Travertine

Travertine is a medium porosity stone that is considered slippery. As such, it needs to be sealed to protect its natural beauty. Travertine, in its natural (unfilled) state, has decent-sized “pock marks” covering the surface and has a gloss finish. Travertine can be provided ‘filled’, where a matching color filler such as a grout or epoxy is used to fill in the pock marks. Travertine should be sealed.

Considerations for choosing a sealer:  The following are all factors for selecting a sealer.  The sealer descriptions below will mention which attributes they have to help in your selection; color enhancing/color change, adding a wet look, minimizing cooking area stains, salt-water erosion resistance, efflorescence resistance, preventing oil (cooking/motor) stains, preventing discoloring mold/algae, preventing deterioration/flaking, adding slip resistance, VOC compliance for requiring states (water base sealers are VOC compliant), moisture content of the substrate, general stain resistance and general protection.

Coverage, Number of Coats:  A penetrating sealer should get 200 sq ft per gallon, one light coat should be applied.  A film forming sealer will get 150 – 200 sq ft per gallon; only one coat is normally required.

Depending on where it installed and what protection/features in the sealer are desired, all of the sealers listed below can be used.

  • TSS450-NEW, IMPROVED-Travertine Professional, water based, both surface film and penetrating sealer, contains slip grip, greatly reduces slipperiness when wet or dry, repels water and many stains, slightly darkens, natural matte to low sheen finish.
  • TSSPro750-Porus Pro; solvent based, penetrating, repels water, high performance, strong beading, will slightly to moderately darken/enhance, prevents salt-water erosion, self-cleaning; leaves, grass etc., tend blow/wash off, formulated for porous substrates, wipe off non absorbed excess.
  • TSS300-Wetlook Low Sheen, solvent based, surface film with penetrating silicone; repels water, oil, wine, many stain types, darkens, enhances colors, wet look, low sheen.  Can add slip grip to reduce slippage.
  • TSS360-Wetlook Gloss to Low Sheen, water based, surface film with penetrating silicone; repels water, oil, wine, most stains, medium darkening, enhances colors, low to medium wet look, gloss to low sheen depending on the number of coats.
  • TSS400-Wetlook Gloss, Solvent based, film forming, high performance, high solids, darkens – enhances, gloss, wet look, repels water, oil, wine, etc.
  • TSS500-Enhancer, water based, penetrating; repels water, strong beading, prevents efflorescence, slight to medium darkening.

You may also want to consider:

  • TSS550-Stain Safe, solvent based, penetrating, repels water, oil, powerful, premium stain resistance for long periods including red wine, strong beading, slight darkening
  • TSS750-Algae Cure, water based, surface film; repels water, prevents most forms/colors of algae, up to 2-3 year effectiveness.
  • TSSG100-Anti Slip Grip, textured, polypropylene particles added to film forming sealants (TSS300 & 400) that reduce slippage especially when surfaces are wet.