Travertine etching

[Justin G]

Surprisingly Google doesn't seem to be providing me with quite a simple and I would imagine common problem!

How do you remove etching from Honed (not polished) Travertine? The etching was caused by a spillage of chemical cleaner on a bathroom floor, resulting in a dull patch (not stained).

I've found one product - Aldon Fine Stone Restoration but it only seems to be available in the States?

 

[Concrete guy]

It needs mechanically repolishing, there isn't a chemical solution.

As you've correctly pointed out, the surface has been etched.

If it were a dent or mark in a piece of wood you'd sand it out, well travertine is no different, but rather than sandpaper you use either silicon carbide discs or diamond pads.

For a honed product you'd probably need the following grits in silicon carbide discs assuming the damage isn't deep.

P-120
P-220
P-320

Maybe P-400 depending on the degree of honing of the original product.

The pads above need to be used in conjunction with a backer pad on a variable speed grinder or polisher at a target speed of 1500 to 3000 rpm.

We have known these pads to be used on orbital sanders for smaller areas.

The only variable with travertine is the filler, sometimes it just doesn't take a finish to the same degree as the stone, but other than that it's quite straightforward.

 

[Lithofin BOB]

As well as above , you could try honing powders, used to use these on some stones , think stone tech used to have them , sure there may be even a small kit for a one off tile. Used several grit grades to remove scratching or etching and then finishing. 20 years since I used them but still may be avalible.

 

[Tile seller]

What are they sealed with?