Every project begins with a free on-site visit and ends with a result we are confident you will be satisfied with. Here is the process:
1. Free Assessment — At Your Islington Property
Our specialist visits your property — whether in Angel, Barnsbury, Clerkenwell, Canonbury, or Highbury — and inspects the limestone thoroughly. We identify the stone type, assess all damage, and discuss your preferred finish. You receive a fixed-price quote on the day, with no obligation to proceed.
2. Deep Limestone Cleaning
Before any polishing begins, we deep clean the stone to remove embedded grime, old sealers, and kitchen or bathroom residues. Our limestone cleaning guide explains the chemistry behind why this matters — cleaning alkaline stone with the wrong products accelerates damage rather than preventing it.
3. Diamond Grinding (For Significant Damage or Lippage)
Where floors have deep etch marks, scratches, or uneven tiles, we apply industrial diamond grinding to cut back to fresh stone. This is particularly common in Islington’s older properties where the floor has not had professional attention for many years. View our limestone grinding project →
4. Multi-Stage Honing
Using progressively finer diamond abrasive pads — from coarse through to ultra-fine — we refine the surface systematically. Each pass removes the marks from the previous, producing a smooth, consistent stone surface that is ready for polishing.
5. Polishing to Your Chosen Finish
We apply specialist polishing compounds to build the desired finish level. The options are:
- Honed Matte — flat, non-reflective surface. Preferred for period properties and kitchens where the original character of the stone is valued.
- Satin / Semi-Gloss — soft sheen. The most popular choice for Islington residential floors: elegant, easy to maintain, forgiving under natural light.
- High-Gloss — mirror-like reflective finish. Chosen for statement entrance halls, commercial receptions, and contemporary loft spaces.
6. Grout Restoration (Where Required)
Grout lines are treated, cleaned, and where necessary recoloured to complement the restored stone. See an example of grout and stone restoration combined: Limestone Floor and Grout Cleaning project →
7. Professional Sealing
We apply a high-quality impregnating sealer that penetrates the limestone to protect against staining, moisture, and everyday wear. The sealer is matched to the porosity of your specific stone. We recommend professional re-sealing every 3–5 years depending on usage and traffic.
8. Handover and Care Guidance
Before we leave, we walk you through the finished floor, provide written care instructions, and answer any questions. We recommend bookmarking our limestone care guide for ongoing maintenance between professional visits.