Natural stone pavers add property value and aesthetic appeal. They suit virtually any outdoor space, from driveways to outdoor kitchen countertops. The materials add value to any type of outdoor landscape project, be it commercial or residential. 

However, some may be wondering if the installation of these natural stone pavers, such as travertine, requires sealing. For those who are unfamiliar with this process, sealants protect tile surfaces from elements that could penetrate them. Such elements may include dyes, chemicals, grout, water, and other kinds of contaminants. 

Travertine Tile Sealers 

Travertine, specifically, is known to be a rugged and durable natural stone. However, even the strongest materials require TLC. 

In general, there are three available types of sealers that work best with travertine pavers. The specific sealer to use would depend on the finished look that one may want to attain. Here are the three kinds of sealers. 

• Impregnating sealers
• Enhancing stone sealers
• Topical sealers

Impregnating Sealers 

Impregnating sealers have the capacity to deposit hard particles into stone pores while simultaneously stopping oil, dirt, and water from penetrating the tile’s surface. When applied properly, quality impregnating sealers will not affect the stone’s appearance or texture. Amazon has some great products for these, and this Miracle Sealant works flawlessly.

These sealers make sure that the travertine pavers will hold on even after several years pass. It also keeps out moisture that may lead to weed growth or mildew. 

For this reason, impregnating sealers work well for hardscaping projects that are fully exposed to the elements and that have tumbled or rough surfaces. It is also mandatory for smooth and polished surfaces. 

Enhancing Stone Sealers 

These sealers, on the other hand, penetrate the travertine and boost its natural color. They do so while protecting the tiles from acid discoloration and staining. This STONETECH^® Enhancer Pro™ Sealer from Laticrete has been tested time and time again to provide deep rich color and stain protection, while sealing your stone for long-lasting protection.

Using enhancing stone sealers is a great way to freshen up aged pavers or bring out the life and vibrancy in travertine. 

Topical Sealers 

These topical glossy sealers offer a unique and gleaming finish to the tiles while sealing out the grease and oil that could discolor or stain the travertine pavers. Such sealers also prevent the tile’s color from fading despite being fully exposed to the sun. These are great if you still want to seal if you want an easy to apply solution and keep your costs low. These topical sealers from Tenax4you provide you the full range of products in a very cost efficient way for a final layer on your stone from STONEarch.

‍

How to Seal Travertine Tiles 

Now, while one can choose which type of sealer to apply to the travertine flooring, there are other vital considerations to keep in mind when sealing travertine tiles in the outdoor kitchen or other functional outdoor landscapes. 

• Make sure to prepare before sealing 
• Use the right equipment for sealing 
• Apply the sealer to one-floor section at a time
• Wipe off excess sealants that do not get absorbed by the pavers in five minutes.
• Test the sealing with a few droplets of water
• Maintain the sealed floor

Make Sure to Prepare Before Sealing 

Before sealing the tiles, it is important that they are clean and dust-free. Moreover, if there are any wax coatings covering the tiles, it should be removed first. 

The installation surface, or subfloor, should also be polished and debris-free. Loose objects, such as wires, nails, or coins, that are stuck may end up staining or rusting the back of the pavers. Hence, it is important for such items to be cleaned out as well. 

Use the Right Equipment For Sealing 

The sealant should be applied to the natural stone pavers using a sponge, cotton towel, cloth pad, sprayer, or brush. Each sealant may have specific directions for use. 

While applying the sealant, it is also important to have some microfiber cloths or absorbent towels or papers on hand. These would be used for cleaning or spreading the sealer.

A squeegee would also come in handy for spreading excess sealant from one section to the next. 

Apply the Sealer to One Floor Section at a Time 

Sealing the floor or the countertop of the outdoor functional space should be done section by section. One section could cover roughly 4 x 5 inches. 

When applying and spraying the sealer, it is important to do so generously and as evenly as possible. The sealer can be spread using the microfiber mop, while the excess sealant can be spread to the next section using a squeegee. 

Wipe Off Excess Sealant That Do Not Get Absorbed By the Pavers in Five Minutes

Any excess sealant missed by the squeegee should be wiped off using a microfiber cloth. This is an important step to take if the sealer does not get absorbed by the pavers in five minutes. Doing so will ensure that the tiles are left with a smooth finish. 

Test the Sealing With a Few Droplets of Water 

With a few droplets of water, one can test whether the sealant was successfully applied or not. Simply drop a few droplets over the sealed pavers. If the tiles’ color does not change or they do not absorb water, this indicates that the sealant was successfully and properly applied. 

Maintain the Sealed Floor 

When maintaining the sealed travertine floor, it is important not to use bleach or strong chemicals. Such materials could lead to staining, discoloration, and permanent damage. 

Spills should also be cleaned up immediately, especially liquids like paint, soda, juice, or red wine. While sealing offers impermeability to the tiles, these liquids may make them turn dark or lose their color.

These floors can also be cleaned on a week-to-week basis using a steam mop. These mops use minimal water, which eliminates staining possibilities. 

As for re-sealing the travertine, it may be necessary to have it done every 3–5 years. 

Take Care of Your Travertine Pavers 

While travertine and other natural stone pavers, such as granite and limestone, are of immense quality and durability, it is important to keep them protected and maintained. Sealing is one important way to proceed with this. 

Now, for those who are looking for travertine, granite, limestone, sandstone, or other natural stone pavers for their next outdoor project, look no further because STONEarch is here to help you. Our lineup of natural stone pavers and outdoor flooring materials meets both durability and aesthetic standards, making our collection a truly premium one. 

‍Contact us to get your natural stone pavers ready for your outdoor landscaping project.