How to Seal Travertine Pavers

Sealing travertine pavers is important if you want to protect them from being corroded by materials that have an acidic base. These acidic materials can include acidic rainfall or even some of the more basic things you will normally find around the average home, such as lemon juice, wines, and even soda pop. Travertine with a more casual appearance will maintain its natural look if you seal its surface with the right sealer. Here are 5 steps you can use to more effectively seal your travertine pavers:

Things you'll need:

Travertine sealer

Travertine cleanser

Spray bottle

White cloth

Step 1 – Choose Your Preferred Paver Type

In planning to seal your pavers, keep in mind that individual types of pavers will require specific types of matching sealers. In the more highly polished travertine, for example, crevices and holes will be less absorbent than polished surfaces. If you want your pavers to have a more natural, non-glossy look, apply a sealer that is formulated to seal these less absorbent areas.

Step 2 - Choosing the Right Sealer

To prevent application of the wrong kind of sealer from staining your travertine pavers and shortening their life, choose a sealer that is made specifically for travertine. Read the directions for use of the sealer you purchase. This will help ensure that it is a travertine sealer. To avoid changing the paver's natural appearance and the sealer's non-skid surface, choose a sealer that is of higher quality and one that is an impregnating sealer. Also, be sure your sealer is clear and fully breathable. Check the product warranty. Some sealers guarantee their sealer to be effective for as long as 15 years.

Step 3 – Cleaning Your Pavers with the Right Cleaner

Before applying your sealer, clean you pavers with a cleaner that is formulated to work with your preferred sealer. In most cases, since this matching of chemicals is so important, manufacturers of travertine sealers make a cleaner that works better with their product. Since each cleaner is different in formulation from other cleaners, it is important that you follow the manufacturer's directions for applying the cleaner.

Step 4 – Applying Travertine Sealers

In applying the actual sealer you have chosen, use a spray bottle and apply a light coat of water over the surface of the paver that you will be sealing. Allow a few minutes for the water to begin drying. If you wait until the water has completely dried, your sealer will not likely give you the protection you may expect. Refer to your sealer instructions and use a roller, brush, or cloth to apply the sealer, based on manufacturers recommendations. Be sure the entire paver surface is covered with your sealer. After approximately 30 minutes, wipe off excess sealer, using an absorbent, white cloth. By using a white cloth you will avoid the possibility of transferring unwanted cloth dyes from the cloth to the paver.

Step 5 – Finishing

Apply a second coat of sealer immediately after removing excess sealer from the first coat. Allow 48 hours for the sealer to cure before allowing traffic on it.

selected from:https://www.doityourself.com/stry/how-to-seal-travertine-pavers