[bhollehday]

So im getting a mix of both sides. I have read not to seal travertine stone on a shower wall, as since its nearly impossible to completely seal the stone (holes and pits) and grout, water will get behind it and have less chance getting out.

Should I at least seal the stone for the niche and corner shelves?

 

[oh'mike]

Yes---seal the stone--yes,yes,yes---and yes again--if you don't you will have a devil of a time with the soap scum turning black.

 

[joecaption]

That would have been one of the last types of tiles I would have chosen for a shower.
As mentioned to soft and full of pores.
Seal, two coats.

 

[bhollehday]

Yes---seal the stone--yes,yes,yes---and yes again--if you don't you will have a devil of a time with the soap scum turning black.

That was my feeling too but then i read this:

http://www.countertopspecialty.com/sealing-travertine-tile-showers.html

and had me thinkin. Wanted to see if anyone would agree with that article then and the "decomposition of the stone" or to "Never seal in a wet environment"?

Thanks

 

[JazMan]

You need to seal the stone, I agree. Your choice is penetrating sealer or a stone enhancer, depends on the look you want. Both of these types of sealers allow moisture to invade and also escape as they are "breathable". If you used a topical sealer, (usually acrylic), the finish might peel off since it seals the stone and grout completely. You do not want to seal the stone completely. I know it sounds counterintuitive, but you don't...trust me.

Find a couple of possibilities then post again for more advice.

Jaz

 

[bhollehday]

You need to seal the stone, I agree. Your choice is penetrating sealer or a stone enhancer, depends on the look you want. Both of these types of sealers allow moisture to invade and also escape as they are "breathable". If you used a topical sealer, (usually acrylic), the finish might peel off since it seals the stone and grout completely. You do not want to seal the stone completely. I know it sounds counterintuitive, but you don't...trust me.

Find a couple of possibilities then post again for more advice.

Jaz

What category does Tenax Proseal fall under? Is that a good choice for the travertine Ive got? I should have enough layin around to seal the travertine up..

Well im going to go wipe down the stone with some simple green so i can let it dry and seal it in the next couple of days.

 

[JazMan]

Tenax seem to make a complete line of sealers and I'd need specific description of what you've got. Do you have an exact name or #. What did you use it for? Is it new, old? Is this the one?

https://www.tenax4you.com/Proseal-Premium-Granite-Stone-Sealer-1-Liter-p/1mtproseal.htm

Jaz

 

[ChiTownPro]

As the others have said, seal it. It's natural stone and will stain, discolor and promote mold, mildew and bacteria growth.

 

[bhollehday]

Yes that's it. Tenax proseal. No it's not that old.

 

[bhollehday]

Tenax seem to make a complete line of sealers and I'd need specific description of what you've got. Do you have an exact name or #. What did you use it for? Is it new, old? Is this the one?

https://www.tenax4you.com/Proseal-Premium-Granite-Stone-Sealer-1-Liter-p/1mtproseal.htm

Jaz

Yes that's it. Tenax proseal. No it's not that old, used it on my granite counter tops. Will that be a good option?

 

[JazMan]

It's the right type and if their claims are even half right it's a great sealer for your travertine shower.

Jaz

 

[bhollehday]

It's the right type and if their claims are even half right it's a great sealer for your travertine shower.

Jaz

So earlier you mention not to seal the stone completely. Were you referring to if I use an acrylic sealer? So I'm going to go home and apply proseal top to bottom of the stone. Correct me if I'm wrong.

Thanks

 

[JazMan]

What I meant was you never want to use a sealer that is topical cuz when moisture finds its way behind the tiles it'll naturally want to evaporate, which could make the topical sealer peel. So, I meant that a topical sealer which is acrylic, will seal completely, (kinda like varnish) and is not appropriate. You want a sealer that breathes so vapor can evaporate.

Apply several thin coats of that sealer as directed. It sounds like it's an excellent product. They claim it's better than Miracle's 511 Impregnator, and that's saying something.

Jaz

 

[Druidia]

I have honed travertine tiles in my shower. They've been there for 13 years now. They get cleaned weekly with dilute Dawn dish detergent. Every few years, I clean them with a stone cleaner then apply a stone sealer enhancer. It's mainly because I want the tiles and grout darker, not for sealing. Sometimes, I apply the enhancer on just the grout lines with an artist's brush.

They don't have black soap scum marks. If you want easy cleaning and maintenance, stick to body wash. Don't use bar soaps obviously because bars have hardeners that get suspended in water and gets sprayed all over your tiles when you take a shower. That's your soap scum.