I have various pieces of stonework on the outside of my house (in France) that are disintegrating. What is the best way to stabilize the surface before repairing the area by adding coloured cement to match the surrounding stonework.

Duncan, September 2007

im trying this as opposed to actual stabiser that needs 24hrs drying time - time is money.....

martyn, July 2021

Hi, Duncan,
Don't know if you've done the job yet. If not, what I would do is to paint a strong PVA adhesive mix over the sandstone. This will stabilize it and seal it ready for painting. PVA's available from any builders merchant or B&Q, as I'm sure you know. It dries colourless so won't show through any paint. I would give it a couple of coats. As far as the strength of the mix is concerned, I would go for 50/50 or even slightly stronger. Work it well in with a stiff brush on the first coat, then just a usual paint job with the second coat.
Try is....I think it'll do the job for you. Have fun!!

Denis (General builder and handyman)

Denis Langley, November 2007