How to Fill and Repair Gaps in Travertine Flooring with Resin Filler

 

Holes and cracks in Travertine floor tiles can be filled and repaired.

 

How to Fill and Repair Gaps in Travertine Flooring with Resin Filler

Travertine floor tiles are available in both filled and unfilled configurations. For a more natural appearance, the unfilled variety leaves any gaps exposed. The filled variation includes larger indentations and holes that are filled during production. The following article explains how to patch holes in Travertine flooring. 

 

We clean and seal Travertine floors for a range of clients. One of the most common client concerns is that holes have broken through or that some holes are prone to filling with dirt, resulting in an unsightly floor.

 

Travertine is naturally packed with varied sized bubbles or holes. A pocket or bubble beneath the surface may occasionally break due to the pressure of furniture or foot activity. Travertine floors are often fairly uneven with an honed or matt surface, whereas Limestone floors are commonly smooth or polished.

 

There are several ways for filling and restoring Travertine floor tiles. In this piece, I'll go through the best approach for permanently mending and filling them. Replacing damaged Travertine floor tiles is not only time consuming and expensive; it may also be difficult to match the new tiles to the old. Filling holes in Limestone and Travertine flooring is the same method; however, because Limestone has a polished flat finish, it may be preferred to have the filler flush with the tile surface.

 

There are several methods for filling holes in Travertine. The most durable solution is to use epoxy resin, which hardens to the consistency of nails and is unaffected by traffic or furniture. The component that we utilise is resin filler. It comes in the shape of a filler can and a smaller hardener tube.

 

To begin, make sure the floor is totally dry, since the filler may not adhere to a wet surface. Sealing the floor after filling the gaps is recommended since the filler may not bond with a newly sealed floor. If the floor was recently sealed, it is best to wait a few weeks before filling to allow the seal to cure and dry.

 

You will need the following items for repairing travertine

 

Epoxy resin floor filler. Acetone is used to clean the holes (available from chemist or ebay or nail varnish remover). An old credit card or a spreader applicator will suffice. A strong card is necessary to mix the filler. Trim the filler flush with a sharp blade or razor blade. Gloves that can be thrown away. A shabby toothbrush. Use a sharp object to clean up the holes. Sandpaper with grits ranging from 60 to 1000 to smooth the stone to an honed or polished finish. Tape for masking. Knee pads or a kneeling pad, especially if there are several holes to fill.

 

Prior to preparation, clean the holes.

Clean up any holes or damaged areas using acetone. Remove the acetone-filled cap with an old tooth brush and a sharp tool or tiny screw driver. Any oil-based material will be totally dissolved. Using a vacuum cleaner, remove any dust.

Cover the stone that surrounds the hole with masking tape. This will protect the surrounding stone from resin residue.

 

Making the resin

This resin comes in a straw colour that goes well with most travertine flooring. If you need to tint the resin to match the colour of the floor, you may need to use a resin dye. If you feel the colour of the filler is unsuitable or stands out too much, you may want to consider adding some colour.

 

When experimenting with a new colour, start with a little quantity and gradually add it to the filler paste until the desired shade is achieved. The hardener should then be added before filling the hole.

 

Prepare your filler stuff on an old piece of cardboard. Follow the instructions. It proposes using 3% hardener, although this is incredibly difficult to predict or even define. As a matter of thumb, for every golf-ball-sized resin, we use a pea-sized dab of hardener. If the right amount is measured, it usually sets in 5 to 10 minutes, so start with little amounts at first to get acclimated to it. Use a very small amount from the tube and avoid overdoing it since it will gradually set. You'll just have to act faster if you apply too much hardener!

 

Repairing travertine holes

Spread the filler into the hole in two directions, taking care to avoid any bubbles or voids. Many applications of filler may be required to fill larger gaps in Travertine. Check that the filler is flush with the surface, but don't be concerned if it rests on top of the tape; it can be trimmed off later.

As the resin begins to firm, remove the masking tape. The filler may now be easily cut with a sharp blade. After the resin has completely cured, sand the filler to your liking using emery paper.