
Ask our Agony Uncles ...
You can write to our panel of experts free of charge on any subject, providing it's got something to do with Period Properties.
Our experts are all specialists in matters directly involved with older properties. So, if you have a problem with an older building - or if you think you might have a problem - ask an Agony Uncle...
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SUBJECT: Use
the tile cleaning & sealing guide in the Finding Out section to enhance tiles Sheila Cartwright A cleaning and sealing guide can be found on the 'Finding Out' section of this site. To avoid a finish build up, do not use waxes - a modern clear acrylic sealer (e.g. HG Golvpolish) will not discolour with many coats and is easy to strip back if required. |
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SUBJECT: Sealing
flagstones in Church could lead to dampness. Robert Allen Use a good natural stone cleaner (personally I prefer to use acid free cleaners as there is little risk of damage) - try Lithofin MN Power Clean for very dirty floors or Lithofin Easy Care for a regular clean up. You should be very cautious about sealing stone flags like these - very often there is no damp barrier beneath the flags and the only thing that stops damp showing is the ability of the stone to breath. Sealing the stone prevents breathing and can cause a cloudy stain to form beneath the sealer. In extreme cases, damp has been forced sideways into the walls. Best to just clean regularly and leave unsealed. There are stone colour intensifiers available (e.g. Lithofin MN Colour Intensifier). These are generally very expensive - and because they are "impregnators" may cause a certain amount of reduction in the "breathability" - try a small area first and leave it for a couple of weeks. Period Property UK would like to thank Original Features ( Restorations) Ltd for answering this question. They can be contacted by Telephone on 020 834 85155 or sales@originalfeatures.co.uk. Please also note if your floor tiles are laid directly on earth they should be sealed & finished with breathing materials such as limewater with pasteurised milk or beeswax and turpentine.
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SUBJECT: How
do get rid of the discoloured areas on my slate work surfaces in the kitchen? Rebecca Rux-Burton Unfortunately this is not uncommon with slate, especially in wet rooms
- areas that frequently get wet can build up a water mark - especially in hard water areas.
If you have cleaned really well, then a stone colour enhancer may work (e.g. Lithofin
MN Colour Intensifier), although these products tend to be pricey. As a simple test, you
could try some slate dressing (from a fireplace shop) - this is an oil, is non permanent
and pretty cheap - it may put the richness back. Needs re-doing regularly though. Period Property UK would like to thank Original Features ( Restorations) Ltd for answering this question. They can be contacted by Telephone on 020 834 85155 or sales@originalfeatures.co.uk. Please also note if your floor tiles are laid directly on earth they should be sealed & finished with breathing materials such as limewater with pasteurised milk or beeswax and turpentine. |
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SUBJECT: How
can I match & enhance the Shellac finish on my interior joinery? Peter Prescott Contact a French polisher - he/she will be able to identify the finish and match it - and they are not as expensive as you might think. |
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