Travertine floor tiles are made from limestone, and they offer a range of beautiful earthy tones perfect for any room. They’re a popular choice for both indoor and outdoor flooring due to their versatile colour options.
These tiles don’t just look aesthetic – they can upgrade a plain room to a prestigious one. Plus, they’re durable and resistant to cracks and chips, making them a great flooring option.
However, travertine floors might lose their shine over time. Don’t worry; it’s normal. To bring back the sparkle, you can either hire professional floor polishing Melbourne services or do it yourself in your free time. If you choose the DIY option, make sure to learn how to polish travertine floors for the best results.
In this blog, we will help you understand the travertine polishing process and outline the tools you will need in the process. So, keep on reading:
Supplies Required for Perfectly Polished Travertine Floors
Before you even start polishing your travertine floors, you must gather the necessary equipment to ensure a smooth process.
Here’s a list of supplies you will need to transform your floors:
- Vacuum cleaner
- Waterproof tape
- Protective plastic sheeting
- Floor stripper
- Travertine filler compound
- Mop and bucket
- Steam cleaner
- Weighted Buffing Machine
- Polishing powder
- Buffing pads
- Suitable Sealer
How to Polish Travertine Floors?
Now that you have the essential supplies in place, start polishing your beloved travertine floors in this way:
1: Cleaning the Floor
First, make sure your floor is squeaky clean before starting the travertine floor polishing process. You need to clear away any wax and dirt buildup on the surface.
Grab a travertine stripper – it’s designed to tackle that waxy gunk on your floor tiles. Apply the stripper evenly with a fresh mop, covering the entire floor. Then, mop the floor a few times with plain water to be sure all the grime and wax are removed from your travertine floors.
2: Reviving the Floor
Next, give your travertine floor tiles a deep clean with a steam cleaner. It will really get into the nooks and crannies of your floor. The steam cleaning helps break up any residual stripper and grime, leaving your floor looking fresh. It’s not just about the tiles – this step can also remove light scratches or stains on the surface.
Also, clean the grout between the tiles. Having a clean slate in this step will help you achieve aesthetically polished travertine floors.
3: Repairing the Tiles
To polish your travertine tiles, start by fixing any cracks, chips, or holes. After you’ve steam cleaned the floor, focus on repairing these problematic areas. This step is crucial to give your tiles a fresh appearance.
Use filler compounds like epoxies, as they make it easy to fill in cracks and imperfections. If you don’t have epoxy, grouts work well too, especially in a colour that matches your tiles. Follow the instructions of the material carefully for the best results. After applying, wait for the material to cure before moving on to the next step of polishing. Remember, the material’s colour should match your tiles, regardless of whether you choose epoxy or grout.
4: Protecting the Edges with Tape
Before you move on to the next step, take precautions by taping plastic sheets along the room’s edges. This protects furniture, baseboards, cabinets, and other surfaces around your floors. It’s best to use waterproof tape for this step.
If possible, move the furniture out of the way to prevent any potential damage. Keep in mind that if you’re polishing tiles in multiple rooms, do it one room at a time. This ensures a thorough and careful process.
5: Polishing the Floors
Now comes the crucial step – polishing the travertine floors. To get the desired results, you’ll need to rent a weighted buffing machine. There are two methods you can choose for travertine floor polishing.
First Method:
For the first method, you’ll need different grit pads to gradually make your travertine floor tiles shine. Start by attaching a low-grit diamond pad to the bottom of the buffing machine. This pad will remove any scratches, stains, or imperfections from the surface of your travertine tiles.
It’ll also level out any holes or cracks, making your floor look even. Once you’re done with the low-grit pad, switch to higher-grit pads to continue the polishing process. This will leave your travertine tiles with a smooth and shiny surface.
Second Method:
The second method is using a polishing powder instead of multiple sanding pads. Follow the instructions on the polishing powder and choose the right type of pad for your buffing machine.
Sprinkle the polishing powder on the floor and use the buffer to get shiny floors. You can repeat this process a few times until you get the desired results. Using higher grit diamond pads in this method will give your polished travertine tiles an extra shine.
6: Keeping It Shiny
In the final step, seal the polished travertine floors to protect them. Polishing can be a bit messy, so once you’ve got that beautiful shine, it’s time to clean up. Mop the entire travertine floor. After the cleanup, apply a sealer to the floor and let it dry completely.
Once the sealer has dried completely, remove any tape and protective plastics from the room. Bring your furniture back in, and enjoy your polished travertine floor that will look great for a long time. It’s a bit of effort, but the end result is totally worth it!
Maintenance Tips for Travertine Floor Care
So, now you have invested your time and money to enhance the natural beauty of your travertine floors. But it doesn’t stop here. You also need to follow a maintenance routine to keep your floors in pristine condition.
Follow these tips to make your beloved floors shine for years:
Avoid Using Harsh Chemicals: To maintain the beauty of your travertine floors, steer clear of harsh chemicals like vinegar, lemon, or ammonia-based cleaners. These can wear away the natural shine over time. Instead, use gentle yet effective stone cleaners to preserve the polished finish.
Add Protection with Mats and Rugs: Place mats or rugs in entryways and high-traffic areas to minimise dirt and grit impact on your travertine floors. This simple step significantly reduces the risk of scratches and keeps the glossy appearance intact.
Act Promptly on Spills: Accidents happen, but quick cleanup prevents stains on travertine floors. Wipe up spills immediately, especially from acidic things like wine or citrus juices. Use a soft cloth or mop, avoiding harsh scrubbers that could damage the surface.
Use Furniture Pads: Prevent scratches and scuffs by attaching felt or rubber pads to the bottom of furniture legs. Check and replace these pads regularly to keep your polished travertine floors protected.
Your Questions, Our Answers
1. How do you get the shine back on travertine?
Spray water on the travertine floors with a spray bottle. Apply a coat of travertine polish powder, adjusting the water as necessary for a milky consistency. Attach a natural hair pad to an orbital sander and buff the stone surface until you achieve the desired level of polish.
2. Should you seal or polish travertine?
It’s essential to seal travertine as it’s chemically sensitive. The stain removal can be limited, so sealing is highly recommended.
3. Is it OK to steam clean travertine floors?
Yes, it’s totally fine to steam clean your travertine floors with steam mops. Just be careful while cleaning and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
Summing It Up
So, there you have it! Your once-dull travertine tiles have been refinished to make an aesthetic appeal. The careful prep, the grit of the pads, and the final finish – it’s a result of your dedication and a reminder that even the most delicate materials can be brought back to life with a little TLC.
You’ve unlocked the hidden potential of your travertine, and it will reward you with timeless elegance for years to come.
But the journey doesn’t end here. Be a responsible homeowner and take timely care of your travertine floors. Remember to clean your floors regularly and add a touch of appreciation when needed. You should also arrange timely inspections and services by professional floor polishing Melbourne companies.
Prestige Floors has been a popular name in the floor sanding and polishing industry for years. Whether you have residential or commercial property, you can rely on us to make your flooring look as good as new. Schedule our services today and welcome the charm of polished travertine floors!