Limestone is a widely used architectural stone. Many of the world’s most recognized and loved landmarks, including the Great Pyramids, are constructed from this versatile, attractive stone. Limestone occurs in nature in varying degrees of hardness – some varieties are extremely soft – and like marble, limestone is very susceptible to acids, which can scratch and damage it.
Caring for limestone effectively requires specialized knowledge because many types of limestone are extremely soft. Some varieties of limestone, particularly the softer varieties, need to be professionally cleaned and sealed from time to time. The Marble Restoration Company of Philadelphia and the Delaware Valley’s professionally trained technicians can refurbish any scratched, etched, cracked, or damaged limestone and restore it to its original condition. Our 40 years of experience have enabled us to develop special processes to hone and/or polish and seal limestone to maximize its beauty and durability. Once we have completed a limestone restoration, our technicians will educate you with simple stone and tile care tips so you can keep your limestone looking like it was just installed.
Our limestone care and restoration methods employ state-of-the-art technologies and equipment to protect and preserve your limestone floors, counters, vanities, showers, stairs, fireplaces, and more; if it’s made of limestone, we’ll make it like new again!
The Limestone Restoration Process
Limestone Cleaning
Before any repair, honing, polishing or sealing begins, our expert team will clean the limestone surface. Our cleaning process makes sure that no acidic cleaners are used that can lead to etching and dulling the limestone surface. Additional chemicals and cleaners may be used to help remove stains and discoloration from the limestone surface.
Limestone Repair and Lippage Removal
Our methods to repair chips and cracks in a limestone surface vary greatly depending on the severity, location and type of limestone. Compounds and materials designed for use on limestone may be used to fix a crack, repair a chip or restore a damaged corner. The experts at The Marble Restoration Company will determine which method and materials will work the best at repairing the limestone surface.
Over time, tiles and surfaces can shift and cause tiles and panels to become uneven and possibly even a tripping hazard. The Marble Restoration team of experts can employ lippage removal or grinding techniques that will remove the excess limestone and restore an even, level surface.
Limestone Honing
Limestone surfaces like tile, flooring, panels and counters show wear patterns, scratches and etching when the stone erodes from dirt, sand, shoes, and other usage. The honing process serves two purposes for limestone surfaces: repairing and preparing for polish. Using abrasive diamond pads attached to an oscillating tool, the honing process removes a thin layer of the surface to reveal a smooth, undamaged appearance. This process also makes the limestone surface ready for polishing.
Limestone Polishing and Buffing
Limestone polishing can achieve multiple looks to suit your décor, from matte and semi-gloss to full gloss and restoration of shine and luster. The polishing process uses polishing compounds and liquids to achieve the desired look of the floor, countertop, or tile surface. Multiple passes of high-quality polishing compounds are applied to the limestone surface to restore the luster and beauty. If a honed or satin finish is required, our final step will be to buff with honing powders to achieve the client’s desired finish.
Limestone Sealing
Limestone is a very porous natural stone. Porous natural stone surfaces are much more likely to be stained. Sealing the limestone surface is recommended to help protect the surface from staining, etching and general use. Our sealants help ensure a quality finish to the limestone surface for long-lasting beauty and appearance. After application, the sealant may be dry to the touch, but typically requires some time to cure and harden. Our team of experts provide clear instructions after the sealing process so you know when the curing process has been completed, and you can return to regular use of the limestone floor, counter, or other surface. We recommend a maintenance program for limestone, which requires sealing on a regular basis.
Can Limestone Be Sealed?
Commercial Maintenance Guarantee
Even for high-traffic commercial properties, we guarantee you will never have to pay to restore your stone again after we complete a limestone restoration and implement our regular service agreement.