How To Seal Travertine Backsplash Tiles

Natural stone tiles make a wonderful addition to the kitchen back splash area. These tiles have a natural color variation, and can help protect your walls from grease or water splatters. Because the tiles are natural and porous, however, they do require sealing to help prevent staining over time. Ideally the tiles should be sealed prior to grouting, as well as on an ongoing basis, depending on how frequently they are cleaned. A well sealed back splash will bead water up off of its surface; when your stone tiles stop doing this, it is time to reseal them.

Though you can do this process yourself, it is recommended to hire a professional stone restoration company like Orlando Stone Works to perform this for you to guarantee the seal is done correctly.

When our technicians arrive, they will begin by spraying professional grade stone cleaner on the tiles and buff them clean with a soft cloth, making sure every tile is completely free of any grease, cooking splatters or surface stains. We will then allow the tiles to dry completely. If the tiles darken after washing, we will wait for them to return to their natural color before sealing to let the water evaporate from the pores of the stone.

2. Pour the stone sealer into a bowl or open-mouthed container large enough to dip your brush into. Turn on the kitchen fan or open a window to help eliminate some of the strong fumes many sealers contain.

3. Dip a foam paintbrush into the sealer and paint the sealer onto the back splash. Use broad, overlapping strokes, working from top to bottom to prevent drips. Let the sealer penetrate the stone for 10 minutes.

4.Buff the surface of the stone tiles with a clean cloth to remove the sealer that the stone has not absorbed. Work quickly, starting at the tiles you sealed first, and rub in a circular motion until the tiles are dry. If the stone feels tacky to the touch, keep buffing until the tackiness is gone.

Things You Will Need:

Stone cleaner
Several clean cloths
Stone sealer
Open mouthed container large enough to fit a paintbrush
Foam paintbrush

Tip

If you choose to apply a color enhancing sealer to the back splash, apply a coat of impregnating sealer first. Color enhancing sealers are topical only and won’t protect your back splash as well as an impregnating sealer will.

original source: Steps for Sealing a Natural Stone Tile Backsplash