Problematic black indian limestone - Which sealant?

[DuskyLondoner]

We have recently, and regrettably, laid a patio with Indian black limestone. It was washed with Brick and Mortar cleaner (containing acid, says ok for limestone on back! – saw advice on main site too late). This left us with a patchy, stained surface (similar to Jock Stewart's April 09) which we have rectified by cleaning gently with hot water and a special limestone cleaner) and then adding highly diluted baby oil (diluted with water, which made them uniform in colour).

However, you can hardly walk on the pavers – even those that were not washed with the Brick cleaner) without staining, even sawdust cannot be brushed off without leaving a marks. I've read all the useful advice re colour enhancers and I've spoken to many stone suppliers, but everyone has given different advice as to whether this should be water- or solvent-based.
Please advise on which one is best for this type of LIMESTONE.

[lutonlagerlout]

speak to lithofins technical help department
they know the stuff better than anyone
LLL

[Pablo]

Hi Nina your limestone is probably Chinese not Indian by the way. Water based products will not give you as much colour enhancement as solvents so you should rule that out straight away. The baby oil will need to be removed before any product is applied as this will have a repelling effect on other liquids. Even though you diluted it this is probably what is causing the residues you see. I'm pretty sure Lithofin can only recommend a colour enhancer and then a stainstop type sealant. It may take several coats to get to an acceptable finish but you will always see the acid marks but as the stone weathers it will blend better. Maybe post some photos of before and after if you get a chance. Cheers.



Edited By Pablo on 1239997504

[Tony McC]

While I'm confident Colour Enhancer and StainStop from Lithofin would do the trick (after you've de-greased to get rid of the bloody baby oil) the best single-product solution I've seen is the Universal Sealant from Romex.

I observed a trial area in Donegal last summer, where 20-odd square metres of black limestone had been divided up and treated with various sealants, colour enhancers, impregnators and whathaveyou. Some were patently crap, but there were three or four worth further attention, but without doubt *on that test* the Romex Universal came out top.

See the second photie in this blog post....the Romex treated flags are on the left. I won't embarrass the crap on the right by naming it, just let's say it rhymes with Gompsons Fatio Keal

[Pablo]

Tony did that house belong to that fella from Westlife sandstone helipads are probably right up his street. McMonagles are a good bunch of folk not the fastest to despatch stuff but good product. I have had good results with Larsen Acraseal on limestone but would be willing to try some Romex I can get there mortars easy enough but this might be a step too far for them. I hate Westlife those a#seholes a too popular for a bunch of Tarmacers.

[Tony McC]

Nope - nowt to do with PondLife, Pablo. The house with the stunning paving is close to my family in Loughrea and the owner is publicity shy but not a name any of us would be likely to recognise.

The trial area is at Dan McMonagle's yard. They'd had enough of the complaints about black limestone turning steely grey overnight, and had embarked on these trials to find the best solution for their customers.

[DuskyLondoner]

Thanks very much for all the advice, I will try to get some pics. posted. Have to say that the bloody baby oil did at least give us hope that we could restore the bloody pavers to what they looked like when they were delivered to us. Ours are definitely Indian and I would never recommend them to anyone.

[RAPressureWashing]

If it's any help, we can prep the limestone for you before you seal etc.
We do a lot of cleaning in London, so if you want email or pm me some details I can take a look at it for you.

[DuskyLondoner]

Thanks for the offer of prep, if we have probs doing it ourselves, I'll get in touch.

[RAPressureWashing]

Thanks for the offer of prep, if we have probs doing it ourselves, I'll get in touch.

No problem.