how can i make cuts in york stone look natural?

[johny105]

I've put some new (to me) toppings on my wall made out of old york stone flags. i've cut them with the grinder for the size i require. now they have a very clean smooth face whats the best way to distress it so it looks sort of natural without waiting for age.
i've had a bash with the hammer and chisel and smacked them with some chain but it hasn't touched it really.
i understand that the weather will stain the colour.

any tips?


johny

[Westy Pre-Lit]

johny105 said:

i've had a bash with the hammer and chisel and smacked them with some chain but it hasn't touched it really.

Try copper chisels, worked wonders for the Egyptians apparently.

[Dusty964]

tt the edges with a big pebble or piece of flint.

That normally works.

[dickymint]

We use the chisel end of a brick hammer...........



PS. where did you get your stone? We're looking for about 32 ruuning metres of 600mm width to top a stone wall. Looking for cheap as the clients budget is running out!

[Mr GrimNasty]

I think what you should have done if you wanted a more natural look, was to cut all around 0.5cm deep and then finish the cleave with a hammer and bolster.

[johny105]

This wasn't a big job and we just used the stone from a garden of a friend who is moving so hasn't a use for it.

i'll try the chisel end of a hammer.

cheers johny

[Westy Pre-Lit]

If you don't have any luck with the replies, I will ask the old man tomorrow for you.

[dirkgently]

dickymint said:

Looking for cheap as the clients budget is running out!

In my experience now is the time to get your final invoice in, and take cash upfront for materials.;)

[dickymint]

dirkgently said:

dickymint said:

Looking for cheap as the clients budget is running out!

In my experience now is the time to get your final invoice in, and take cash upfront for materials.;)

I know what you mean here. But He's a very good mate of ours. All materials are paid for by him as and when. It's been a great project converting a grade 2 listed building (former pub) into a house - All lime render and plaster over stone.

[Westy Pre-Lit]

Apparently you need to use a 'Pitcher' tool which is a bit like a chisel but the blade is different. You can Google Stone Masonry Pitcher for loads of examples. Not seeing the job or the desired effect required it's difficult to say which is the one you require

It's also difficult for me to explain how to use it so I went on YouTube and typed in 'Pitcher chisel', there is a guy on there with loads of video's so you should be able to find the one that is of help.

Failing that he said you can use a Scutch hammer but you will eat through the blades and I think he said it will leave marks as it's not really the right tool.

Normal chisels really aren't the right tool for the job at all.

IIRC I think he said York stone is also self cleaning and doesn't stain or weather as such.

Hope that helps.

As a note to my first comment, he said Copper Chisels are bloody useless, that I should know better, I'm an Idiot for even suggesting such lunacy.

Edited by Westy Pre-Lit on Tuesday 14th June 07:29

[jas xjr]

Another way to age something is to dilute some natural yogurt with water and paint it on to the stone. Will look mouldy and aged within days

[davepoth]

I should think a gentle acid would do the job. Check on a spare bit to make sure, and make sure to wash it off.

[netherfield]

Westy Pre-Lit said:

IIRC I think he said York stone is also self cleaning and doesn't stain or weather as such.

Edited by Westy Pre-Lit on Monday 13th June 19:18

I think you'll find it does stain an isn't self cleaning.

Although dependant on which quarry it comes from,some are worse than others.

[dickymint]

netherfield said:

Westy Pre-Lit said:

IIRC I think he said York stone is also self cleaning and doesn't stain or weather as such.

Edited by Westy Pre-Lit on Monday 13th June 19:18

I think you'll find it does stain an isn't self cleaning.

Although dependant on which quarry it comes from,some are worse than others.

Which is why coffee or tea is used as a stain to give a more period look to it.

[Westy Pre-Lit]

netherfield said:

isn't self cleaning.

Yes it is, due to the nature of its compostion, York Stone has self-cleaning properties.

Things may have changed over the last few years but for masons to get a 'natural lasting look' until it 'mellowed' ( I won't use the word 'stain' as it can be subjective ) they used to mix up a slurry containing finely ground up stone, sheep st/cow st mixed with powdered milk and/or as already mentioned live yoghurt, then work it into the stone.

Edited by Westy Pre-Lit on Tuesday 14th June 19:35

[hidetheelephants]

If you want to get rid of the sharp cut edge/face, I'd guess sand/grit blasting would be the gucci solution and maybe try a needle gun as a cheapo compromise. I had initially thought of a wire brush in an angle grinder, but york stone's probably too hard for it to have much effect.