Does anyone have advice re: protecting our flagstone floor?

[Mountford family]

We have recently re-instated the flagstone floor to our kitchen - it had been replaced with concrete directly into the earth, which had then become very damp and cracked. Before we put the kitchen back into use we have been advised to seal the floor to protect from fat splashes etc. I have tried a number of commercial sealants on off-cuts but these just delay the seepage and then prevent cleaning - the result is horrible, black splash marks. I have heard that the Victorians used linseed oil and also that soap, hot water, a good scrubbing brush and elbow grease is the best option. The flags are a lovely Forest of Dean stone with pinks and greens which we would hate to see lost under stains and spills, not to mention the everyday grime. I have seen the stone kitchen floor of a friend - very expensively sealed, which is now ruined due to trapped stains - but there are so many on the market, all claiming to be the best thing since sliced bread. We don't want to do the wrong thing so if anyone has any advice we would be very very grateful! Thank you!

 

[Schoolmarm]

What is the floor laid onto?

 

[Mountford family]

Hi
We had underfloor heating installed and insultation - I think it's bedded into a sand and cement mix.

 

[JoceAndChris]

My old flags have so much "patina" I'd never notice the odd splash of fat! so I can't really help you regarding sealing...Also, I'm scared of sealing because I want floors to breathe as much as possible. But it doesn't sound as though damp/ breathability is an issue for you.

This is an interesting thread for you to read, particularly Nem's recommendation of the tile forum.

http://www.periodproperty.co.uk/forum/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=9225&p=104709&hilit=sealing+flagstone#p104709

 

[yamin]

http://www.periodproperty.co.uk/forum/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=9441

Here were our really scabby old flags before and after linseed. It really does a wonderful job - it sounds like you have taken trouble to reinstate a lovely old floor, and I would hesitate to use any modern sealant on it. As others have said, it may mean you have to be tolerant of the odd stain (I'm with Joce on that one!), but hopefully the elbow grease you seem willing to employ will sort out the worst of them! And I'm assuming that if the Victorians used it, it was probably because it did give a level of protection......

 

[chuckey]

I used a patio sealer which is always used around here. The only problem I have found is that it darkens lime mortar and put a shine (lustre really) on about 2 % of the stones I have clarted it over. It OK on limestone flags.
Frank

 

[AMc]

I'm using Osmo Polyx on my floor brick and pamment flooring. The testers I did with 3 coats of satin came up really well, a little darker than unsealed but pretty. We're using matt finish for the actual floor. I nearly had a heart attack when the 1st coat had dried as the more porous bricks had a white powdery looking effect - buffing and washing had no effect. I was persuaded to try a second coat before abandoning the approach and they're now looking normal again.

I'll post some pictures in this thread when I get the chance.
http://www.periodproperty.co.uk/forum/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=10367&start=15#p123691