Hello! I'm new to the forum. I just had walnut travertine installed as decking around my pool. When shaded, it's a beautiful color. But when the sun hits it, it's so bright it's blinding. The travertine has been cleaned multiple times and not sealed yet. My contractor still needs to put an impregnating sealer on it and I'm getting mixed reviews as to if that will darken it at all (which I want). Was also looking at penetrating enhancers, which claim to bring out more of the color of the stone and possibly darkening it. My contractor is concerned a penetrating enhancer will make it slippery when wet. Any advice on what to use/brand you recommend to possibly make the travertine not so bright? To darken it and not make it slippery?
Bright travertine
- Thread starter Wileyj
- Start date
Welcome, Wiley, to TFP! 
I have the Noche travertine which is a light medium color. If I remember, walnut is lighter. I lived with mine unsealed for almost 2 years before deciding to seal it with an enhancer sealer. We put down just 1 coat. I love the results for highlighting the colors and patterns. A wet deck should give you a feel for what it will look like with an enhancer. It's only been a few months, but it beads up beautifully. Probably next year, we'll do 2 coats if it needs another application.
I was concerned about it being more slippery - I'm old and don't want to fall! Lol!!! I can't tell a difference between before and after. I did not add anything for grip. I've heard mixed reviews on those additives. It's definitely not as 'grippy' as exposed aggregate or rougher concrete pavers. I rarely have children around to share any experience with kids running, etc. You can do a search for TFP posts about grippers (and anything) in the search bar at the top of this page. Also, search on Google.
This is what I used. I liked the reviews, and a member on TFP had used it with good results. It was easy to apply and went far. Aqua Mix Enrich N Seal.
Custom Building Products Aqua Mix Enrich Seal 24 oz. Penetrating Sealer-AMES24Z - The Home Depot
Dry Treat is probably the best stone sealer out there. You have to add an enhancer to it - I'm not sure how that works. It's expensive but has a great warranty. I couldn't afford to use the certified technicians to get the warranty. Also, they want a 21 day cure time, which I don't have.
I have before and after pictures of my travertine on some post, but I can't remember which thread. I still haven't recovered from the PhotoBucket mess, so I can't post pictures. If I find them, I will send you the link.
Take care,
Suz
- - - Updated - - -
Never mind.... I just realized even if I could find the post, the photo links are broken and won't show! Duh...... Sorry. You can find before and after pictures across the internet. I was trying to give you a 'real live' example.
I have the Noche travertine which is a light medium color. If I remember, walnut is lighter. I lived with mine unsealed for almost 2 years before deciding to seal it with an enhancer sealer. We put down just 1 coat. I love the results for highlighting the colors and patterns. A wet deck should give you a feel for what it will look like with an enhancer. It's only been a few months, but it beads up beautifully. Probably next year, we'll do 2 coats if it needs another application.
I was concerned about it being more slippery - I'm old and don't want to fall! Lol!!! I can't tell a difference between before and after. I did not add anything for grip. I've heard mixed reviews on those additives. It's definitely not as 'grippy' as exposed aggregate or rougher concrete pavers. I rarely have children around to share any experience with kids running, etc. You can do a search for TFP posts about grippers (and anything) in the search bar at the top of this page. Also, search on Google.
This is what I used. I liked the reviews, and a member on TFP had used it with good results. It was easy to apply and went far. Aqua Mix Enrich N Seal.
Custom Building Products Aqua Mix Enrich Seal 24 oz. Penetrating Sealer-AMES24Z - The Home Depot
Dry Treat is probably the best stone sealer out there. You have to add an enhancer to it - I'm not sure how that works. It's expensive but has a great warranty. I couldn't afford to use the certified technicians to get the warranty. Also, they want a 21 day cure time, which I don't have.
I have before and after pictures of my travertine on some post, but I can't remember which thread. I still haven't recovered from the PhotoBucket mess, so I can't post pictures. If I find them, I will send you the link.
Take care,
Suz
- - - Updated - - -
Never mind.... I just realized even if I could find the post, the photo links are broken and won't show! Duh...... Sorry. You can find before and after pictures across the internet. I was trying to give you a 'real live' example.
Thanks Suz!
That was very helpful. I'm encouraged to try an enhancer. I know there are several different brands out there and they often don't say whether it will make your deck more slippery. Will report back on what I end up doing.
Jen
That was very helpful. I'm encouraged to try an enhancer. I know there are several different brands out there and they often don't say whether it will make your deck more slippery. Will report back on what I end up doing.
Jen
We used the Dupont sealer for saltwater and did not notice any change in appearance of the travertine
Ok, great! Anyone have any more brand recommendations of enhancers for travertine around a pool deck? Wanting something that reduces the brightness of the travertine, but doesn't make it slippery.
Thanks!
Jen
Thanks!
Jen