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Travetine Tile Question

JoeArchitect | Posted in General Discussion on December 21, 2006 08:21am

I’ve had a travatine tile floor in my kitchen for the last 3 years. I did seal the floor after installation. I’ve noticed on a couple of tiles, small recess specs where it seems that some kind of tile filler has come out. The most of the ones which I notice but can I hardly see are pin head size (round and depth). There is one that is about and 1/8″ +/- (round and depth). Is there a filler that I can purchase somewhere to infill these spots?

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  1. PhoenixWeasel | Dec 21, 2006 08:41pm | #1

    This is amazing! I just registered to post to the forums after years of being a subscriber to ask this very same question.

    However, whereas JoeArchitect describes very small holes, I have very large ones. Some are several inches in length/width and nearly the full depth of the tile. Several are in spots that are becoming eyesores.

    They're all over the floor (everything except the bedrooms are tiled), so replacing the entire tile would be pretty much a full tearout.

    Its obvious these areas were filled originally, so a filler product must exist.

  2. User avater
    CapnMac | Dec 21, 2006 11:32pm | #2

    Posting photos will be of immense help here, I'm thinking. 

    Especially if there is any confusion at all in terrazzo versus travertine--the fix for one will be different from the other.

    Given the surface texture of travertine, I can imagine where it might collect grout inadvertently; but not necessarily filler per se.

    But, I try to not even play tile guru on the 'net--can't abide grouting <g>

     

    Occupational hazard of my occupation not being around (sorry Bubba)
  3. FastEddie | Dec 22, 2006 01:08am | #3

    Most travertine tile comes either filled, or unfilled.  It is quaried and cut into tiles with naturally ocurring fissures ... that's what makes it travertine.  Soem styles get filled at the factory and ground smooth.  Others are installed with pinholes and fissures of various sizes.  usually the grout fills them just like a joint line.  If the grout is sanded, it might not fill the smallest holes.  Getting a second layer of grout to adhere to the first layer is usually a lost cause.  But you could try to fill the holes with unsanded grout.

     

     

    "When asked if you can do something, tell'em "Why certainly I can", then get busy and find a way to do it."  T. Roosevelt

  4. FastEddie | Dec 23, 2006 05:33am | #4

    Well, yeah, it's like either you're pregnant or you're not. 

     

    "When asked if you can do something, tell'em "Why certainly I can", then get busy and find a way to do it."  T. Roosevelt

  5. JoeArchitect | Dec 26, 2006 04:27pm | #5

    I checked JohnBridge.com and got some suggestions regarding non-sand fillers, etc. These type of fillers are said to be available at HD and tile outlets. I'll check these out and will get back to all. Thanks for the info regarding the  JohnBridge.com.

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