Black limestone hearth treatment.

jawjawsdad

I have 2 off 3x2 black limestone pavers for my stove hearth. They have been in situ for about 4 years, and I want to freshen them up a bit. They have never been treated, so they have a slight white look to them. What would be the best treatment to make them look black again?

matelodave

I've got dark grey (nearly black) slate and find that a good rub with cooking oil brings it up a treat and darkens it as well.
The installer suggested teak oil but I found it was a bit sticky whereas Flora Pure Sunflower oil is light, not sticky and polishes up nicely. Olive oil has been suggested but I reckon that's a bit too sticky as well. Alternatively you could try black shoe polish.

Whatever you try, check first on an inconspicuous area to make sure it does what you want.

jawjawsdad

Thanks matelodave sounds like its worth a try. Was speaking to a guy today who recommended Linseed Oil, so will try these out on a test first.

suki1964

Any oil will work so start with what is in the kitchen


Remember though all oils smell so don't use the extra virgin olive or coconut oil

jawjawsdad

Thanks Suki 1964, will keep that in mind. Don't want the place smelling like a chippy. I'm going to fire up the stove this weekend, fitted a door seal last week and sprucing up the hearth this week. It's getting a bit colder here in East Antrim, so looking forward to a cosy home.

suki1964

jawjawsdad wrote: »

Thanks Suki 1964, will keep that in mind. Don't want the place smelling like a chippy. I'm going to fire up the stove this weekend, fitted a door seal last week and sprucing up the hearth this week. It's getting a bit colder here in East Antrim, so looking forward to a cosy home.

It's freezing up here in North Antrim Well ok technically not freezing but I've had the stove lit a few times now already. Overnight temps are really dropping now and a few frosty mornings

michaelgordon

i have the black / grey limestone from b and q and it was quite light so asked my fitter when he was doing it and he used creosote i think really darkened and dosent smell still looks good today

jawjawsdad

Thanks Michaelgordon. I thought by using creosote there would have been a smell off it. I definitely don't want any smell, or a greasy feel to the hearth. Just a nice black look to the hearth.

michaelgordon

It smelt really bad for a day or two but no lasting smell