Natural paving / Indian flag sealer / colour enhancer for hearth. Black limestone

JustAnotherSaver

We've selected some black limestone natural indian paving slabs for our hearth.
What i want is the deep black colour similar to when they're wet. Not the pasty grey dry look.

I've been told i need to 'seal' them but with further looking in to it, i think i actually need a colour enhancer product, not a 'sealer'?

But there's so many out there with varying prices. And none of them are really cheap!! So i can't just go experimenting.


So where to begin? We have 3no. 900x600 flags.

I'm also sure that there'll be a bit more to it than "any old sealer will do".

Vampgirl

Have a good read of the Paving Expert website - loads and loads of useful info which should help you. Particularly this: http://www.pavingexpert.com/stonpv05.htm and this: http://www.pavingexpert.com/sealant_03.htm

JustAnotherSaver

Thanks.

I was in touch with a company called Resiblock.

Interestingly they said they don't do any sealant for how i would use it (hearth) because all their sealants are for EXTERIOR use.

I found this odd. Why would they be unsuitable inside?

Especially when i had actually 'topped up' on my mothers black limestone flags with the Resiblock colour enhancer & it's done them no harm.

arbrighton

our stove fitter told us to rub WD40 into ours to get the shine etc

JustAnotherSaver

I'm not really sold on the idea of WD40 although i've heard many recommend it through online searches.

Aside from the fact the tin is labelled up as extremely flammable ....

If WD40 was the answer, then for the price of it surely everyone would be using it & not these 5ltr tubs at £60-£115?

I've squirted some WD40 on a sample piece which i also scratched up as well. It's only 24hours old but looking ok so far.

Out of interest - how long did the WD40 approach last?

twohooter_2

I have 80sq metres of black limestone slabs in my garden and every year apply a coating of Dry Treat impregnating sealer with colour enhancer. It is not cheap but in my opinion well worth the money as my slabs come up beautifully black and shiny. It doesn't smell and see no reason why it should not be used indoors - but obviously this should be checked with the supplier.