Limestsone looks incredible and has a velvety feel underfoot or to the touch, thanks to its typically honed rather than polished finish. So if you’ve invested in this beautiful stone, you’ll want to keep it looking its wonderful best for years to come.
But it’s more porous than granite or quartz.So it can be quite susceptible to staining or similar damage.
However, the good news is that looking after your limestone is pretty easy once you’ve got into a routine of doing it. And that’s the case whether you have a floor, worktop, backsplash or anything else made from this gorgeous material.
Sealing: the invisible superpower!
A high-quality sealer fills in the surface’s microscopic pores which would otherwise allow fluids to penetrate, staining the surface. It forms a barrier that prevents anything from seeping into the stone. This means it keeps its appearance and structural integrity.
Here, we cover a few key pointers about sealing your limestone:
How often should I reseal my limestone?
In truth, you should think about resealing your limestone every year or two if you have a worktop made from this material. If you’re lucky enough to have a limestone floor, do the same every three to five years.
How do I know when it’s time to reseal?
Try the water test. Just drop a small amount of water on to your limestone surface. If the droplets bead up, it’s an indication that your sealant still functions as it should. However, if the stone begins to look darker after a few minutes, it’s time to think about resealing it.
What kinds of sealant are available?
Penetrating sealers soak deep into the stone without changing its natural appearance. Topical sealers form a protective layer and enhance colour and gloss, but could potentially change the limestone’s natural texture. They could also be more prone to wear and tear from foot traffic.
Finally, colour-enhanced sealers intensify natural colour while protecting the stone, and you can use it to give a new lease of life to faded limestone.
What is curing?
This refers to the process of applying the sealant to the surface to protect against damage from moisture and stains and similar. It basically allows the sealant to harden and bond properly, or ‘cure’. So as well as actually applying the sealant, allowing it to cure effectively is essential to ensure long-lasting protection.
How do I apply the sealant?
You’ll obviously need to follow the instructions from the manufacturer carefully. And you can use a low-pressure sprayer, paint roller, or brush. Give the product a good six hours to cure fully before you let any liquids anywhere near the surface. (And by the way, during this time keep pets well away from the surface.)
Get in touch with Royal Stone Care
The highly trained and expert craftsmen we employ at Royal Stone Care are fully insured to work with committment. Join the many homes and businesses who trust us to keep their limestone looking flawless, whether you’re after limestone cleaning, chip repair or restoration in London. We also offer cost-effective limestone maintenance plans, providing a year-round comprehensive limestone care package.
Get in touch today for an initial chat about what you need.
