home. Tumbled travertine is often used in kitchen backsplashes, fireplaces, showers and tub surrounds.
Where to Install Travertine Tile
Travertine floor tiles can be used in virtually any location within or outside the home. They can also be used in buildings, offices, and bathrooms. Travertine tile flooring is perfect for showers, countertops, tile backsplashes, and outdoor patio areas. Travertine floors are also widely used in upscale office buildings, shopping malls, airports, resorts and schools due to it’s incredible beauty and durability.
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