How to Deepen the Color of Stonework

It's an old rockhound method of identifying rocks by bringing out hidden colors and striations: Pour water over them. Water soaks in and temporarily darkens the stone, intensifying internal contrasts and enriching its natural hues. As the rock dries it lightens and, like an overexposed photograph, the colors and contrast fade. Decorative stonework is similarly responsive to wetting but it's hardly practical to hose it down on an hourly basis. Fortunately, there are longer lasting alternatives. Commercially available stone enhancers feature water-based penetrants which soak into natural stone, darkening it and deepening subtle colors and textures. Dupont's StoneTech, Custom Building Products' Aqua Mix and Touchstone are among the major brands of stone enhancers. Some big-box home centers also carry their own house brands. Application is similar for all water-based varieties. Stone enhancers are most effective on unpolished natural rocks such as limestone, flagstone, travertine, slate, bluestone and tumbled and textured stones. The wetting effect of a water-based stone enhancer lasts three to five years on interior or sheltered surfaces.

Things You'll Need

• Paint pad, brush or roller
• Paint bucket
• Absorbent towels

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Instructions

1. • 1

     Shake the enhancer well before using.

   • 2

     Apply the enhancer solution to the stone generously. Use a saturated paint pad, roller or brush or spray it on with a low-pressure sprayer suitable for spraying paints or solvents.

   • 3

     Allow 15 to 30 minutes for the solution to penetrate. Denser stone will take longer. Keep the stone wet with enhancer during the penetration time. Apply more enhancer if early dry spots appear.

   • 4

     Wipe the surface clean with absorbent towels after the penetration time has elapsed. Excess enhancer should not be left to dry on the surface of the stone.

   • 5

     Apply a second coat one hour later for a deeper, darker appearance or to accommodate more absorbent porous rock.

   • 6

     Cover the stonework and protect it from exposure, foot traffic or other contact for six to eight hours. The enhancer is fully cured after 24 to 72 hours.

   • 7

     Clean the tools with water.