Travertine is closely related to marble and limestone.
Travertine tile is a type of stone that is basically a step between limestone and marble; it is formed when rock undergoes more pressure than limestone but less pressure than marble. Travertine's coloring leads to nicknames such as Mexican onyx or onyx marble. The stone is hard but porous, and if unsealed it will easily attract stains. If you want to change the look of your travertine floor or cover up old stains, painting over the tiles will help.
Instructions
1. Remove all furniture from the floor. Ventilate the room by opening windows or running exhaust fans. Paint produces strong fumes that can be harmful if inhaled for too long.
2. Wipe down your travertine tiles with a rag dampened in mineral spirits. This will eliminate all dirt and dust, and will also cut through any grease, wax or oil buildup on the floor. These buildups can occur as a result of cooking or eating in the same room as the floor.
3. Rinse the surface with a rag dampened in clean water. Allow the travertine to dry.
4. Start in the far corner of the room from the entrance so that you cannot paint yourself into a corner. Block off any other entrances to room so that no one walks on the wet paint.
5. Prime the travertine tiles with a base coat of latex or shellac paint. Choose a color that matches or is close to the color you want for your top coat, so that it will not show through. Use a foam roller to spread a thin layer of the paint over the surface, applying an even coat with no roller marks. The roller marks will show through your final coat, so work slowly and methodically to ensure the best look. Prime the entire floor and allow the primer to dry.
6. Top the primer with an oil-based paint or glaze, depending on the look you want. Glaze will give the travertine a shinier finish. Use the same method that you used with the base coat to achieve a smooth, even layer with no roller marks. Paint on a thin layer only; multiple thin coats are better than one thick coat. Allow the first coat to dry.
7. Inspect the surface for gaps, marks and overall appearance. Apply touch-ups as necessary, or apply a full second coat if required by your chosen paint product or to achieve a darker color. When you have applied all coats, allow the final coat to dry for 24 hours before allowing foot traffic and returning the furniture.
