Advice needed - Staining to limestone - please help

[shawje]

We have recently had our patio layed with Jura Beige limestone. The builder sealed the stone using FILA Limestone Protector.

http://www.tradepricestoneltd.co.uk/selected_product/?prod=LI804

We have put planters on top filled with soil / compost and fertiliser.

The planters drain to one point on the patio and this has become very stained - presumably from the stuff the water has picked up from the soil / compost. I noticed a scum forming on top of the stone and the stone is now badly stained brown. I tried a pressure washer and in some places the stained top level has fractured off leaving the original stone colour below. So now I have a mixture of sever brown staining and original stone colour in this part of the patio. It's not a large area, but it's a great shame.

Any suggestions please.

[London Stone Paving]

Hello

Have you tried using outdoor cleaner from Lithofin? This product is very good at removing this type of stain. You may need to carry out a few treatments. Its not expensive to buy and if the staining is localized you may get away with using one bottle.

Steve

[shawje]

Thanks Steve
I haven't tried anything other than pressure washer (no additives, just water). So I will give Lithofin a try.

Thanks very much for the suggestion.

Presumably I should use a sealant afterwards (no need to reply unless it's a no).

Jonathan

[shawje]

PS - what's the best way to apply the Lithofin Cleaner - a nylon scrubbing brush?

[Tony McC]

You need to check just which Fila product was used. Some of their stuff will either prevent other sealants adhering/penetrating and/or react adversely with incompatible sealants.

It seems to me than any so-called sealant that is allowing planter run-off to stain the stone isn't really doing its job.

[London Stone Paving]

PS - what's the best way to apply the Lithofin Cleaner - a nylon scrubbing brush?

Steps to use outdoor cleaner:

1. Wet the area first
2. Apply outdoor cleaner over the area
3. Scrub for 15-20 mins with a deck brush
4. Leave for 2 hours
5. Jetwash

May not shift it first time but as long as you see some improvement, re-apply and repeat the process.

As for sealing your OP says that you had already applied a sealant. If thats the case, using outdoor cleaner will not corrode the sealant and there is no need to re-apply

Steve

[shawje]

Thanks Tony and Steve

Steve

The builders left what they hadn't used so I can be certain that the Fila product was "Protect Limestone Protector Stain Protection"

Although it's difficult to know if the builders applied enough or how many coats they applied. I suspect just one, although the label says "Porous limestone requires two coats"

I'll ask them - but whatever they say, I suspect they probably only applied one coat.

Is there any issue about applying a second coat now? Do I need to get rid of all the staining I can before applying the new coat of sealant or should I just get on and apply the sealant ASAP?

Thanks
Jonathan

[London Stone Paving]

Dont apply any more sealant until you have got the paving pristine, otherwise you will seal the stains in and they will be impossible to remove

Steve