Sealing Limestone: 4 Tips and Mistakes to Avoid
Limestone tiles can add a distinctive look to any floor, wall or fireplace, but sealing limestone is key to ensure durability in the years to come. Here are 4 tips and mistakes to avoid when sealing limestone.
Handle with Care
Limestone is for the most part quite delicate and spills or mishandling can change its apperance. Make sure you treat limestone tiles with extra care to avoid spills. However, if you have any accidental spills, blot them up immediately.
Use an Impregnating Sealer
Thick and heavy sealants can seep into the porous limestone and change its appearance. Instead, use a high quality impregnating sealant, which will protect the limestone and not affect its look.
Apply an Extra Coat of Sealer
If your fireplace is in an area exposed to dust or other outside elements, apply an extra coat of sealer to protect the tile. This added step will reduce the risk of dust or dirt seeping into the limestone as easily. Cleaning your limestone on a regular basis is crucial too.
Use a Penetrating Sealer
There are 2 major types of sealers: topical and penetrating. Topical sealers typically provide a high gloss shine, but it also results in a shiny surface which is too easy to scratch or damage. Topical sealers also require continuous reapplication. Penetrating sealers do not need to be reapplied as often and preserve the look of the stone.
{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
We have green limestone in a shower. Within 6 months, the tiles were
discoloring and the surface looked like it had soap scum/residue on
it. The tiles on the front of the threshold began showing signs of
spalling and developed a scaly finish. The top of the threshold
looked like it had been walked on so much that the surface was worn
away and didn’t look like the other tiles at all. The back of the
threshold inside of the shower looks fine after I cleaned it with a
poultice by Miracle. We have soft water which some have said could
cause the spalling problem, but that doesn’t explain the front of the
threshold that doesn’t get wet like inside of the shower. I have
heard that green limestone or any limestone should not be used in a
shower. We’ve had several restoration companies try to restore sample
areas, but nothing has worked. Any ideas as to what may be the problem?
Carol,
As discussed on the phone with you sealing the limestone is not the remedy in this instance. Spalling can be the result of several factors including but not limited to crystallization, moisture, the stone itself etc. Some stone has an inherent tendency to do this. As mentioned on the phone the stone companies that have indicated sealing the limestone is the remedy are terribly uneducated or attempting to get more money out of you for nothing. I’m inclined to believe one of the problems may be the thin set used that is now leeching through the limestone. However, it is my professional opinion that you need to have a qualified installer take several of the limestone tiles out to see what can be discovered from looking behind the limestone tile themselves. Please keep me updated on your progress!