Designing Kitchens and Bathrooms - Stone Sinks

I have some stone sinks for the bathroom that came with the house we purchased but were not installed yet. they are made from travertine and have some cracks and holes that aren't filled. The previous owners said they didn't need to be filled since the back has a finish on it to make it water proof. Should I fill these cracks anyway? and what do I use to clean this type of stone?

bartwellmex,

It's true that there is a high-impact shell that protects the underside of the sink and provides waterproofing. As long as this is solid - no visual cracks below, you will be ok. Travertine has holes in it by nature but it is a very dense stone. These holes are filled with a cementious material at the factory. Travertine does wear, so the holes will continue to emerge over time. You really will need the services of a professional stone refinisher for good results.

Best way to clean this is with a Neutral pH stone cleaner. A stone refinishing company will have this available for you.

Hope this helps!

Travertine is natural stone. these cracks are natural.
It need to be filled with special resin for stone sinks.

Here is a stone sinks (travertine sinks) picture for your reference:
http://www.chinasink.com/0vip/view_pr.asp?type_ID=73

Lots of travertine sinks have passed through my ornamental and architectural salvage yard through the years. All had cracks, pores and holes. No leaking complaints so far; not one. I like them, so I'd go for it.

Here's some of what is printed on a booklet attached to a travertine sink sitting outside:

The word travertine comes from an old Roman name for Tivoli, a town in Italy where large deposits of travertine occur.

Travertine, is a dense, closely compacted form of limestone found mostly in banded layers. Travertine occurs in areas where limestone is common, and where circulating ground water contains calcium carbonate. It often forms around the mouths of hot springs. It consists mainly of calcium carbonate. It forms when calcium carbonate separates from water through evaporation. Natural travertine comes with pores or small holes where natural gases were once trapped. These holes can be filled in order to create a uniform surface. Travertine is often used as decorative building stone because it is easy to cut.

Travertine is most used for wall and floor tile. Travertine can be used in all rooms of the house, especially living areas, kitchens, and bathrooms. Travertine can be used for decorative purposes such as backsplash and wall tile. Traditionally travertine doesn't polish as well as marble which can obtain a glassy look.

Travertine can be used for sinks and countertops. Travertine has pores or small holes from formation where gases were once trapped, and it is soft; the general opinion for countertop use is to have it sealed.

Caution: Do not use any abrasive cleaning solvent including Ajax, Comet, or anything with an acidic base including lemon and vinegar to clean travertine.

Maybe this will help ...