Resources for my limestone tile review
As promised, a few of the sources I mentioned in the video...
Stone Source - browse their extensive archive online and call them to requests a small sample(s)...if you need help, drop me a line. I used Bateig Azul, which is a soft gray, with fine veining.
Stonetech Bulletproof - You must seal limestone, do this immediately after you lay it and before you grout it. The Bulletproof name says it all...use liberally, it will keep the stone in top shape.
Important Points
1) Samples: free samples are a must when comparing your material palette to the sample. Limestones range in color from gold/yellows to blue/grays to green/grays to white/grays. Each limestone can vary in fossilized creature content and veining, this is why samples are critical.
2) Buy gauged stone: which is basically stone sawn to a regularized thickness. This makes tile setting easier and ensures the surface prep you worked so hard on translates to a level finished surface.
3) Finish: honed is what you're looking for, soft and subtle. Bush-hammered (I mention 'flamed' in the video, but the better term is bush-hammered) is a rough face, use this carefully as accents in light-duty exposures.
"Limestone is porous and can easily be etched by acidic liquids."
4) Seal: limestone is porous and can easily be etched by acidic liquids (and lots of liquids are acidic...), take the time to seal your honed surfaces properly at regular intervals.
I posted on my Longhouse blog a ways back the process of installing my limestone in my bathrooms. You can find that here. As always, if you have questions or comments I'd love to hear from you.