Travertine tile floors and surfaces are sedimentary and solid natural stones that may need to grinded, honed or polished to bring back the natural beauty of the finish. This type of material is ideal for most flooring applications, as well as kitchen and table countertops. You only need simple household tools and cleaning products to get the job done safely and efficiently. You may choose to hire a professional to hone or polish your travertine tiles, but you can save lots of money if you decide to do it yourself.
Wear and tear may be evident on travertine floor and counter tiles due to age, scratches, stains and heavy foot traffic. Hone and polish the finish of travertine tiles with these simple steps.
What you'll need:
- Variable speed orbital sander
- 400-grit resin bond attachment
- 115-grit diamond resin attachment
- 220-grit carbide stone
- Sealer
- Cotton towel or rag
Step 1 – Clean the Surface Thoroughly
Use water and mild household detergent to thoroughly remove stains, dirt and other contaminants from the surface. Use a sponge or bristled brush to safely loosen and remove excess dirt.
Step 2 – Hone the Surface
Use a variable speed angle grinder with the 400-grit resin bond attachment to hone the surface of the travertine tile. Apply water to the entire surface of the tile and work the grinder on the surface on a small area at a time. Start at the edge and work your way towards the entire surface. Apply more water as needed to provide lubrication for the angle grinder attachment. Use a circular, side to side motion to efficiently polish the surface and avoid concentrating the grinder on a specific area for an extended period of time as you sand the finish. Add more water as you move on to other parts of the surface.
Step 3 – Change the Attachment
Change to a 115-grit diamond resin attachment and repeat the procedure as stated in Step 2. This attachment is less harsh than the 400-grit resin bond and will produce a smoother finish. Remember to constantly add water to the surface as you sand the travertine tile. Work with a small area at a time to produce a better result.
Step 4 – Sand the Surface with 220-grit Carbide Stone
Use a 220-grit carbide stone attachment to further polish the travertine tile. Refer to the above-mentioned steps when doing further polishing. Remember to constantly apply water over the surface as you polish the tile. Allow the entire surface to dry thoroughly.
Step 5 – Apply Sealer to the Travertine Tile
Use a soft paint brush to apply stone sealer to your travertine tiles. Adding sealer to marble or travertine tile surfaces will help protect the finish against minor cuts, scratches and stains, as well as add beauty and luster to the surface. Let dry for at least 2 to 4 hours.
It is easy to hone and restore the appearance of your travertine tiles. Keep in mind that proper safety equipment such as hand gloves and goggles are required when working with power tools.
Source: www.DoItYourself.com
