Natural Black-Blue Limestone-how to clean once layed

[bearIT]

I have just had some fantastic Natural Black-Blue Limestone. The trouble is i have washed them down with water and gave them a clean with a cloth which has made them better, but there is sand a dirt still around the edges from the washed sand etc.

I am being careful as i don't want to damage them hence joining the forum, someone has recommended Thompson's Satin Finish Limestone Sealer and other person has recommended geo fix for the joints once cleaned and sealed.

Any guidance would be appreciated.

Thanks


Mark

[Dave]

I take it that this is paving..? External.?

[bearIT]

Yes external, i have been told they can be used internal or external.

[Dave]

I would use 1 coat of LTP Stone oil and then 2 coats of LTP Colour enhancer

[bearIT]

Thanks Dave for that, so would i just apply these ie the oil first and then the 2 coats of LTP Colour enhancer with cleaning any further sand and grit off? Or will i need to give it a good hose down first?

Thanks

Mark

[Dave]

Sorry,, yes you need to get them clean.. if it is just sand the it will swill off.. also the stone needs to be dry before sealing...

[bearIT]

Ok thanks for you help, am ok to use a pressure washer on the areas that worst or is a hands knees job to get all the grit and sand out?

Thanks

Mark

[Dave]

Don't use a pressure washer.. just swill with buckets and brush off..

[bearIT]

Thanks for your help dave. I will nip and get some of the LTP stuff tomorrow.

Thanks

Mark

[bearIT]

Dave one last question-is the geofix stuff any good for joints or is it best with a sand based mix or similar?

Thanks

Mark

[Dave]

There are other brands better but it is best to point by hand to keep staining to a minimum.. A grout mortar gun is good.

[bearIT]

Hi Dave,

Hope you are well.

Just a progress update on my limestone slabs, i did what you said and it worked a treat, but the oil/enhancer wouldnt seal i kept getting white scal coming out of the slabs and the oil wearing off or being obsorbed so i contacted LTP and got told to leave it over the winter to let the white stuff come out and then to try again. Apparently this is a common problem when first laid, do you think me cleaning them again and oil and seal will work this time round? They have weathered well over the winter so a clean wont hurt but i want to try and seal and protect the colour and get it darker.

Look forward to hearing from you.

Mark

[Dave]

Hi mark.

Thanks for the update.

LTP have changed the spec last time I heard, so it will be worth a call to tech again.