TRAVERTINE CLEANING & POLISHING

Travertine Cleaning

travertine cleaning

Travertine comes in many interesting finishes; polished, honed, antiqued/brushed (pictured), saw cut, filled and unfilled. These finishes, which are easily produced in the factory, can present some challenges in the field.

For instance, polishing an unfilled travertine floor without polishing compounds which would get embedded into the crevices, or removing scratches from an antiqued finished travertine without changing the original wavy texture. Even just removing scratches on a honed finish travertine and blending to match the original finish so there is no “halo” around the repair is an art. These are all techniques we have mastered and some of the many areas that we can produce results unique to the industry. Some of these finishes, particularly the “antiqued travertine” or “leather” finishes, we have been servicing for years and have our own custom tooling which we made specifically for these tasks.

A contractor cleaning Travertine tile

Travertine Cleaning

Here our method for travertine cleaning is similar to our limestone cleaning because the stone types are so similar. With travertine cleaning, however, the cavities in can become clogged with grime and soils and cannot be scrubbed away. Therefore, we also employ a unique cleaning system that allows us to use pressure stone cleaning equipment without the worry of any overspray so it is safe to use indoors.

travertine cleaning

Travertine Polishing

Twenty years ago what you would usually see is polished travertine and it was rare to see anything other than that. The opposite is true today and polished finishes are rarely seen.

It should not be assumed that all mottled and rustic looking travertine is below standard and therefore needs polishing. Travertine is supposed to look that way and this is why people like it. However, honed travertine can be easily converted to polished travertine if the client so desires. We are experts in travertine polishing.

We use our primary rule of thumb is “consistency is king” and as long as a floor looks consistent it is appropriate. Then it just comes down to a clients desire, making them feel good in their space.