Many homeowners choose to utilize natural stone for their home improvement projects due to its cost-effectiveness. 
Natural stone can give an earthy look to your outdoor living area, since it derives from the Earth and is unprocessed. Homeowners also enjoy using natural stone because of its unique look. No two natural stone formations are the same, because no two stones are the same. Natural stone proves to be a popular choice in material for both inside the home and outdoors. These projects can include natural stone countertops, rock walls, walkways, and many more.
Unfortunately, many homeowners run into the problem of natural stone fading and wearing over time. This is why refinishing natural stone is a viable option for those wanting to reverse the natural deterioration of their stone project.
The following article from eHow describes the steps for those wanting to refinish natural stone in their living space. Refinishing natural stone can also help achieve the vibrancy seen on wet stone.
How to Refinish Natural Stone
Over time, natural stone becomes faded, worn and stained. Unlike plaster or manmade, molded stone, natural stone has layer after layer of vibrant color hidden below its weathered surface. River stones always look prettier when they’re wet, and this is the same effect that polish and sealers have on natural stones. Whether you’re refurbishing your marble countertops, your natural stone tiled floor, or a picturesque garden walkway, your stones will radiate a vibrant shine just like they did when they were initially installed.
Things You’ll Need:
- Stiff scrub brush
- Bucket of soapy water
- Electric sander and stone buffer
- Stain
- Sealant
- Natural bristle paintbrush
- Paint thinner
- Wire brush
Instructions
- Scrub the stone and remove all dirt, debris and paint from the stone’s surface. For outdoor pathways, it may be easier to use a pressure washer. You may also need a wire brush to remove paint.
- Allow the stone to dry before using the electric sander to gently buff out stains. Use a fine-grade sandpaper to enhance the polish.
- Rinse the stone with clean water and allow it to dry. Be sure that all dirt and debris is cleaned away; any dirt or stains left on the stone will remain when the stain and sealant are applied.
- Apply the stain with a bristle brush. Follow the directions for the product you use to determine temperature and length of time necessary for the stain to dry before sealant can be applied.
- Apply the sealant with a clean bristle brush. Allow the sealant to dry and do not walk on or use the path for a minimum of 24 hours.
Tips & Warnings
- If you’re refurbishing an outdoor natural stone walkway, time your project with warm dry weather so that rain or cloudy and cold temperatures will not inhibit the stain and sealant processes.
- Either choose nontoxic products for staining and sealing your indoor stone tiles or countertop, or complete the task with all windows, doors and ventilation systems open to maximize airflow and reduce toxicity.
Now that you have the knowledge of the correct steps for refinishing natural stone in your home, you can return to the original, eye-catching look of when the natural stone was first installed.
Thinking about starting your own natural stone project but aren’t sure where to start? Contact Camosse Masonry Supply. We can stock you with premium natural stone products as well as provide you with expert masonry advice.
