⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ AUSTRALIA’S LARGEST RANGE OF NATURAL STONE PAVERS ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ AUSTRALIA’S LARGEST RANGE OF NATURAL STONE PAVERS ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
A guide to filling holes in filled travertine tiles (Cream, White, Silver) for indoor flooring, using color-matched sanded grout or factory-style epoxy resin filler, tailored for Melbourne homeowners.
Sanded grout (e.g., Custom Polyblend Bone for Cream/White, Linen for Silver)
Mapei Fugolastic (optional, for enhanced hardness)
Grout float, sponge, disposable gloves, mixing bowl, plastic spoon
pH-neutral cleaner, microfiber cloth, vacuum
Masking tape, knee pads
Rockstar Natural Finish Stone Sealer (for post-repair sealing)
Epoxy filler (e.g., Tenax Travertine Filler Buff, BonStone TravFill, or Jolly Straw)
Hardener (included with filler)
Coloring tint (e.g., Tenax Cement Gray for Silver travertine)
Acetone, putty knife, razor blade, old credit card, disposable gloves
Masking tape, toothbrush, mixing surface (e.g., spare tile or parchment paper)
Emery paper (optional, for sanding)
Rockstar Natural Finish Stone Sealer (for post-repair sealing)
Sanded grout is a cost-effective, DIY-friendly option for filling small holes in travertine tiles, though the texture may be slightly coarser than the smooth factory finish.
Clean the Holes:
Vacuum dust and debris from holes.
Scrub with a pH-neutral cleaner using a toothbrush, then dry with a microfiber cloth. Ensure the hole is completely dry (wait 24 hours if needed).
Optionally, use acetone to remove oily residues for better adhesion.
Prepare the Area:
Apply masking tape around holes to protect surrounding tile surfaces.
Wear gloves and use knee pads for comfort.
Mix the Grout:
In a disposable bowl, mix 1–3 teaspoons of sanded grout (e.g., Bone for Cream/White, Linen for Silver) with a small amount of water or Mapei Fugolastic to a thick custard consistency.
Let the grout slake (rest) for 5 minutes, then remix without adding more liquid to restore workability.
Apply the Grout:
Use a grout float or gloved finger to press grout into holes, ensuring no air pockets. For larger holes, apply in layers, letting each layer set for 10–15 minutes.
Smooth the surface with the back of a spoon or decorating knife. Don’t overwork the smoothing at this stage.
Clean Excess Grout:
After 5–10 minutes, when grout residue around the hole starts to dry, use a damp sponge to gently wipe excess grout and smooth the repair. Avoid pressing too hard to prevent recessing the grout.
Remove masking tape before the grout fully sets.
After 24 hours, wipe away any grout haze with a dry microfiber cloth and vacuum residue.
Seal the Repair:
Wait 72 hours for the grout to cure, then apply Rockstar Natural Finish Stone Sealer with a lambswool applicator to protect the porous grout from stains. Ensure the sealer beads water after 30 seconds to confirm effectiveness.
Epoxy resin fillers mimic the smooth, durable finish of factory-filled travertine, ideal for a professional look in high-traffic indoor areas.
Clean the Holes:
Vacuum dust from holes, then clean with acetone using a toothbrush to remove oils and debris. Ensure the hole is dry (wait 24 hours if cleaned with water).
Use a small screwdriver to gently clear stubborn debris, then vacuum again.
Prepare the Area:
Apply masking tape around holes to minimize cleanup.
Wear gloves to protect skin from acetone and resin.
Mix the Epoxy Filler:
On a flat, non-porous surface (e.g., spare tile or parchment paper), mix a small batch of epoxy filler (e.g., Tenax Buff or Jolly Straw) with 2–3% hardener (follow manufacturer’s ratio, typically a thin line of hardener).
For Silver travertine, add a drop of Cement Gray tint to match grey-beige veining; for Cream/White, use buff or straw as-is. Mix thoroughly before adding hardener.
Work quickly, as epoxy sets in 5–10 minutes.
Apply the Filler:
Use a putty knife or old credit card to apply filler, pressing it into the hole to avoid air pockets. Apply slight excess to account for shrinkage.
Scrape the filler flush with the tile surface using the putty knife, spreading in two directions for larger holes.
For multiple holes, mix small batches to prevent hardening.
Clean Excess Filler:
Immediately use a razor blade to gently scrape excess filler from the tile surface, before it sets (within 5 minutes).
Remove masking tape carefully before the filler hardens.
Clean any residue with acetone and a cloth, ensuring not to disturb the filled hole.
After 15–30 minutes, when the filler is semi-hard, use a razor blade to trim any excess for a flush finish.
Optionally, after 24 hours, lightly sand with emery paper for a perfectly smooth, honed finish matching the P3-rated surface.
Cure and Seal:
Allow the filler to cure for 24 hours. The epoxy does not require sealing, but for consistency, apply Rockstar Natural Finish Stone Sealer across the entire floor to protect the travertine and maintain its natural color.
Color Matching: Test grout or epoxy on a spare tile or inconspicuous area. For grout, choose a shade slightly lighter (e.g., Bone for Cream) to blend with travertine’s natural variations. For epoxy, tint carefully to match veining.
Surface Finish: For filled travertine’s smooth, honed finish, epoxy is superior for texture matching. Sanded grout may appear slightly recessed or textured.
Maintenance: Clean repaired tiles with a pH-neutral cleaner (e.g., TASMAM STONESHIELD) and re-seal every 2–3 years with Rockstar Natural Finish Stone Sealer to preserve the P3 slip rating and aesthetic.
Professional Help: For numerous holes or a flawless factory-like finish, consider hiring a stone restoration professional, as they can grind and polish the surface post-filling for seamless results.
Web information on travertine repair (e.g., tilecleaningagents.co.uk, tilecleaning.org, cheshire-cleaning.com, lustroitaliano.com, amazon.com) for epoxy and grout methods.
Rockstar Sealing (https://rockstarsealing.com.au) for sealing recommendations.
Stone Pavers Australia (https://stone-pavers.com.au/travertine-tiles/) for travertine characteristics.
