( 5 MINUTE READ )
So, what’s the best way to keep your stone, slate or terracotta floor looking good throughout the year? There are various options available, depending on the final finish you hope to achieve.
The first step is to make sure the surface is clean. For this, use Liberon Stone Floor Cleaner. For normal cleaning simply dilute to a 25% solution in warm water and mop or sponge onto the surface. It will need 10 to 15 minutes to work on the surface and then rinse several times with clean warm water.
For more stubborn stains this product can be applied neat. Leave it to work for 15 minutes then scrub with a brush and rinse. Allow the surface to dry and then you’re ready for the next step.
Most stone floor finishes work best when the surface is sealed, so it’s time to think about how you would like your floor to look. Liberon offer two sealers. One water-based (‘Natural Finish’) and the other oil-based (‘Colour Enhancer’).
If you want your floor to look as close as possible to it’s original colour then Natural Finish would be the one to use. However, if you would prefer to emphasise the floor’s natural colour then go for ‘Colour Enhancer’. Wetting the surface slightly will provide an indication of the final finish.
Once the first coat has been applied and allowed to dry, drop a small amount of water onto the surface. If after 15 minutes the water has remained on the surface then job done. If not then further coats will be needed, especially if the surface is particularly porous.
It’s now time to choose the final finish. Liberon Stone Floor Wax will give a traditional satin finish once buffed but is not best suited for use in rooms typically subject to humidity, such as kitchens or bathrooms.
For use in such an environment, or if you prefer more sheen then you can consider Liberon Stone Floor Shine. This is used as a dilution and once dry, a shine will appear. For a higher shine simply apply more coats.
Other products are available, including Jenkins’ highly regarded Paste Floor Wax. This is a traditional wax finish suitable for stone or terracotta and comes in two versions: Original W100 will provide a warm tone to the surface or Clear W101, which will not add any warmth.