Limestone Cleaning, Honing, Polishing
Limestone is a sedimentary stone witch at times can be very similar to marble in appearance. The main difference is that limestone usually comes in a honed finish, rather than a polished finish. This is due to the fact that limestone, typically, is not as dense as marble and therefore will not hold an even polish. Limestone is in most cases found in light colours, but also grays, and even black (Negro Marquina). The warm tone, and soft feel is becoming more popular these days in Australia, conforming now to international design trends, and there is a move away from ultra shiny floors that have dominated this last decade.
Limestone, because of the high lime/calcium content, will etch very easily when exposed to acids, such as vinegar, lemon juice, red wine. Therefore limestone is not suitable for kitchen benches.
Limestone can also be very soft, therefore scratch more easily. This is one of the reasons a honed finish is popular, so the scratched will be less noticeable.
Limestone Sealing
Limestone Sealing
When any stone is produced in a honed finish, the pores will be open to the extent of the hone, meaning, the lower the hone, the more the pores remain open, and the more porous the stone will be. Therefore, honed limestone should be sealed with a high quality impregnating sealer for limestone. Our limestone sealing is done with the highest quality products, designed specifically for limestone.
Limestone Polishing
Limestone Polishing
Limestone can be dense and a good candidate for polishing. However, like travertine, it should not be assumed that any limestone with an inconsistent sheen is of low quality and must be polished to bring it up to standard. Factory finishes can be of low quality and need work, but this is not always the case, that all limestone must look like marble.
However, if the client desires a harder look (or a softer look) we have techniques to give them exactly what they want.
Limestone Cleaning
Limestone Cleaning
Most limestone used architecturally have iron as part of their mineral make up. The mild oxidization of this iron is what gives limestone it’s warm beige colours. After a few years the limestone can start to “patina” and become much more yellow in appearance. This is not a problem and many clients like it. Some do not however and would prefer the limestone to be cleaned to the original colour. Or, if a re-design is being done, and furniture and rugs will be moved, there will be a noticeable footprint-where there is a rug the stone will be a different colour due to lack of moisture exposure. The yellowing will not be removed as well by typical stone cleaners, and because it is a mild form of rust, requires an acid to clean it off. But you obviously cannot use an acid on limestone. This is a problem we overcame 12+ years ago. We have a proprietary chemical to completely clean limestone and restore colour to the original, without burning the finish. The limestone cleaning is complete.
