In spite of our best intentions, sometimes accidents happen, and stains occur. Here are some solutions for common problems. You will find some solutions are products you already have in the home that can be used or we can recommend some products from our online store at www.sydneyhardware.com.au
FIRST – IDENTIFY THE TYPE OF STAIN
Identifying the type of stain on the stone surface is the key to removing it. If you don't know what caused the stain, play detective. Where is the stain located? Is it near a plant, a food service area, an area where cosmetics are used? What colour is it? What is the shape or pattern? What goes on in the area around the stain?
- Surface stains can often be removed by cleaning with an appropriate cleaning product or household chemical.
- Deep-seated or stubborn stains may require using a poultice or calling in a professional.
Below is a list of the types of stains that you may have to deal with and appropriate solutions to use and how to prepare and apply a poultice to remove the stain.
Types of Stains and First Step Cleaning Actions
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Oil-based stains (grease, tar cooking oil, milk cosmetics)
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An oil-based stain will darken the stone and normally must be chemically dissolved so the source of the stain can be flushed or rinsed away. Clean gently with a soft liquid cleanser, household detergent, ammonia, mineral spirits or acetone. We also recommend:
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Organic stains (coffee, tea, fruit, food, paper, food, leaves) |
May cause a pinkish-brown stain and may disappear after the source of the stain has been removed. Clean with 12% hydrogen peroxide (hair bleaching strength) and a few drops of ammonia. |
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Rust stains (from metals)
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These stains must be removed with a poultice and are very difficult to remove. In fact, they may be permanent. Your best bet is to try Laticrete Stonetech Restore Acidic Cleaner STONETECH® Restore™ Acidic Cleaner is the heavy duty, acidic cleaner that removes dirt, hard water deposits, efflorescence and rust from tile and acid resistant stone, masonry and grout. It quickly renews the surface to a like-new appearance. Please follow instructions carefully as this is an acidic product. BUY Laticrete Stonetech Restore Acidic Cleaner online |
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INK (magic marker, pen, ink)
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Clean with bleach or hydrogen peroxide (light coloured stone only!) or lacquer thinner or acetone (dark stones only!) Unfortunately, this removes the shine but there is really no other solution so best solution is prevention and, keep the INK products away from your stone!! |
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PAINT
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Small amounts can be removed with lacquer thinner or scraped off carefully with a razorblade. Heavy paint coverage should be removed with: STONETECH® Epoxy Grout Haze & Coating Stripper
STONETECH Epoxy Grout Haze & Coating Stripper is a fast-acting, water-based gel designed to safely remove tough epoxy grout haze and various coatings (including paint) from vertical and horizontal surfaces. BUY Laticrete Stonetech Epoxy Grout Haze & Coating Stripper online |
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Water spots and rings
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Buff with dry white scourer and toothpaste (white based not the gel type) Deeper scratches and nicks in the surface of the stone should be repaired and re-polished by a professional. |
Etches and Solutions
Acidic substances like milk, fruit, juice and alcohol will sometimes cause both etching and staining — a double whammy!
If you are successful in removing the stain and want to attack the etching, we suggest wetting the surface with water and sprinkling on marble polishing powder. We recommend Polmar Luxor or Granitek polishing powder . Rub the powder into the stone with a damp cloth or use a buffing pad with a low-speed power drill or polisher. Continue buffing until the etch mark disappears and the marble surface shines. Honing may be required for deep etching.
If your counter does end up staining, you can have a professional come in and take the sealer and the stain off . However what will occur is that you are going to end up with a honed counter-top, because you can’t repolish the installed marble like you would at the fabricators or the stone suppliers. So keep this in mind.
We hope that from the range of products we have available, we can provide a solution to your stain issue. If unsure, don't hesitate to contact us at info@sydneyhardware.com.au with an image of your stain and we'll try and work it out for you!
Con
Alvaro Constantino, Director
EURO ABRASIVES Sydney Hardware & Building Supplies
