I just had a travertine backsplash installed this weekend with a granite counter top. The backsplash is still dusty/chalky so how would I clean that up, or is that normal? Also, what should I use to seal it? Is Aqua Mix Gold good to seal that? Should I just rag that on or spray it on then wipe up the excess? Or is there something else out there?


As for the granite I was told just soap and water can be used to clean it. Is there anything else out there to use as an everyday cleaner? Also, what should I use to reseal it once it's time to do that again, since they sealed it after installation?

 

That is a pretty normal thing with travertine after being installed,its from the grout,just take a sponge and some cool clean water and wipe it down again and let dry.
Not sure on the specs for the aquamix gold but you want an impregnating sealer ,one that will soak into the tile not just sit on top,so read the label and if it says natural stone and impregnating then you are good to go.
Most sealer these days are water based sealers so you can spray them on ,wipe them on without too much fear of either overdoing it and making a mess that cannot be cleaned up,or of underdoing it and making it splotchy looking,the old chemical based sealers,and there are still a few out there,you would have to be extremely careful with and not get any anywhere exept on what you wanted sealed.There are even ones now that you can spray on immediatly after grouting, while the grout is still wet, scary hugh?
I would get a small spray bottle and sray the tile since it is a small area let it dry and then do it again and let dry.Take some water droplets and splash the tile with them and see if they soak the water up if so then spray it again ,if it beads then it is good,you want to redo about every 2 years or so

 

Thanks floorman, what I meant is it's Aqua Mix Sealers Choice 15. I guess the "gold" came from the color of the label that I was looking at.

What about sealing the granite? Any ideas? I guess if the Sealers Choice dripped on the granite then it wouldn't be a problem.

Aqua Mix also makes a stone sealer, so perhaps that would be better for both. Not sure!!! But I emailed Aqua Mix to see what their response would be.

 

Doing that my friend will never fail you.Please let us know what they say when they respond

 

Aqua mix gold is one of the best sealers in my opinion. You want to get that haze off your stone before you seal it or you'll not get it off afterwards. As for the granite, some is too dense to absorb the sealer so if you do get it on it, wipe it up or it may leave a mark on the stone where the sealer is built up. Auquamix products are up there with miracle as far as sealers go. They do have a Stone sealers choice but it's not very different from there sealer's gold, I've use it on travertine regularly, before I grout though to help prevent the haze issue and get me on my way quicker.

 

Aqua Mix-Response to my email:

Good day,

Thank you for contacting us.

We do recommend using the Aqua Mix Sealer’s Choice 15 Gold or the Ultra Solv to seal any polished or unpolished natural stone surfaces. Using this sealer on the finished installation will help to protect both the stone and grout from liquid stains.

Both of the sealers listed above offer a natural seal, they will not change the original look or texture of the stone.

If you do want to darken or enhance the color of a stone with out a shine, we can recommend using the Aqua Mix Enrich ‘N’ Seal sealer. This sealer will seal and enhance any porous stone with out a shine. It is IMPORTANT to conduct a SMALL TEST on a spare piece of stone to determine desired results, since the Enrich ‘N’ Seal sealer can NOT be removed or stripped once it is absorbed into a porous stone or grout.

For ongoing maintenance of any stone or tile installation we recommend using the Aqua Mix Concentrated Tile Cleaner or the Stone Cleaner. These are great neutral cleaners that will safely clean all of your tile and stone surfaces.

To remove the grout haze off of your stone and tile surface we can recommend using water a white nylon scrub brush and Backing Soda or the Aqua Mix Poultice. This mixture will safely remove the grout haze off of the stone and tiles.


Regards,

 

Thanks for taking the time to reply back. Hope your project wraps up nicely.

 

Always ask the supplier what type of sealant to use and how often the stone has to be sealed. Also find out which cleaning liquid can be used on the surface.
Acidic liquids such as vinegar and lemon juice can etch the granite and travertine surfaces, and therefore should be used with care.
Warm soapy water is the best for cleaning granite and travertine. Avoid harsh cleaning liquids as they may erode into the surface making it rough.

Here is a link that might be useful:
Travertine Backsplash | Cost | Buying Tips | Installing | Maintaining