Many homeowners opt to use sandstone for a variety of surfaces around the home, including: floor tiles, kitchen countertops, wall cladding, patios, stair treads, shower stalls, and so on. Because this naturally porous stone is sealed after installation to protect it against moisture (which can cause all sorts of damage, including cracks and discolouration), any scratches that occur to the surface are often contained to the sealant and not passed on to the sandstone beneath. To repair these sorts of artificial scratches, you will need to follow this one easy process:
As you will be working with some chemicals and other solutions that don’t react very well with out skin, you will need to make sure that you are wearing a good pair of rubber gloves before beginning. You can then mix up a solution comprised of 2 litres warm water and a quarter of a cup of oxygen bleach powder. Stir the two together until the bleach has completely dissolved.
Next, you will need to take a plastic scrubbing brush and dip it into the solution prepared above. Use the brush to scrub at the areas of the sandstone that have sustained the scratches, as this will remove any dirt and grime from within the marks. Then, use a cloth that you have dampened with clean water to wipe down the sandstone and remove any remaining solution. Use a second cloth to wipe the sandstone dry.
You will then need to take a wad of #0000 grade steel wool and dampen it with some cold water. Use the steel wool to rub at the scratches on the sandstone surface until you can no longer see them. Do not use a heavier grade of steel wool, as this could pose further damage to the sandstone. If you notice that the scratches are much deeper than was originally thought, you will need to seek advice from a professional.
To finish, you will need to apply a thin layer of sandstone sealant to the surface of the pavers using the applicator provided. Before beginning, you will need to make sure that the area is well ventilated by opening nearby doors and windows. Make sure that you follow the accompanying manufacturer’s instructions and allow the first layer to dry completely before adding a second coat. Once you have applied the final layer, you will need to leave the sandstone to dry for at least 24 hours before attempting to walk on or utilize the area again.