Can You Stain Lueders Limestone?

Adding natural stone elements to your indoor or outdoor living spaces will bring a timeless and unique look to your home. Natural stone, such as buff lueders limestone, offers beauty and character in its raw form. However, some prefer to add to the stone’s beauty with stain. Although you can stain your natural stone, it is not recommended by professionals in the stone industry, and for a good reason.

Should You Stain Your Lueders Limestone?

Experts in the stone industry typically do not recommend staining, as it takes away from the beautiful natural color and texture of your buff lueders. Likewise, stain acts similarly to paint when it comes to natural stone. Once you stain your lueders once, you’ll have to keep restaining them to maintain their color. Depending on the stone’s location and the climate conditions, you may have to reapply the stain every six months to prevent fading. This turns a low-maintenance building material into a maintenance nightmare.

How to Stain Your Natural Stone Lueders

Although it is not recommended, if staining your natural stone lueders is needed to achieve your desired look, there are some helpful steps to apply the stain properly.

Wear Protective Gear

Because stain is mildly acidic, it is vital to wear protective gear when staining buff lueders. Wear protective eyeglasses, gloves, and a dust or respirator mask to avoid inhaling chemical fumes. These materials are inexpensive and can be purchased at your local hardware store.

Clean The Area

Before applying the stain, clean the area thoroughly. Begin by dusting your stone with a broom, and scrub the lueders gently with a brush and a recommended cleaning solution. If you are working with a larger area of stone, such as an exterior wall, then pressure washing with the same solution will also clean the stone. Allow the stone to dry overnight.

Apply The Stain

Choose a small, primarily unseen area to test your stain before applying it in large areas. Once you have determined the shade you desire, apply the stain to the stone using a spray bottle or garden sprayer. Once the stone is wet, the best method is to use a paintbrush and apply the stain carefully in circular motions to work it into the stone. If you desire a darker coloring, apply a second coat and let it dry overnight.

Neutralize With Baking Soda

As the stained lueders limestone dries, a residue may develop on the surface due to the acidic reaction. To remove this residue, mix baking soda and water to neutralize the acid and gently rub it into the stone. It may take more than one mixture coat to neutralize the acid fully. Rinse with clean water and let it dry overnight.

Apply Sealant

To maintain the color longer, apply a high-quality sealant to your stained lueders. Use a small paintbrush for the cracks and crevices and a paint roller for larger areas to apply a thin sealant layer. Let it dry for 24 hours, and then apply a second coat. Once it has dried, you are ready to decorate the area as needed.

Find Beautiful Natural Limestone Near You

Buff lueders limestone, in its natural form, adds a beautiful touch to any living space. Although it is possible to stain your lueders, it is not recommended because it takes away from the stone’s natural beauty and low maintenance. At Richburg Stone, we carry a wonderful selection of lueders limestone to meet the needs of your project. Contact us today with any questions, or visit our showroom to view our stone selection.