How To Clean & Seal Sandstone Surfaces
Sandstone is a sedimentary rock composed mainly of sand-sized minerals or rock grains. We find that sandstone is mostly composed of quartz and/or feldspar. Sandstone has been found in almost any colour, but the main common colours are tan, brown, yellow, red, grey, pink, white and black. There are different some different types of sandstone based on their texture, porosity and appearance. Knowing how to clean & seal sandstone surfaces is highly recommended as stain removal can be difficult due to its natural properties of high porosity and varying texture.
What you shouldn’t do; Rendering with sand/cement over sandstone isn’t recommended. The sandstone will be damaged by this over time as this type of sand/cement renders/ plaster isn’t porous. This can cause your render to be pushed off. When the render starts to fall off, the stone behind will be incredibly soft. This, of course, doesn’t happen overnight so whether it’s a real concern for you or not up to you.
If it’s a stone wall, you shouldn’t be putting normal sand/cement anywhere near it, use traditional lime mortars.
How to Clean Sandstone
According to Sandstone World, regular cleaning maintenance is essential as you want to ensure that your stone remains the beautiful stone that it started out as. Property owners should regularly vacuum the sandstone so that any dirt and dust is removed. Once vacuumed, use a quality damp cloth or mop to mop the sandstone. Try not to use any chemicals. String mops are a great option to clean with as they can easily get into the crevices of the sandstone.
Due to the high porosity of sandstone spot cleaning is recommended to quickly clean up marks, stains and spills. With spot cleaning using a soft cloth and a soft chemical to scrub the surface is acceptable. Be sure that the floor is well rinsed after the sandstone has been cleaned.
Sandstone is not a stone that you want to dry naturally. If your washing a wall make sure that the wall drys evening to avoid further watermarks. Use a soft towel and dry the sandstone after cleaning.
Ancient Sandstone – Heavily Soiled
Should you find your sandstone be extremely soiled, it may be time to call in a professional cleaner. However, professional cleaning still best performed when the stone has been properly sealed. However, if the sandstone or stone has not been sealed, there can be an excessive amount of water absorbed and staining can result.
Sandstone World recommends the use of a vacuum cleaner to remove all dirt and dust. Any efflorescence should be removed first using Efflorescence Rid. Spot clean areas using a stone chemical cleaner that is made for sandstone such as Bluee-Powerclean. Use a soft brush or broom to help penetrate the chemicals into the pores and ridges of the stone. Cleaning the entire sandstone surface in this manner.
Once cleaned, it is necessary to rinse the surface. Remove the excess chemical on the surface of the stone by using a dry cloth and mop or by water.
Sandstone is used in floors, walls, garden beds, walkways, interiors and exteriors, and it is a stone that is exquisite but must be properly taken care of.
How To Seal Sandstone
Sandstone pavers, due to their porous nature of the sandstone, can become stained really easily. Any oil or grease spill absorbed into the sandstone, but remain visible on the surface. When you decide to purchase the sandstone pavers or wall tiles or cladding prior to installation clean & seal & seal sandstone. Due to the porous nature of the sandstone, use a sealer, like Sealtight Clear, that is deep penetrating. Pour the sealer into a clean hand spray bottle or a backpack spray low-pressure spray(not mot more than 20 psi). Flood coating works best. Wait a few minutes, and then wipe excess down with a dry sponge. More on how to clean & seal sandstone surfaces full instruction here
The advantage of a sealant such as Sealtight Clear is that the scientific formula causes a reaction that solidifies the component parts of masonry, concrete and cement mortars into a single mass making it waterproof. Sealtight Clear is also resistant to acid, oil, fuels, fats and grease. Increases the density of the substrate, increases wear capability, will prevent dusting, brick fretting, cracking.
Further on how to clean & seal sandstone surfaces The advantages of using SealTight is found here.
Find out more about the Use of Sealtight Clear
