Sealing floor grout

[borischarlton]

Hi
I have a flagstone floor in my lounge that I have sealed with a breathable seal. I have then grouted the whole floor with lime. Does anyone know of a seal that is clear that I can use for the grout as it is very light and the seal I have been using is a bit yellow. I know that HG do one but considering the amount I have to cover it is going to be very expensive.
Thanks
Rob

 

[Nemesis]

Why do you want to seal the lime? It cleans up fairly easily, and is in itself breathable.

 

[Essex]

What breathable seal have you used. We have flagstones and I am having difficulty finding a breathable seal.
Thanks

 

[NT]

What breathable seal have you used. We have flagstones and I am having difficulty finding a breathable seal.
Thanks

To some extent its a contradiction in terms.

Linseed oil

 

[Penners]

the seal I have been using is a bit yellow

Linseed oil

Surely linseed oil will have a yellowing effect, too.

 

[NT]

Linseed oil

Surely linseed oil will have a yellowing effect, too.

Imagine grinning white lime grout with yellowed flagstones... not whats wanted.


NT

 

[Moo]

I don't understand this thread.

Surely one of the main advantages of a flagstone floor is that it's so easy to look after: the occasional pass with a vacuum cleaner, plus a damp mopping for anything that won't shift. Why bother to seal any of it?

If you want a shiny floor, use glazed quarry tiles or some sort of sheet material.

 

[Essex]

Our flagstones are actually dressed stone, therefore smooth. I want to keep the natural, matt finish. I have a breathing floor (LECA, limecrete, underfloor heating etc). I do not actually think that there is such a thing as a breathing seal,but, as some of the stone is in the kitchen, with potential for oil spills etc, I would be interested in finding out if such an animal exists.
The SPAB,by the way said either leave and be very careful, or possibly, use beeswax. I am interested in any one elses experience

 

[Penners]

Imagine grinning white lime grout with yellowed flagstones... not whats wanted.

Except that Rob implies that he does want unyellowed grout - and it's his house!

 

[NT]

Imagine grinning white lime grout with yellowed flagstones... not whats wanted.

Except that Rob implies that he does want unyellowed grout - and it's his house!

will send the colour scheme police round immediately!


NT

 

[andrew gayton]

use a 50/50 mix of raw linseed oil and turpentine; this is vapour permeable........... given time, this will 'polish up' to provide a very mat sheen...........

 

[Nemesis]

Lime doesn't have to be grinning white either - the choice of aggregate can tone it down and make it blend with stone.

There is no doubt however that historically much grout was indeed quite white, and we simply are not too used to this these days.

 

[andrew gayton]

and it will stay white for about 2-weeks if you leave your boots on.

 

[Penners]

and it will stay white for about 2-weeks if you leave your boots on.

You've been to my house, then!

 

[borischarlton]

Hi
Thanks for the replies. I sealed the floor using a Liberon product, it has given a very good mat, slightly worn apperance which I am really pleased with. They were producing quite an amount of dust which is why I sealed them.
The grout is light in colour not grinning white, I used Frith End Blend aggregate, kind of sandy, and I want to keep it that way hence the reason of sealing it. I think i may try some neuteral wax and see what it looks like.
Thanks
Rob

 

[chuckey]

I was reccomended to use Frith End sand by Dave at the Lime Centre Nr. Winchester, got a couple of bags which I am itching to use. As for sealing limestone flags, I know if you don't they will turn a light grey colour. Every cottage round here has them like that. I used some Thompsons Drive and pavoir sealer on a lime stone wall. It came out fine on the limestone blocks but one block, which was very dark with a hint of purple came out a bit glossy. Now, the lime pointing is a different matter, during the application, dark brown cracks apeared and it looked awful, but these have dried out and it is definately darker, but still acceptable. I shall use the same stuff on my floor.
Frank