Chalky appearance on travertine

[josephj]

I have a travertine backsplash with 3 inch by 6 inch travertine tiles. I have cleaned and sealed the tiles about 5 times but still have a weird chalky appearance on some areas of the tile.  Parts of a tile look fine and parts chalky.  Any suggestions.  Not looking for a really shiny look but just clean

[Mark D.]

When they get wet does this "chalkiness" disappear? If so your sealer is not doing it's job.
What sealer did you use and can you post some pictures so we can see the probem?

Mark

[josephj]

It does disapear when wet.  I used TEC Guard all invisible penetrating sealer.  I am trying to attach image, but file is too large

[josephj]

Can't upload, any recommendations on a decent sealer for normal travertine, not going for super shiny look, just no chalky
Thx

[Mark D.]

I would wash it with an alkaline cleaner to remove some of that tec guard and then color with a color enhancing sealer.

Here is the cleaner:
http://www.defusco.com/STT-Heavy-Duty-Cleaner-1GAL-3233

Here is a color enhancing sealers:
http://www.defusco.com/AGER-COLOR-ENHANCING-STONE-SEALER-1-QUART

Glad to be of service,
Mark

[josephj]

Thanks once again Mark,
Last question - would it be a bad idea to just put the ager on without cleaning the previous sealer off with the Alkaline

[Mark D.]

If the stone will absorb water and get darker now then the Ager should work with it as it is. If you had used one of the sealers we carry then the stone would already be sealed and the Ager would not penetrate and give you the wet look.
Mark