Not only are missing fill holes in travertine unsightly, but they can also lead to more significant problems over time. When your travertine loses fill, the area immediately around the hole is no longer 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 ensure that you are aware of any loss of fill that occurs.
There are three processes for repairing loss of travertine fill: 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 cleanup. Grouting is not recommended due to the fact that 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 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 make professional quality repairs. To learn more about our travertine filler kit, 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 paddles provided in your kit. Continue 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 the desired consistency is reached.
IMPORTANT: Continue mixing the product until completely smooth and all air bubbles have disappeared. You will now have 15-20 minutes to use the product before it begins to set to the point where it can no longer be used.
IMPORTANT: IF THE PRODUCT IS TAXED TO THE POINT OF DIFFICULT TO USE, 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, scoop up a small amount of TraverFill mix and completely fill holes with TraverFill mix. Work the mixture by pressing down firmly several times until all the air is forced 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 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 have a very smooth appearance.
5.) Moisten the sponge provided with the kit and use it to clean large amounts of debris from the stone. IMPORTANT: Do not clean the filled holes with the sponge. Doing so will remove the uncured TraverFill mix 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 absorbed excessive amounts of moisture from the TraverFill mix), simply repeat steps 2-5 with a new batch of Traver Fill 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.