Limestone protection
Limestone gives a room that soft, chalky, European calm. It is also one of the most absorbent and acid-sensitive stones you can put in a kitchen. The film changes that.
Why limestone struggles
Limestone formed from compressed shell and sediment. It is calcium carbonate like marble, but usually softer and more porous. Water, oil and wine are drawn into it quickly, and acids etch it on contact.
Most limestone is honed, which adds to the open, matte feel. That is why so many limestone benchtops end up blotchy around the sink and cooktop within a year or two.
Limestone at a glance
Typical figures. Natural stone varies from slab to slab.
| Stone type | Sedimentary |
|---|---|
| Main mineral | Calcite (calcium carbonate) |
| Where it comes from | France, Portugal, Spain and elsewhere |
| Hardness | About 3 on the Mohs scale |
| Porosity | High |
| Etches with acid | Yes, readily |
| Typical finishes | Honed, brushed or tumbled |
| Best film finish | Satin |
The appeal
Limestone brings warm creams, greys and taupes with a gentle, even texture, and it is often chosen for relaxed, natural interiors. You will sometimes see small fossils or shell fragments in the surface, which is part of its character.
Its softness and porosity are the trade-off. Oil splashes around the cooktop, water rings near the sink and a darker band where hands rest along the edge are common on unprotected limestone within a year or two.
Satin film is the natural match for honed limestone. It keeps the matte, chalky look while closing the surface.
See it work
The same kind of everyday spills your limestone will meet, on a protected benchtop. Everything stays on the surface and wipes away.
Filmed on our earlier film. The film we install today carries a 13-year warranty and a 250°C rating.
What we do
How it works
Care
Mild pH-neutral detergent is plenty.
on any unprotected limestone nearby.
Limestone underneath is soft.
which are assessed separately.
With protection, yes. Unprotected, it needs a lot of care. The film is what makes it realistic for everyday cooking.
Types vary in hardness and porosity, but they are all calcium carbonate and are protected the same way.
Outdoor surfaces are assessed individually, depending on exposure and use.
Travertine is a type of limestone formed around mineral springs, with a more open, holed texture. See travertine protection.
Our film is designed for benchtops and furniture rather than floors.
Free estimate
Four quick answers and your details. We will respond within 24 hours with an estimate and, if needed, arrange a visit.
