How To Seal Travertine Tile in 5 Steps
Why Seal Travertine?
While travertine is a durable product, it is also porous. This makes it susceptible to staining. You should always seal travertine tile to protect it from this type of damage. This regular DIY job will extend the life of your travertine tiles so you can enjoy years of beautiful flooring with the product.
How to Seal Travertine Tile
Step One: Remove Any Wax Coating
Travertine may come with a wax coating on the surface. If your tiles are sealed with wax, the first step is to remove the wax with a specialized wax remover. Make sure you select a non-acidic solution, as travertine is extremely sensitive to acidic substances and will stain.
Step Two: Clean the Travertine
Thoroughly sweep your travertine flooring to remove any large dirt and dust particles. Follow this with a careful vacuuming using your vacuum’s brush attachment.
Apply an alkaline or neutral cleanser that is designed for travertine floors. Follow the manufacturer’s directions for cleaning your tiles with this product. It’s important to remove any dirt, dust, or grease build-up from the floors. Dry the surface with a cotton or microfiber cloth.
Step Three: Allow the Tiles to Dry
Let the travertine tiles dry for 72 hours before applying your sealer. Restrict foot traffic during this period to keep the floors clean.
Step Four: Apply the Sealant
Carefully follow the manufacturer’s directions for your chosen sealer. The application process for most products requires spreading the sealer over the tiles in an even coat using a lambswool applicator or soft cloth. Work in small sections of flooring beginning at the farthest point of the room. Do not proceed to the next section of tile until you are completely finished with the application process on the tiles you can currently reach.
Wait about 30 minutes for the first application of sealer to dry. Apply a second coat in the same manner as the first. Mop up excess sealer and buff the flooring with a microfiber or cotton cloth. After buffing one area of the floor, you can move on and begin sealing the next portion of your travertine tiles.
Step Five: Allow the Sealer to Dry
Allow about 48 hours for the sealer to dry. If you can stay off your flooring for longer, this is ideal. To test your sealer, scatter a few drops of water on the floor. If the sealer has cured properly, the water will form small beads.
How to Maintain Your Travertine Floors
Clean your sealed flooring regularly with warm water and a neutral cleaning solution. Keep acidic substances, such as orange juice, away from travertine floors even after they’ve been sealed, as they can still stain. Reapply your sealer annually or once every two years as recommended by the manufacturer.
Travertine floors are a beautiful choice that will enhance your home when properly maintained. Keep your floors sealed for the best results.
Jason Taylor
The idea was excellent, and I like it but can it clean entirely? Means what if some solid stain on tiles can make it clean completely too?
BuildDirect Product Expert Team
Hi Jason,
Thank you for getting in touch! If you seal the tile you should not have to worry about solid stains unless you have something acidic. If there is a large stain you will need to look for a cleaner at your local hardware store and then reseal again after. Please let us know if anything else comes up!
BuildDirect Product Expert Team
Hi Reggie,
Thank you for getting in touch! There are quite a few options you can use to seal your marble. I have listed the two options we carry below:
https://www.builddirect.com/Floor-Care-Products/New-Product-Title-Heavy-Duty—1-Quart/ProductDisplay_10573_p1_10094552.aspx
https://www.builddirect.com/Floor-Care-Products/New-Product-Title-Eco-/ProductDisplay_10573_p1_10094369.aspx
You can also find sealers at your local hardware store, just be sure they specify they can be used on natural stone. In regards to buffing your marble, I have included another link for you to look over:
http://www.askthebuilder.com/how-to-polish-marble/
Please let us know if there is anything else we can help out with!
Reggie Richardson
What to use to seal and buff marble