Limestone hearth.

[ray99]

Going to fit a limestone hearth in my daughters house. I believe I need to seal the limestone top ( and bottom to prevent damp staining coming through?) before installing and again after fitting. Is Lithofin the only product as at £30 it is costing much more than two 900 x 600 bits of limestone?
Thanks.

 

[noseall]

What damp?

Decent tile suppliers have a range of sealants available and can advise. I'd be more concerned about protecting or sealing against soot deposits or general household grime, than damp.

 

[ray99]

What damp?

I was led to believe that laying it on a bed of mortar could stain it.
Will try to get to a tile suppliers today but travel around Carlisle is a nightmare at present with the flooding and bridges closed.

 

[noseall]

You have my sincere sympathies.

 

[ray99]

You have my sincere sympathies.

For the flooding or thinking laying on a bed of mortar would stain it? Don't know whether to say thanks or not lol. Personally unaffected by the flooding other than travel being difficult and very time consuming.

Anyway got some Lithofin Stain-Stop so going to tackle the job tomorrow. Hopefully get the stove fitted on Saturday.

 

[r896neo]

Unless its travertine or a very light stone then normal mortar will be fine. Be careful not to get cement stains on the surface or at least wipe it straight off as you can not use mortar acid to clean limestone. Be very careful of any acid on limestone as it will make a disaster of it.

Lithofin stainstop or similar is good stuff.

 

[ray99]

Got it done. Just need to paint the render once she decides on the colour.