Ugly holes in your travertine? Fix them as easy as 1-2-3!
Not only are missing filler holes in travertine unsightly, but they can also lead to larger problems over time. When your travertine loses fill, the area immediately around the hole is no longer physically supported and becomes much more susceptible to further damage. Also, the hole left by the missing filler will absorb water, cleaning solution, dirt, or anything else that falls into it. This will eventually result in spalling, microbial growth and internal damage to the stone. With this in mind, it is important to make sure you are aware of any fill loss that occurs.
There are three processes to repair travertine fill loss: epoxy/polyester resins, unsanded grout, and water-activated vinyl adhesives. Epoxy/polyester resins are generally not recommended for home use. They are toxic, difficult to work with, and require toxic and flammable solvents for cleaning. Grouting is not recommended due to the fact that repairs simply do not last. We strongly recommend the use of water activated vinyl decals. They are non-toxic, non-flammable, easy to use and durable.
If you don’t have access to a water-activated vinyl product, we have a great kit for sale that contains everything you need to do professional-quality repairs. For more information on our travertine infill kit, please visit us at the links provided in the resource box, below.
Before following the repair instructions below, make sure your travertine is clean and dry.
1.) Fill one of the mixing cups 1/2 to 2/3 full with TravelFill Powder.
2.) Add a SMALL amount of water and mix with one of the mixing sticks provided in your kit. Keep adding water until the mixture reaches the consistency of peanut butter. If you accidentally add too much water, simply add a small amount of TravelFill until you reach the desired consistency.
IMPORTANT: Continue mixing product until completely smooth and all air bubbles are gone. You will now have 15-20 minutes to use the product before it begins to set to the point where it is no longer usable.
IMPORTANT: IF THE PRODUCT BECOMES TO THE DIFFICULT TO USE POINT, DO NOT ADD MORE WATER. ADDING MORE WATER AFTER THE INITIAL MIX WILL CHEMICALLY WEAKEN THE MIX AND YOUR FILLS WILL FAIL. MIX A NEW BATCH!
3.) Using one of the mixing sticks provided in your kit, take a small amount of the TraverFill mix and completely fill the holes with the TraverFill mix. Work the mixture by pressing down firmly several times until all the air comes out of the holes and they are completely filled.
Pro Tip: When filling small, deep holes, use a toothpick in a circular motion inside the hole to help release any trapped air as you add the filler.
4.) Holding one of the mixing rods at a 45 degree angle against the stone, GENTLY pull the mixing rod toward you to remove excess Traverfill from the surface of the hole.
The surface of the filled hole should now be flush with the surface of the stone and very smooth in appearance.
5.) Moisten the sponge provided with the kit and use it to clean large amounts of residue from the stone. IMPORTANT: Do not clean the filled holes with the sponge. Doing so will remove uncured TraverFill mixture from the holes!
6.) After 2 hours, inspect the filled holes to see if they have sunk. If the TraverFill mix has “sunk” into the holes (sometimes this happens if there was still air in the holes or the stone has absorbed excessive amounts of moisture from the TraverFill mix), simply repeat steps 2-5 with a new batch of TraverFill mix.
7.) Allow the mixture to cure in the holes for 24 hours. Remove any remaining residue on the stone with the dampened sponge. It is now safe to use the sponge on filled areas.