The Brew Cabin

Posted: **Mon Jun 29, 2009 10:01 am**

Hi folks.

I was intending to leave my grey Sandstone patio without a protective sealant, and just let it "weather" naturally, but having seen the stain that a recent bird-dropping has done to it, I am reconsidering. Lithofin Stain-stop seems to come recommended, and Lithofin Plus having the added colour enhancer, right?

1. Is there ANY chance that I could apply this incorrectly (such as using on damp-slabs or the Lithofin reacting with Rompox grout) and mess up my patio by causing staining or anything ?

2. I presume this product wont stop the build-up of algae and general scum due to the winter, but I presume winter build-up can be jet-washed off with no stains remaining due to the Lithofin ?

3. Is it really worth doing for the benefits, as a 5L tin is Â£140.

4. Does this product completely stop rainwater from seeping into the Sandstone or will the slabs still absorb water as normal ?

5. I like the idea of a colour-enhancer. Does it make the colours more vibirant or just give an appearance of wet-look (which I don't find so appealing) ?

Thanks

Posted: **Mon Jun 29, 2009 4:17 pm**

i used it on mine and just applied it with a 2" brush,yes the patio (mine is north facing) still goes green in the winter,but it jet washes off ok,what it does stop is the red wine and milk stains
when first applied water seems to run off it in like little beads.

how many metres have you got to do?
i reckon 1 litre does about 15 m2

LLL

Posted: **Tue Jun 30, 2009 7:50 am**

Hi LLL, thanks for the reply.

I just found a topic about a guy who sealed his patio with this, along with a link to some pictures he took.

SEE BOTTOM ROW OF PHOTOS HERE

I dont like the beading. Currently the Slabs absorb light amounts of water, and very quickly return to normal after light rain.

How long until the sealed slabs stop beading water ?

thanks.

Posted: **Tue Jun 30, 2009 6:47 pm**

Unless it looks different in the flesh than in the photo I don't think I like the beading effect. Perhaps it improves and looks more natural after a little while?
Regarding question 5 it doesn't seem to enhance the colour

At Â£140 for 5L I certainly wouldn't rush out to buy it.

Posted: **Tue Jun 30, 2009 10:33 pm**

the beading doesnt last long ,maybe a week or so.
you dont have to seal it but milk and red wine will stain it if spilt,amongst other things
LLL

Posted: **Thu Jul 02, 2009 2:19 pm**

I used the "Plus" on my Indian sandstone patio and I agree with the comments regarding the beading. Also I sealed it over a month ago and the beading effect is still prominent.

It did enhance the colour slightly but not to the same degree as when the surface is wet. Mine was a relatively small area, about 30 Sq Yds and I used approx half of my 5L tin to cover the area using a 6" brush.

I am not sure how long the remaining Lithofin will last now that the tin has been opened but hopefully a few months so that I can use the rest on my other patio when it has been laid.

It is now just a matter of using a hose to remove bird muck despite the fact that the pigeons seem to eat something that turns it purple and really used to stain my previous flags.