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Polished
granite is highly
reflective and all
of the color, depth,
and crystal
structure is brought
out. By polishing
granite, the surface
pores become sealed,
making the stone
nearly impervious to
weather and chemical
wear.
Unfilled travertine
stone is also quite
beautiful, and is
often seen as
exterior surfaces of
buildings.
Travertine stones
result from hot
spring water
penetrating up
through underground
limestone. When the
water evaporates, it
leaves behind layers
of dissolved
limestone and other
minerals, giving it
its banded
appearance.
Travertine stones
are generally
light-colored beiges
and tans.
The finest and
smoothest finish
available in stone
characterised by a
high lustre (gloss)
and strong
reflection of
incident light,
generally only
possible on hard,
dense materials.
Just as with marbles
and polished
limestone,
travertine is
normally only used
for special
applications such as
bathroom and kitchen
flooring. In this
case, protection is
assured by the use
of special water-
and oil-repelling
products which
protect the surface
without generally
changing its look.
After application of
these products, a
surface residue can
crop up. This must
be removed after
drying, from four to
24 hours after
treatment according
to the type of
solvent used in the
protective product.
The same type of
treatment can be
applied when
polished travertine
is used in
non-walkover areas
such as: vanity
tops, cooktops,
thresholds, etc.
A polished
travertine surface
can be stained in a
variety of ways,
especially if not
treated. Note that
in many instances --
as with marble and
polished limestone
in general -- these
defects will not be
penetrating stains,
but rather surface
opacity, which looks
like a stain at
first glance.
Depending on the
degree of factory
polishing, the look
and feel vary from
non-reflective and a
"warm/soft" touch to
a high reflectivity
and harder feeling
finish. See the page
on polished marble
for more information
on the highly
polished stones.
Polished travertine:
The holes and
crevices are not
polished, therefore,
they will be a
little more
absorbent than the
polished areas. Pick
the sealer for the
less absorbent areas
so you do not have
more gloss than
desired.
Some travertine is
polished to a high,
reflective finish. A
highly polished
stone finish has
unique criteria that
limit choices in
sealing.
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