Livinghouse

Limestone remains one of the most in-demand materials when it comes to natural flooring because of its beauty and quality. However, the beauty of the floor is in jeopardy if the correct sealing procedure is not carried out at time of installation.

If the Limestone floor is properly sealed the first time, it will not need further sealing for years, apart from general cosmetic maintenance.

The first stage is to feed the stone with a quality impregnator sealer.  As different Limestones have different degrees of porosity, some require more sealer than others.  Simply, we want to apply coats of impregnator sealer until the stone cannot take any more. This could be 1, 2, 3, or even 4 coats, depending on the nature of the stone.  It is important to leave at least 12 hours between the first and second applications as the first coat is the base layer and needs to harden before commencing the sealing process.

When sealing the floor allow the seal to wet the surface but do not allow it to pool on top. If pooling is visible 5 minutes after applying, ensure this excess is wiped off.

Once satisfied the stone is fully impregnated; leave for 24 hours, then test by pouring droplets of water onto the floor (it should form beads). Leave the water droplets for 5 minutes, then wipe with a clean cloth. If a damp patch is visible, you should apply another coat of the sealer. If not, proceed to apply the finishing polish – generally two coats are needed. This polish is to be used as part of your on-going maintenance. It will give the stone a soft glowing shine and facilitate the easy cleaning of the floor.

The floor is now ready to be enjoyed and admired.