black honed slate countertop

 

This is a question for an expert regarding problems with slate countertops.

I would be eternally grateful if one of your panelists could advise me how to remove lemon/lime stains from my black honed slate countertop..............I have tried using the fine screen mesh, warm water and dishwashing liquid methods which reduced the stains slightly, however I am hoping that there is a more successful method........PLEASE advise.........

Angela

findstone2006-05-29 16:05:20

granite patio table top

I and my wife recently purchased a round 44" patio table with a granite top.  It is Garden Treasures Classics product from the Java line.  The table top appears to be granite "tiles" grouted into a mosaic of concentric circles.  We have purchased a good quality PVC cover primarily to keep it free of outdoor debris.  What kind of treatment and/or maintenance does this type of table top require?

Thanks,
Petros

findstone2006-05-26 15:00:06

Wine stains

Help! Have spilled red wine onto what looks like a sandstone fireplace. I
know that's not much to go on, but it's all i really know about the stone,
apart from the fact that it is sandy coloured and red wine stains it! It is
my parent's fireplace, and dad will be pretty grumpy about it tomorrow.. not
suprisingly. I have tried supermarket stain removals that we have.. but was
hoping that you could let me know of any other product or tecnique of stain
removal that could help.

Thanks for your help, from a worried sarah

How can stones be cleaned of lichen growth?

We live in Colorado on 6 acres with lots of local sandstone. My wife has the
idea to collect this stone and arrange with a local stonemason to lay a
stone floor and build fireplace out of this local rock.  This seems very
labor intensive.  Do you think we can find someone to do it.  How is
sandstone for interior use, especially a floor.  Will it show stains, can it
be adequately sealed?  Are airborne silicates a concern?  How can stones be
cleaned of lichen growth?

Lou, Durango

sealant that will protect stone in chlorine pool

 I am trying to educate myself on ways to clean and hopefully seal (if not possible, at least slow down) the efflorescence at the waterline of our pool.  The coping and waterline tile is sandstone and within 2 years has developed a distinct and unsightly white line.  The advise I have received so far is if power washing with acid doesn't do the trick (and it hasn't) that glass bead pressure blasting in the only thing that will remove it.  Is there any sealant that will protect the stone in a chlorine pool?

I'd appreciate any help I can get!!

Thank You. 

sealing sandstone

We have moved into a home with a backyard of Arizona sandstone.  It includes a salt water pool.  There are a few stones by the pool deck that are always peeling.  My concern is, if I apply a sealer it will only make the peeling in deeper layers.  Any suggestions on Product or application?  Cost is a factor.  There is over 

1500 sq ft of flagstone.  Thank you, Diane, Arizona

'dry-look' or a high-gloss 'wet-look'

hello,

I've perused thru your website, and at least now feel somewhat qualified to ask the right questions regarding sealing my new patio.  I live in Texas and just had an Arizona Buff sandstone patio installed.  To me, the question of whether or not to seal is not the issue.  What I'm concerned about is whether or not going with a wet-look sealer is appropriate.  I personally like the wet-look, since it brings out the various reds & tans embedded in the stone. 

I have been told that my two choices for sealers are a 'dry-look' or a high-gloss 'wet-look'.  One supplier advised me that going with a wet-look seal will cause the surface to be too slippery when it's wet, and a dry sealer would be safer.  (wouldn't a sealed patio be slippery if it was wet anyway?)  In addition the product he was selling (Prime-A Pell 200), would only last a year on sandstone, since it's a relatively soft rock.  Is there a wet-look / color enhancer product out there for sandstone that will last a reasonable amount of time...and won't become a hazard if it gets wet?

thx,

Brad

I'm learning a lot from you professionals

I'm learning a lot from you professionals. Thank you
for your knowledge.
I will need to stabilize and/or replace some "Moinkopi
Sandstone" in Holbrook Arizona on an old building.  Is
there any organization I could get in touch with that
could teach me what I need to know, or that could help
me with any testing that I would need to do?  I would
really appreciate any information you could give me.
Fred, Mesa, Arizona

sandstone statues

Dear Sir/Madam, What can you paint on a sandstone statue to protect it from the weather if you want to put it in your garden? Regards Trevor Collins

sealing sandstone

I help maintain a resort/spa that has a lovely hot springs facility on the
ocean. The floors are all sandstone - exposed daily to rain, showers, hot
springs water and anything else that hundreds of people every day bring.
It is not sealed and is in good shape, however the bathrooms are
developing a problem because any urine that misses the toilet is soaked up
by the stone and they are becoming very smelly.  We're going to try
cleaning the stone with bleach and/or a natural enzyme product intended
for pet stains to see how that goes, but we would love to seal the floor
to help prevent this from being a consistent problem.  I have done some
online research and there seems to be much debate about sealing sandstone.
 Maybe wax is the answer for us? Or just regular linseed oil applications?
 I don't want to use anything that can contribute to a more rapid
deterioration of the stone.

Thanks for your help,
Lisa

what sealer should I use: or should I use any ?

The entire surround of my house is in sandstone - need I say more !!!  I find the best way to clean it is with a karcher water blaster and it works excellent BUT, there is always a BUT isn't there ? what sealer should I use: or should I use any ? should I just continue using the karcher water blaster abut 3 times per year - it takes about 4 days to do all !!! I am concerend that the sandsone may detiorate with constant use of the water blaster but I do like that rugged look when it has been cleaned instead of the "oh so clean and unatural look"

Many thanks for any suggestions.

cheers

John

salt have a significant affect on the sand stone

Hi -

I have recently purchased my first home, a 1920's brick in Shaker Hts, OH - everything I've ever thought I wanted in a home, and more (I'm sure!!).  The front entry way has sandstone steps and landing, and during the winter months I put salt (the cheap stuff in a bag) on the steps and walkway to deter ice accumulation (trying to protect the mail person).  Does the salt have a significant affect on the sand stone or is it a natural occurance (errosion) that I am seeing now. I do see what appears to be sand, and I've noticed that there is now a gap between the threshold of the front door and the sandstone landing.  It looks as if there were some type of masonry caulking in place before. 

Any clues you can provide will surely be appreciated.

Kim in Shaker Heights

Sandstone Base

The 100 year old church I belong to has a sandstone foundation. Several years ago someone though it would be a good idea to white wash the sandstone. now the was hand stone is flaking off. We got a quote from one company that wants to "pin" a new face on the existing stone. Is ther anything elese we can do to restore the stone? Please reply to Brandon at crockb@hotmail.com