Sandstone has a number of applications around the home, including floor tiles, benches, patios and pool surrounds. To avoid the absorption of moisture and liquids, this porous stone should be sealed with a protective layer. If you have noticed small scratches in your sandstone, it’s likely that they are superficial and have only penetrated the sealant.
Step 1: Put on a pair of rubber gloves and mix together a solution of about 2 litres warm water and a quarter of a cup of powdered bleach. Make sure that you stir the solution until the bleach has been dissolved.
Step 2: Take a plastic scrubbing brush and dip it into the solution. Then, use the brush to scrub at the scratched sandstone to wash away any dirt and grime. Use a cloth that you have dampened with water to wipe the stone down, then another cloth to dry the surface.
Step 3: Take some an ultra fine grade of steel wool and wet it slightly with some plain water. Then, use the chunk to gently rub at the sandstone until you can no longer see the scratch.
Step 4: Apply a small amount of an appropriate sealer to the sandstone; try to use the same one that you originally used. Allow this first layer to dry according to the manufacturer’s instructions, and then apply a second coat.
You will need to leave the sealant to dry for at least 24 hours before attempting to walk on or touch that area of sandstone. Providing that the scratch was superficial, it should now have been completely removed and your stone returned to its former glory. For deeper scratches, seek a professional opinion on how to proceed.