Indian paving - Flags discoloured
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ele123
- Posts: 2
- Joined: Tue Dec 07, 2004 7:14 pm
- Location: manchester
I have recently laid a path using Indian stone flags (Autumn brown). They are laid on a base of 40-50mm sharp sand with a 20 mm gap in between. I have brushed in a mix of 10:2 sand and cement and backfilled with a decorative aggregate. The path looked great but I have noticed it seems to have a grey sheen to it as though the cement that has been brushed into the joints has marked the flags. Will this fade and leave the origianl colour of Autumn brown or do I need to wash them down. Please could you advise.
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alan ditchfield
- Posts: 203
- Joined: Thu Jan 01, 1970 1:00 am
- Location: Preston / Lancashire
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Tony McC
- Site Admin
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- Location: Warrington, People's Republic of South Lancashire
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The grey sheen is most likeley to be a cement haze - was the surface of the flags damp when you dry-grouted?
The normal 'fix' for cement staining is to use an acid or acid-based cleaning product, but these have an uncomfortable reaction with many of the imported sandstones that often brings out a rusty colouring that is far worse, in terms of appearance, than any minor hazing. So, as Alan has said, leaving them to the weather and giving them a regular wash-down with soapy water and a stiff brush is the best way forward. It won't work immediately, but it will, gradually, get rid of that grey sheen you mention.
The normal 'fix' for cement staining is to use an acid or acid-based cleaning product, but these have an uncomfortable reaction with many of the imported sandstones that often brings out a rusty colouring that is far worse, in terms of appearance, than any minor hazing. So, as Alan has said, leaving them to the weather and giving them a regular wash-down with soapy water and a stiff brush is the best way forward. It won't work immediately, but it will, gradually, get rid of that grey sheen you mention.
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