Easy and Efficient Ways to Repair Scratches in Limestone

As all you know, limestone is a natural stone material which is commonly used for walls, flooring, countertops etc. If it is installed and maintained properly, the limestone surfaces or materials will last really lifelong. Even though limestone is a great alternative especially for flooring thanks to its natural and fine look, you need to be very careful about protecting it against scratches. Like travertine and marble, limestone has also a porous nature, which makes it susceptible to scratches.

If you have children or have a pet, such scratches are almost inevitable. In addition to these scratches, the wrong type of detergent, vacuum cleaner that you use and the dirt coming from outside to your house will be tracked inside the scratches and will make the situation worse. Therefore, you need to repair the scratches before they get larger and deeper. And in this article, we will talk about the easiest hacks for repairing scratches in limestone.

How to Repair the Limestone  Scratches

• First of all, you need to find where the scratch starts and where it end. So, you should examine the surface thoroughly. This examination process will enable you to be aware of the situation and take the next steps accordingly. Also, if there is more than one scratch, you might need to place a kind of masking tape on other scratches since it may be harder to repair all of them at once.
• Cleaning is the second step. In order to make the limestone surface or flooring ready for repair, you should get rid of any obstruction such as dirt or debris. Also, you will need a large area to be comfortable while repairing. So move away from all the furnishings and decorative elements around the scratch. Do not use descaling agents for cleaning limestone surfaces. Water and soap or a mild detergent will be enough to get rid of any kind of dirt. And make sure that the surface is dry before you start repairing.
• You can try to apply mineral oil on the scratches in dark-colored limestone surfaces. Take a piece of soft cloth, soak it in mineral oil (olive oil or linseed oil) and gently rub the scratch on the limestone. Watch the mineral oil penetrating the stone and making the scratch disappear within just a few seconds.
• Use a stone sealer to eliminate minor scratches. Sealer is used not only for providing protection against external factors but also for eliminating the minor scratches on limestone. Apply a thin coat of stone sealer on the scratch, which will deepen the color of the limestone and hide the scratch on the view.
• Mild polisher will also be a good idea for getting rid of minor scratches such as scuff marks on limestone. Such polishes are available from hardware stores. In order to smooth the surface, apply the polisher by gently rubbing it over the scratch. Make sure you regularly check the status of the scratch. As soon as you see the scratch disappear, wipe away the extra polish with a soft and damp cloth and then apply some sealant on it.
• Not all the scratches are as easy to repair as the ones that we mention above. When you drag the couch over the limestone flooring, you cause larger and deeper scratches on the limestone. Such scratches will be very visible and it may not be eliminated only by polishing. Mineral oils or sealants will not be enough to repair them. They will require more work. You might try epoxy resin, which might be mixed until it matches the color of the limestone flooring. Gather up a small amount of epoxy for applying it to the scratch until it is filled. Once you get the desired result, remove the excesses and smooth the surface. Let it dry before sealing the scratch with some sealant.