Re-sealing flagstone kitchen floor

[mtnjill]

I had a natural flagstone floor installed in my kitchen over a year ago. I don't think the sealer used on it originally was very good and is most likely gone by now. I need to thoroughly clean the floor and re-seal. Can you recommend the best way to do this? It is in my kitchen, so grease and my 3 giant dogs are a factor. Also, the installer put a nice deck stain footprint in the stone first...what will get that out? Thanks for your help. Jill :bang:

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[doitright]

Hi Jill, Welcome! :)

Can you give us some more info?

Do you know what kind of sealer was used originally?

Does water darken the stone?

Are there currently grease stains in the stone?

Was the footprint sealed into the stone?

Can you post any pictures?

You could start with a stone specific high alkaline cleaner. You may need a professional restoration expert to address all of the issues at hand. We will be willing to help with all we can.

[mtnjill]

When I damp mop the floor, it doesn't really seem to get darker. There are maybe a couple of minor grease stains directly in front of the stove. The floor is really dirty right now. It's mud season in Colorado, and I was getting ready to do my usual cleaning (scrub brush and 409) when I read that regular household cleaners aren't good for it. The sealer on it originally (Sept. 2004) I think was a surface sealer...left a bit of a sheen. The installer bought it at Ace Hardware, and that's all he remembers. I believe the footprint was pre-sealer, but I can't say for sure. I took a couple of pictures, they look more red than they actually are. The floor is a light buff color. Sorry I don't have very good answers...This is what I get for not paying closer attention in the beginning. I really appreciate your help. Jill

[doitright]

Hi Jill :)

If it's a topical coating the high alkaline cleaner may or may not affect it. TEST a small area first.

Do yourself a favor and pick up some neutral pH cleaner to maintain the stone with.

It may be necessary to strip the coating, to get the footprint out.

[mtnjill]

I'll do it! Then what should I put on it to seal/protect it? Thanks, Jill :yipee:

[doitright]

Hi Jill :)

You may not affect the topical coating. If not, you will just continue maintenance with the neutral pH cleaner.

Please keep us up do date. :shades:

[mtnjill]

Not that I want to beat a dead horse, but I want to make sure I get the right thing. Should I clean it first with the high alkaline cleaner, then maintain with the neutral pH cleaner? I see that Stonetech heavy duty cleaner is high-alkaline, but which is pH neutral? Thanks, Jill

[doitright]

The All Purpose Stone & Tile Cleaner. :)

[B. Yager]

Use Stonetech's Klenzall, 2:1 with hot water, mop it on let it dwell for for 10 min and scrub with a low speed and brush. You'll need a wet vac to suck up the mess, than rinse with with a lot of water and revac. The Klenzall will break down any cheap sealer and maybe the footprint, than let the floor dry for 2-5 days to totally dry out before applying the sealer.

[mtnjill]

If I finally get my floor nice and clean again, what type of sealer is best for it? Can I use the same thing on my outdoor flagstone, or does the stuff outside need a sealer at all? Thanks for the info...Jill

[doitright]

Hi Jill :)

As far as sealing the interior flagstone, post back after it's clean. We'll need to know if the original sealer (or finish) remained.

What is the condition of the exterior stone? Was it ever sealed? How old is it? Can you post a picture?


Where are you located? :shades:

[mtnjill]

The outside stone was installed summer of 2003 and re-sealed fall of 2004 with EA sealer from Master Builders Technology. It is still quite cold here (I'm attaching a photo for reference.) I live at 7500' on the western slope of Colorado. Without my help, there would still be about a foot of ice and snow sitting on this stone. The sun is quite harsh in July and August. I would like to know just what should be done for maitenance of the stone...I have some other steps and walkways, but all the same stone and previous treatments.
Thanks...and as soon as I get the floor clean...I post a new pic!