Not only are missing fill holes in travertine unsightly, they can also lead to more significant problems over time. When your travertine loses fill, the area immediately around the hole no longer has physical support and becomes much more susceptible to further damage. Additionally, the hole left by the missing fill will take on water, cleaning solution, dirt, or whatever else 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 ensure you stay on top of any fill loss that occurs.
There are three processes for repairing travertine fill loss: epoxy / polyester resins, non-sanded grout, and water-activated vinyl adhesives. Epoxy / polyester resins are generally not recommended for homeowner use. They are toxic, difficult to work with, and require toxic and flammable solvents for clean up. Grout is not recommended due to the fact the repairs just don’t last. We strongly recommend the use of water activated vinyl adhesives. They are non-toxic, non-flammable, easy to use, and long lasting.
If you do not have access to a water-activated vinyl product, we have an excellent kit for sale that contains everything you need to perform professional quality repairs. To learn more about our Travertine Filler Kit, visit us at links provided in the Resource Box, below.
Before following the repair instructions below, ensure your travertine is clean and dry.
1.) Fill one of the mixing cups between 1/2 and 2/3 full of TraverFill Powder.
2.) Add a SMALL amount of water and mix with one of the mixing sticks provided in your kit. Continue adding water until the mixture reaches the consistency of peanut butter. If you accidentally add too much water, just add a small amount of TraverFill until the desired consistency is reached.
IMPORTANT: Continue to mix the product until it is completely smooth and all air bubbles are worked out. You will now have 15-20 minutes to use the product before it begins to set up to the point it is no longer usable.
IMPORTANT: IF THE PRODUCT SETS UP TO THE POINT IT IS DIFFICULT TO USE, DO NOT ADD MORE WATER. ADDING MORE WATER AFTER THE INITIAL MIX WILL CHEMICALLY WEAKEN THE MIXTURE 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 pack the holes full of TraverFill mixture. Work the mixture by pressing down firmly several times until all the air is forced out of the holes and they are completely filled.
ProTip: When filling small, deep holes, use a toothpick in a circular motion inside the hole to help release trapped air as you add fill.
4.) Holding one of the mixing sticks at a 45 degree angle against the stone, GENTLY pull the stick 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 wipe any large amounts of residue off the stone. IMPORTANT: Do not wipe the filled holes with the sponge. Doing so will remove the uncured TraverFill mixture from the holes!
6.) After 2 hours, inspect the filled holes for any sinkage. If the TraverFill mixture has “sunk” in the holes (sometimes happens if air was still present in the holes or the stone drew excessive amounts of moisture from the TraverFill mix), simply repeat Items 2-5 with a new batch of TraverFill mixture.
7.) Allow the mixture to cure in the holes for 24 hours. Remove any remaining residue on the stone with the moistened sponge. It is now safe to use the sponge in filled areas.