travertine kitchen backsplash

Maurizio: I've gotten many helpfull hints and suggestions from this site to get me through my kitchen project. I am about to use Polybend Non-Sanded Grout on a honed and filled (4" tiles, ivory colored) travertine kitchen backsplash. The grout colors have not been chosen yet, but I'm looking at #10 Antique White, #333 Alabaster or #122 Linen. I think that all these colors are relatively light. The tiles look great so I'm on the fence as to if I'm going to seal them. Is there any risk of 'staining' these untreated tiles with the application of grout? If so, should I apply a sealer on the tiles prior to grouting to prevent possible staining/damage during this process? Will untreated travertine wall tiles will stand up to daily use If I get to kitchen spills /splashes quickly? Thank you for providing this service.

 

Dear Mark:
If you want to avoid possible problems with grout film sticking to the surface of the tiles, use a grout-release product instead of an impregnator. An impregnator makes for a lusy grout releaser.
As for the application of an impregnator (a.k.a. sealer) like MB-4 after installation (and after the removal of the grout release) it si definitely recommended, especially by the stove where all the cooking is going on. Keep in mind, however, that no matter how good the impregnator is, it only gives you reaction time. What I mean is that 100% sealing performance is not possible and you should clean the surface of the tiles every time you finish cooking. ( http://www.mbstonecare.com ) 
May I ask you now to please read and e-sign our Statement of Purpose at: http://www.marblecleaning.org/purpose.htm ?
Ciao and good luck,

Mauri zio Bertoli

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