Lets start with the basics first….
Protecting Your Travertine: A Guide to Sealing Options
Travertine, with its natural beauty and versatility, is a popular choice for both indoor and outdoor spaces. However, its porous nature makes it susceptible to stains and damage. To preserve the beauty and longevity of your travertine tiles, sealing is essential.
Two Primary Sealer Types
There are two primary types of sealers for travertine tiles & pavers:
1. Deep Penetrating Impregnating Sealers: These sealers are designed to penetrate the pores of the travertine, creating a protective barrier against stains and water damage. They are available in both transparent and colour-enhancing finishes.
Benefits:
– Enhances the natural colour and appearance of the travertine
– Creates a breathable surface, preventing moisture build-up
– Easier to clean and maintain
Considerations:
– May not offer the same level of protection as topical sealers
– Requires reapplication over time
2. Topical Sealers:
These sealers form a protective film on the surface of the travertine, providing a higher level of protection against stains and spills. They are available in gloss, satin, and matte finishes.
Benefits:
– Offers superior protection against stains and spills
– Available in different finishes to enhance appearance
Considerations:
– Can change the appearance of the travertine
– May require more frequent reapplication
– Can be more slippery when wet
– Choosing the Right Sealer
– The best sealer for your travertine will depend on several factors, including the desired level of protection, the appearance you want to achieve, and the location of the tiles (indoor or outdoor).
To determine the porosity of your travertine:
- Apply a drop of water to the surface.
- If the water is absorbed quickly, your travertine is more porous and will benefit from a deeper penetrating sealer.
- If the water beads up, your travertine is less porous and a topical sealer might be sufficient. Remember: It’s always recommended to test any sealer on a small, inconspicuous area before applying it to the entire surface. This will help you assess the sealer’s effectiveness and how it affects the appearance of your travertine. By understanding the differences between deep penetrating and topical sealers, you can make an informed decision to protect your travertine investment and enjoy its beauty for years to come.
Would you like to know more about specific sealer brands or application techniques?
1. Sealer’s Choice® Gold – Rapid Cure by AQUAMIX
Key Features
- $$$$$
- Retains natural look of the stone
- Maximum stain protection
- May be used as a pre-grouting sealer
- Allows moisture vapour transmission
- The NEW Rapid Cure Formula protects in less than 4 hours
- Now with built-in Microban® – Cured Sealant is Mould & Mildew Resistant
- Safe to use, water-based low VOC formula
- Does not alter the slip resistance of the sealed surface
- Designed to achieve optimal penetration into dense, low-porosity surfaces
- Last up to 15 years
2. Penetrating Sealer- Professional Series by AQUAMIX
Key Features
- $$$$
- More economical
- Retains natural look of the stone
- Excellent stain protection
- May be used as a pre-grouting sealer
- Allows moisture vapour transmission
- No-sheen natural lookPenetrating SealerLow VOC
- Does not alter the slip resistance of sealed surface
- Easy to use
- Water-based, non VOC formula
- Lasts up to 5 years
3. Stone Shield by TASMAN CHEMICALS
Key Features
- $$$
- More economical
- Retains natural look of the stone
- Excellent stain protection
- May be used as a pre-grouting sealer
- Allows moisture vapour transmission
- No-sheen natural look Penetrating Sealer Low VOC
- Does not alter the slip resistance of sealed surface
- A premium quality solvent-based penetrating sealer
- Easy to use
- Lasts up to 5 years
4. Natural Finish Stone Sealer by ROCKSTAR
Key Features
- $$$
- Solvent based penetrating sealer which does not alter the appearance of the stone
- Protects against water and oil based contaminants while permitting vapour and salt transmissions
- Suits limestone, sandstone, marble, travertine and concrete.
- Sandstone that has been treated with Rockstar Natural Finish Stone Sealer reduces water intake by 97%.
5. Stone Enhancer by ROCKSTAR
Key Features
- $$$
- Enhances the natural colours in the stone
- Long lasting and weather-resistant up to 5 years
- Can even out colour inconsistences
- The surface becomes highly resistant to oil and water based contaminants
- UV Stable