Black limestone paving - white haze

[mere]

Hi everyone

I have just joined the forum because I have a problem with black limestone paving I have laid in my garden and I am hoping that someone might be able to help.

About 12 months ago I laid about 75m2 of black limestone paving in my garden. I was extremely pleased with the finished result, a nice deep blue when dry and a jet black when wet. The only problem was that I did not get round to pointing and sealing the paving, at the time I did not think this would be a problem. However over time a white haze has appeared over the surface of the paving.

I have now pointed the paving and want to seal it, but I cant get rid of the white haze. I have spoken to a couple of suppliers who suggested it could be efforvesence or 'calcium blooming'. My personal feeling is that because rain water is slightly acidic this has caused it. The reason I say this is that some of the paving is under trees and the staining is not as bad.

Can anyone give me any advice on how to get rid of the haze before I seal the stone. I would be dissapointed if I cannot get rid of the haze.One company recomenended Romex Colour Enhancer and said that if I clean the stone best I can the seal with Romex then it should go jet blackbut I would be more confident if I could get rid of the haze before i seal it.

I would be grateful for any advice.

Thanks

Martin

[Tony McC]

Have a read of my blog where this very subject is covered.

[mere]

Thanks Tony

I had seen your blog. Am I right then in thinking that there is no way of removing the haze before I seal it, but that if I use the Romex Colour Enhancer this will bring the black stone up as if the white haze had not been on them? What do you recommend I clean the paving with before I apply the Romex.

Many thanks for your help.

Martin