Travertine pits

[Muse2k8]

Call from a potential customer. She wants travertine but doesn't want the pits etc filled when I grout it. I tried to explain a bit about grout staining etc etc and that it's not advised but she's adamant they are left open.

Any options available without the grout bag route?

Am I the only one who fills the pits or is it normal to do that?


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I am here: http://maps.google.com/maps?ll=55.983274,-3.224386

 

[Ian]

Re: Travertine pits...

Where are the tiles being fitted, not in a wet area presumably?

 

[DHTiling]

Re: Travertine pits...

I always advise they are grouted, this prevents grub and crap getting in and is also more hygienic..

 

[nybor62]

i all ways grout them in, and have never been asked not to

 

[Muse2k8]

Nah not in a wet area. She likes the idea of a colour enhancing sealer and all that stuff but she wants the natural pitted look to remain.

When I go around I'll have to have a wee chat about why it's best to fill them. But at the end of the day the customer knows best... Erm...


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I am here: http://maps.google.com/maps?ll=55.983249,-3.224428

 

[White Room]

I allways fill....

 

[DHTiling]

Nah not in a wet area. She likes the idea of a colour enhancing sealer and all that stuff but she wants the natural pitted look to remain.

When I go around I'll have to have a wee chat about why it's best to fill them. But at the end of the day the customer knows best... Erm...


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I am here: Google Maps

The thing is though, you cannot keep the pits at the grout lines empty..? so it will look odd anyway, as the grou lines w ill be full and so will any pits near the grout edge ..

Customers.. you just gotta love em :lol:

 

[Muse2k8]

They never fail to amaze me


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I am here: http://maps.google.com/maps?ll=55.983343,-3.224497

 

[Piatro]

Hi Muse.

I'm selling and installing natural stones. On big size tiles you can avoid to fill the pits. Also surface finishing is important (honed or tumbled). On tumbled travertines, it is true that material loses some prior effect and beauty after filling and grouting. I've heard one way but i didn't apply yet to leave the pits empty. You apply hard soap on surface and fill the tips with it before grouting. After completion of grouting, you wash the surface enough well to sweep away the soap from the tips. Hope it helps.

 

[Piatro]

Hi Muse.

I'm selling and installing natural stones. On big size tiles you can avoid to fill the pits. Also surface finishing is important (honed or tumbled). On tumbled travertines, it is true that material loses some prior effect and beauty after filling and grouting. I've heard one way but i didn't apply yet to leave the pits empty. You apply hard soap on surface and fill the tips with it before grouting. After completion of grouting, you wash the surface enough well to sweep away the soap from the tips. Hope it helps.

 

[Muse2k8]

I would be worried about the barrier that would create between the joins though... And the tiles are only 100x100!

 

[Piatro]

I would be worried about the barrier that would create between the joins though... And the tiles are only 100x100!

It needs extra time and cost. If the customer is ok, you can go ahead. If you worry about the result, you can do a demo with a few tiles before and ask customer's approval. These are antique tiles, i think. Good luck!

 

[nybor62]

Hi Muse.

I'm selling and installing natural stones. On big size tiles you can avoid to fill the pits. Also surface finishing is important (honed or tumbled). On tumbled travertines, it is true that material loses some prior effect and beauty after filling and grouting. I've heard one way but i didn't apply yet to leave the pits empty. You apply hard soap on surface and fill the tips with it before grouting. After completion of grouting, you wash the surface enough well to sweep away the soap from the tips. Hope it helps.

any soap i like nivea

 

[Muse2k8]

any soap i like nivea

Imperial Leather


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I am here: http://maps.google.com/maps?ll=55.983292,-3.224488

 

[Muse2k8]

any soap i like nivea

Or maybe Dove... It's pH neutral

 

[Piatro]

Yes, those are good for your self-satisfaction. What about solution?

 

[Muse2k8]

Doesn't look like I'm getting the job so no worries some schmuck must have just said aye nae bother lass