Kilkenny Honed Limestone Sealer question - Tile Advice

[Barnjet]

Hi Guys

Newbie here, hope you can help. I’m helping my son on his building project. He is getting his builder to install 45sqm of Kilkenny Stone Washed Light limestone tiles ( 600 x 400 x 20). The builder has laid lots of stone before and has recommended Lithofin Stain Stop MN as the sealer.

We have experimented on a scrap piece and are worried that after 2 coats, the tiles are significantly darker. I have read on this forum and elsewhere that Lithofin is neutral so have we misapplied the Lithofin on the test piece? Hopefully I have managed to insert a copy photo of the test piece. Don’t worry about the other Topps sealer on the left, we won’t be using that one.
Any advice much appreciated. Thanks in advance

 

[Time's Ran Out]

IMHO Lithofin stain stop is the best but I see your issue.
Does it not lighten up after a 24hr period.

 

[Dumbo]

Hi Guys

Newbie here, hope you can help. I’m helping my son on his building project. He is getting his builder to install 45sqm of Kilkenny Stone Washed Light limestone tiles ( 600 x 400 x 20). The builder has laid lots of stone before and has recommended Lithofin Stain Stop MN as the sealer.

We have experimented on a scrap piece and are worried that after 2 coats, the tiles are significantly darker. I have read on this forum and elsewhere that Lithofin is neutral so have we misapplied the Lithofin on the test piece? Hopefully I have managed to insert a copy photo of the test piece. Don’t worry about the other Topps sealer on the left, we won’t be using that one.
Any advice much appreciated. Thanks in advance

View attachment 107990

Have you tried wiping a stone with a clean damp cloth to see how it reacts.

 

[Barnjet]

IMHO Lithofin stain stop is the best but I see your issue.
Does it not lighten up after a 24hr period.

Here it is after 5 days

 

[Barnjet]

Have you tried wiping a stone with a clean damp cloth to see how it reacts.

And here it is after wiping with a damp cloth

 

[Barnjet]

Oops photo attached this time

 

[Barnjet]

We will try another test piece and make sure there’s no residue left on the surface. I’ll post this later. Thanks for help so far

 

[Time's Ran Out]

I’d rather have it a shade of grey ( pun intended) than not sealed.

 

[Barnjet]

Test No 2 completed using the Lithofin and some LTP Mattstone. Photos below

And from a different angle


In all tests so far the Lithofin has been the darkest shade and left streaky marks. The LTP is less dark, and streak free but is it as good as the Lithofin?

One thing I notice is the Lithofin has a shelf life of 3 years and this tin looks like it’s been knocking around ever since Shades of Grey was written Would that cause this issue?

Thanks for advice so far.

 

[Barnjet]

I’d rather have it a shade of grey ( pun intended) than not sealed.

Yes TJ
The builder definitely wants to seal before grouting and seal again. He finished laying them today and protected them. Plans to grout and seal next week

 

[hmtiling]

Try universeal rapid all in one. Might get better results

 

[Flintstone]

I agree, try universeal

 

[Concrete guy]

How old is that tin of stain stop? It has a short shelf life from date of opening. If it's old (it looks pretty old) it may have evaporated and be no longer working appropriately.

I once used stain stop plus, which was regular stain stop mixed with colour intensifier. It was very difficult to apply without getting streaks but it gave the appearance that you seem to be getting here.

May be worth a new tin of stain stop to test?

 

[Barnjet]

Try universeal rapid all in one. Might get better results

Thanks HM I have seen good reviews for Universeal Rapid but I can’t find any local stockist to Peckham. It only seems to be available from a few distributors who charge an arm and a leg for delivery. Do you know if any of the regular builders merchants or chains stock it. Nothing comes up on the internet

 

[Barnjet]

How old is that tin of stain stop? It has a short shelf life from date of opening. If it's old (it looks pretty old) it may have evaporated and be no longer working appropriately.

I once used stain stop plus, which was regular stain stop mixed with colour intensifier. It was very difficult to apply without getting streaks but it gave the appearance that you seem to be getting here.

May be worth a new tin of stain stop to test?

Thanks ATS, it is an old tin, so you may be right. Anyway worth a go with a new tin as the product does get very good reviews