Limestone is a sedimentary rock which is formed at the bottom of the ocean. It consists wholly or mainly of calcium carbonate. In its pure state it is white but it may be coloured by other materials. This calcite is sourced primarily from the shells and bones of marine organisms. The sediment that builds up preserves these organisms into fossils. Over millions of years the heat and pressure cause a chemical reaction which turns this sediment into limestone.
How to Seal Limestone Tile
Sealing your Limestone tiles is our specialty, with years of experience in the field of protection and having the best non-toxic water based sealers. Limestone is a porous natural stone that is extremely important to seal against stains and spills, preventing the liquid particles from sinking in between the pores of the stone. Trapped spills are usually hard to clean as they penetrated the surface of the limestone and it is very important to have us strip clean and reseal your floors for the best result possible. Sealers are engineered to protect your limestone tiles and have them look fresher and new for longer. They will be easier to clean and you will notice a difference in their appearance as their colour wont fade quickly and will maintain their natural colour for a long period of time.
What is Limestone
Types of Limestone Tiles
Many older buildings have durable limestone flooring. This is the chalky porous type typical of most French and Spanish limestone. Etched by acids, including soft drinks. Absorbs oils and other liquids and is more easily stained than marble. Composed of Calcite and some Magnesium. Common colors are black, gray, white, yellow and brown. Has a smooth granular surface. Varies in hardness. Should be sealed with a penetrating sealer to prevent staining and reduce soiling. Should only be cleaned with neutral pH detergents. Because it is soft, it should never be cleaned at pressures above 800 PSI and then only if the grout is in good condition.
How to Seal Limestone Tile
All limestone is highly porous - a tablespoon of water on a limestone surface will be absorbed in seconds, although it does vary in porosity from piece to piece. Porosity is also affected by its finish - highly polished limestone is a little harder to penetrate than limestone with a honed (matt) finish.
Due to its high porosity it is particularly important for limestone to be sealed with a high quality impregnating sealer which will not affect its slip resistance or look. Limestone is used both outdoors and indoors, and our impregnating sealers will seal limestone equally well in either.
Limestone can be difficult to maintain if a proper maintenance cycle is not put in place from the point of installation. As it is usually not polished, the problem of scratching is not as big an issue as it is with marble, however if proper barrier matting is not introduced even a honed surface will lose its attractiveness. The most important factor to consider with the maintenance of limestone is the possibility of staining.
Limestone's calcite composition makes it susceptible to acid attack from spilt food and drink. Its high porosity can also mean oil will permeate the surface and leave staining if it is not properly sealed with a penetrating / impregnating sealer.
Another crucial stage in the protection of your floor is to avoid surface scratching. Although sweeping and vacuuming can remove the majority of surface grit, you should also use doormats to prevent as much as possible from entering the area. Care should be taken when moving heavy objects such as furniture, and when moving chairs. Padded tips can be applied to sharp corners or the points of chair legs to help prevent scratching as well.
Pre-Sealing Preparation
- Any surface to be sealed should be clean and looking just as you want it before it is sealed - it may be impossible to remove stains after sealing without having to strip the sealer again. Acidic cleaners should not be used on limestone as it will damage it.
- Limestone must have no other coating such as wax or a topical sealer before it's sealed, so any such coating must be removed before sealing.
- Floor must be thoroughly dry before applying any sealer.
Our Limestone Floor Restoration service will bring back your limestone tiles & grout to its best possible condition, and protect them for years to come.
Protection from Acid Etching
It is very difficult to seal limestone against acid attack.
Limestone and other calcite based stone such as marble and travertine are prone to acid etching. Limestone is immediately 'etched' (eaten / corroded) by any acidic material on contact - including lemon juice, cola, wine and champagne. For this reason the honed (matt) look is popular, as it doesn't show the matt etch marks as much as polished limestone. In any case, acidic substances should be cleaned up as soon as possible, and limestone should not be used outdoors in areas where there is acid rain.
We provide specialised sealing solutions for Limestone floor and wall tiles
Save yourself time, effort and money and let our team of professionals protect your Limestone tiles for years to come.
To schedule your appointment or to obtain a free estimate, please Call 1300 771 201 or use our online enquiry form.
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