How to polish out scratches from travertine tile

Travertine tile is a strong, attractive stone tile that is often found in entryways and foyers, among other areas of the home. Like any stone floor, travertine tile can become scratched from a variety of activities and objects, including shoes, toys, furniture, and appliances. If you find scratches on your travertine tile, you can polish out the scratches with diamond polishing pads. You'll want to clean the scratch and the surrounding area thoroughly before repairing any scratches to the travertine tile.

Mix 1/4 cup dishwashing soap with warm water in a bucket. Clean the scratch and the surrounding area on the travertine tile with a sponge. Remove all traces of dirt and soil from the scratch.

Dry the scratch in the travertine tile with a towel.

Test your 120-grit diamond polishing pad on an out-of-the-way area of the travertine tile to be certain it will work to eliminate the scratches without damaging the travertine tile floor.

Feel the scratched area of the travertine tile. If you can feel the scratch at all, begin sanding with the 120-grit diamond polishing pad. If the scratch is merely a surface scratch that you can view but not feel, start with the 200-grit pad.

Sand completely around the scratch, especially the inside edges of the scratch, using a back-and-forth motion. Attempt to polish the scratch until it is level with the remainder of the travertine tile.

Change to the 300-grit diamond polishing pad as you continue to sand. Sand in a circular motion and blend whatever remains of the scratch with the surrounding travertine tile. Switch to a 400-grit diamond polishing pad, and then move on to an 800-grit diamond polishing pad to finish smoothing, polishing, and buffing the scratch.

Repeat this process for other scratches on the travertine tile.