Black limestone problems - Tile Advice

[Fabio]

Good afternoon guys I need a bit of advice or recommendations of what to do next regarding my black limestone in my garden as it looks like a catastrophe.

I was informed by the previous homeowner that the black limestone was on treated and it just naturally faded and was informed by someone specialise in driveways that if I pressure washed the black limestone and let it dry that I could put a back to black limestone restorer on top of the current slabs and it would bring them back to life.

This however is not the case as within 72 hours of the restorer drying and one heavy downpour I have grey spots which would look like an acidic reaction and I’m unsure what to do next as it looks horrific I’ve attached some photos so it can be evident what is happened .

Any hints or tips would be greatly appreciated.
thank you very much in advance

 

[Dumbo]

@Lithofin BOB is your man for this . How long did you leave it between washing and sealing .

 

[Fabio]

48 hours

 

[Waluigi]

Unfortunately black limestone fades very quickly after installation if not treated correctly. That’s just the way it is.

It’s commonly know as Kadapha black limestone and is pretty cheap stuff. The fading is a characteristic of the stone.

The stone can be brought back to fairly close to black but please be careful with how you treat it.

No acid should be used on the stone as it will attack it, after all, the stone is made of Calcium Carbonate so it won’t cope well.

Yes Lithifon are very good products with Stone. Something like Stain Stop Plus would be a recommendation of mine but best to seek professional help by contacting the rep as I’m no expert. Good luck!

 

[Just Rizzle]

i would of used litothine slate seal

 

[Dumbo]

i would of used litothine slate seal

Not sure about that for external as it is a topical sealant .

 

[Fabio]

Unfortunately black limestone fades very quickly after installation if not treated correctly. That’s just the way it is.

It’s commonly know as Kadapha black limestone and is pretty cheap stuff. The fading is a characteristic of the stone.

The stone can be brought back to fairly close to black but please be careful with how you treat it.

No acid should be used on the stone as it will attack it, after all, the stone is made of Calcium Carbonate so it won’t cope well.

Yes Lithifon are very good products with Stone. Something like Stain Stop Plus would be a recommendation of mine but best to seek professional help by contacting the rep as I’m no expert. Good luck!

I did indeed go back to the rep, and they’ve informed me that they see this all the time and that it’s the calcium in the rain and to use something like Viakal on it lightly then hose off.

I also got a second opinion from The Tile Doctor and they reckon (via email and photos) that it’s completely ruined. So it’s about as clear as mud at the moment.

I’ve attached another two photos in light of some heavy rain which looks like it’s attacked a couple of areas quite hard. Thoughts?

 

[deepinthepow]

that Kadapha is a nightmate. It is porus, and will soak up things and bring them back when its treated. The foot prints look like someone had pointing mix on their feet!

Pavingexpert - The Curse of Black Limestone - http://www.pavingexpert.com/stonpv05.htm

I have the exact same stone. There is a MASSIVE amount of advice on here......

 

[Fabio]

that Kadapha is a nightmate. It is porus, and will soak up things and bring them back when its treated. The foot prints look like someone had pointing mix on their feet!

Pavingexpert - The Curse of Black Limestone - http://www.pavingexpert.com/stonpv05.htm

I have the exact same stone. There is a MASSIVE amount of advice on here......

So unsure what to try in a bid to revive/restore it all again!?

 

[jimthetiler]

the stone is going through its ugly stage,give it a few more years to weather properly and people will comment on its beauty.

 

[deepinthepow]

So unsure what to try in a bid to revive/restore it all again!?

My BEST advice would be, don't try ANYTHING until you get advice from someone who knows what they are doing. That forum is your best chance of an easy fix! and FFS don't try patio cleaner!

 

[Fabio]

My BEST advice would be, don't try ANYTHING until you get advice from someone who knows what they are doing. That forum is your best chance of an easy fix! and FFS don't try patio cleaner!

Won’t be trying patio cleaner, I’ve never used it on my patio I’ve been reading a link which a user posted and I’m also going to have someone over and give a professional opinion on what to do, although it seems to be a “clear as mud” topic on what to do next.