Is it Smart To Seal My Limestone Surfaces?

Many of you may have yet to learn this, but Limestone falls under the same category as Travertine. Both are natural stones, but did you know that Travertine is a form of Limestone? Travertine is a more popular stone choice in Arizona from what we have seen due to its more rustic options (tumbled, natural edge, etc.). Still, Limestone is becoming increasingly more popular with the changing styles.

Limestone is a soft stone and can be very absorbent. With Limestone being found in mostly lighter tones, you may wonder if it is wise to seal it. Well... the answer is yes. Natural stones are known for being more absorbent and can stain or discolor over time. As we all know, stone surfaces can be on the pricier end of the spectrum when upgrading spaces in your home. Yes, they give a beautiful and sophisticated look, so why wouldn't you want to ensure the longevity and look of your Limestone surfaces?

Often, you will hear people tell you not to seal your stone surfaces. As a professional natural stone restoration company, this comment drives us insane. Sealing your natural stones is one of our most highly recommended services. The types of sealers we use are made specifically for Limestone and Travertine. The sealers are all penetrating, not topicals, so they absorb into the stones, clog the pores from within, and don't sit on the top of the surface. When the sealer absorbs in, it clogs the pores and helps prevent staining and discoloration from substances spilling or natural elements (outdoor Limestone). 

Not only does sealing your limestone tiles help prevent staining and discoloration it also prolongs the life of the stone. If you have Limestone out on your patio, around your pool, or even as your home flooring, you know the potential for “abuse” to it. Floors and pavers are constantly walked on. Spills occur, pool splashing and so much more. By sealing your Limestone regularly, you help prevent all the wear and tear on these surfaces, which will prolong the life and beauty of your limestone floors.

When I say regularly sealing, I mean as a professional, we recommend having your limestone tiles cleaned every 12-18 months and sealed every 18-24 months. Applying our penetrating sealer regularly helps build protection; over time, the sealer will seem to last longer because it will bond to itself within the pores or the tiles. Another service we suggest with limestone tiles is honing and polishing. 

Honing is a light wet sanding process that can remove damage such as scratches and etching and achieve a satin/matte uniform finish throughout the flooring. Polishing makes the stone dense and brings the Limestone to a reflective finish. The polishing powder we use reacts with the calcium within the Limestone to bring out its natural reflection and when this happens, the stone becomes more dense and harder. Limestone, as mentioned, is a softer stone, so we suggest doing anything you can to make it more dense as it will help slow wear and tear down, allowing your tile to look its best the longest. 

Now, don't get us wrong, over time, all stone starts to get run down and buckle to everyday life but while you can, why wouldn't you want to prolong that time as best as you can? If you are looking for some help with your limestone tile flooring, limestone pavers, limestone backsplash, or whatever it may be, give AriStone Cleaning and Restoration a call at480-352-2987 or check out our website at www.travertinecleaningaz.com. We are highly trained and experienced in Travertine and Limestone we can help.

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