Internal sandstone sealing

[Vfraser]

Hi, I'm looking for some advice with regards to sealing Bradstone's Riven Fossil Buff Sandstone which I have had laid in my new kitchen and conservatory.

I've read through the advice pages on the website but I can't find any mention of sealing internal slabs. I want to use one with a colour enhancer but I don't want the slabs to look really wet and plastic looking. Could anyone recommend a good sealer?

Also, has anyone ever heard of being able to wax these slabs after they have been sealed like you can do with terracotta?

Thanks. javascript:emoticon(':)')

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[Bec@LondonStone]

Hi, I would give it a couple of coats of Dry Treat 'Stain Proof Enhance' (24 hours apart), leave it another 24 hours and then 2 coats of Dry Treat 'Stain Proof'. If you want to wax it, you need to be sure that all of the moisture from the bed has completely dried as it won't be able to evaporate once you've waxed it and will cause yellow-ish spots to appear on the surface of the stone. You want to leave it about 3-6 months and then apply the wax.

Also, you need to think about your cleaning regime as this stuff is really porous and will take some effort to keep it looking nice indoors where you've the potential for oil/drinks spillages. I would invest in a steam cleaner and use in conjuction with something like Hannafin 'Oxy-Klenza' or 'Rejuvenata Active'.

[Vfraser]

Hi Bec and many thanks for your reply.

I will look up all the products you have mentioned, thanks.

Do I not have to make sure the bed is dry before I use these products also? I am taking in a dehumidifier today as all the walls were plastered throughout the house a few weeks ago and it's not drying out very quick.....will this help speed up the floor drying process?

With regards to the wax, is waxing something that people normally do on internal slabs?

Already have a steam cleaner from a previous floor I had, I wish I could just pick easier floors to look after sometime!

[Bec@LondonStone]

OK, here's the sciencey bit

Your'e quite right in that the stone itself needs to be completely dried before you apply the sealant. If the stone is not dry, the sealant won't work. The adhesive bed underneath may well take a lot longer to become completely dry which is why you need to hold your horses before applying the wax.

Basically, the moisture from the bed will evaporate through the stone. This means that when it is in contact with the stone, it is a vapour and not a liquid, so it won't adversley affect the application of the sealant. Applying wax will form a solid barrier across the surface of the stone which will prevent this vapour from beig released and will cause the yellow spots to appear underneath the wax.

Another thing to add is that it's worth testing the sealant on an off-cut before you apply to the whole area just to check you're happy with the colour change.

[rab1]

Did you know all of that or did you have to ask lol.

[London Stone Paving]

I can vouch that Bec does know all that Rab. All our sales team receive regular training on all aspects of technical advice.

[rab1]

Just a wind up mate, and can assure you I was pissed.