For advice on how to maintain the beauty of your stone, ask a professional. The company hired to undertake your project should offer the best counsel.
1/ Maintenance: Vacuum to eliminate dust and particles, then wash with clean water and a wet rag or else by mechanical brushing with a minimum of water and, if necessary, a spot of black or Marseille soap. Rinse well. Avoid commercialized detergents that corrode the calcin layer that serves as a natural self-defence mechanism resulting from a chemical reaction. This is the simplest, most efficient way to obtain a limestone paving that will continue to acquire a brilliant patina in time. Furthermore it will facilitate the formation of calcin. It is strongly advised not to apply a pressurized wash that tends to destroy this natural protection, weaken the stone and encourage water infiltration. In the case of a wine, grease or other indoor stain, or of a persistence of moss outdoors, we prescribe washing the stones with diluted Clorox and rinsing well afterwards.
2/ Crystallization: signifies in technical terms a modification of the molecular structure of the fine upper surface layer of stone by means of a chemical reaction (magnesium silicate plus a catalyser). In certain rare cases namely concerning a few hard stones, buffing and crystallization can be applied on laid tiles.
3/ Protection: Once the tiling is done, the stones should be perfectly washed with clear water to eliminate any dust. Let dry for a good 15 days to allow all the natural excretions to take place, then apply a water repellent in order to close the pores and facilitation maintenance. Although numerous products to protect, vitrify or wax stone are easily available, you might want to consult a professional. For outdoor paving, don't hesitate to contact the professional who laid the tiles for advice.
