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Travertine tile is a natural material that has unique features that no other stone can offer. Travertine is the result of the evaporation of mineral water around hot springs or geysers. Water seeping upward through limestone layers in the earth picks up trace minerals and dissolved limestone.

Travertine contains lots of holes that were formed from sulphur bubbles eating away at the stone. These holes are often filled with synthetic resins or cements that usually do not polish very well, often causing polished Travertine to look inconsistent in appearance. It requires more maintenance when the holes are not filled (called cross cut). Classified as a limestone and a marble, some forms of Travertine can be polished and others cannot. It is usually in a cream or reddish color.

RESTORATION
Many natural stones are delicate and often lack long-term endurance. If a stone consumer is not pleased with the appearance of their stone due to heavy wear or improper maintenance procedures, Artisan Surface Systems®, a division of Wilson Building Maintenance, Inc., will design a restoration program for the consumer.


	The vitrification liquid is applied to the stone with steel wool pads. Following its application, a conditioner is applied to further improve the reflectivity created by the vitrification and also improve the slip and soil resistance. Artisan’s vitrification process will allow the stone to continue to “breathe” and not trap moisture into or below the stone which would cause damage over time. This process also extends the time span before restoration would be required.
	Diamond grinding is necessary to remove and flatten the lippage from uneven tiles and to remove deep surface scratches. This is completed with a 30, 70 and 120 grit diamond. The marks of the previous grit are removed by the consecutive use of the next higher grit.
	Honing is accomplished with a 220 and 400 grit diamond. Honing entails smoothing out the ground surface, thus leaving the stone without a reflection or shine.
	Polishing requires the use of 600, 800, 1800 and even 3500 grit diamonds. They brighten the surface by polishing the crystals, which also increases the reflectivity. The higher the grit, the higher the shine. It is imperative to use all of the diamonds in succession. Each diamond is designed to work after the previous one.