QUESTION

How to remove sealer coating from Travertine Tiles? - My husband and I purchased a home with really beautiful travertine floors. The previous ower coated the floors (not seal) with maybe an acrylic. It looked great when we first bought and now all floor cleaning places say they can't clean the floor until it is stripped. How do we strip the coating off the floor without harming the stone?

ANSWER

ANSWER - If you know the brand of the coating then call them to find out what to use to strip it without harming your stone.  If you don't know what the coating is that is on the travertine surface, then you have to experiment to see what will remove it.  There are various sealer stripers that can possibly work.  Most stone sealer manufacturers have sealer strippers and they normally will say their stripper will remove most coatings, but that you have to experiment with it.

Go to our website to the Expert Answers where you'll find Resources and a link to Cleaners and Sealers where there are a list of manufacturers with links to their websites.  Select a stripper and sealer which they recommend.

There are companies who specialize in stone restoration.  If you retain the services of such a company they normally have the experience and expertise to know how to safely remove coatings and to refinish and seal the stone.  There is also a list of some Stone Restoration companies on our website under the resources and links page.  Good luck.