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Water Spots

WATER RINGS/SPOTS

Type:
Rings from drinking glasses and hard water spots from drips.

Problem;
Water will not usually stain but will leave a white ring or spot.This ring or spot is deposits of minerals from the water. If the drink contains acid(lemon in ice tea) it will etch polished marble in the shape of a ring or spot.

Solution;
1.Try buffing ring or spot with dry #000 steel wool.
2.I fring or spot still remains re-polish with polishing powder.
3.If ring or spot is very deep re-honing may be necessary.
Caution:If the stone has been waxed or colored with dyes the ring may have cleaned the wax or dyes from the surface.To test for waxes or dyes take some acetone and clean an inconspicuous area.If the stone lightens than there is a wax or dye on the stone. If this is the case you will need to re-wax or re-dye.

Before

After

 
Red Wine Stain
WINES
Type:
All red wines.

Problem:
The tannin contained in red wine can severely stain stone.

Solution:
1.Clean the area thoroughly with acetone and a clean white cloth.
Caution: Do not use detergent and water, this may set stain.

2. If stain is still present poultice with 20-50% hydrogen peroxide and poultice powder.

3. If stain is stubborn try poulticing with a solvent (Toluene) and poultice powder.
 
Silicon Stain
SILICONE
Type:
Silicone caulking used for grouting and anchoring stone.

Problem:
This can be a series problem when caulking is used to help hold anchors in place on stone wall panels.The silicone will start to bleed through the stone in the area where the anchors are.It may take several months before the silicone becomes visible.

Solution:
The only known technique that will remove silicone staining is the following:
Prepare a poultice with Methylene chloride and a powder poultice.(May require a dozen applications.)
If the silicone has not completely cured, the staining may return again.
 
Soap Film On Stone
SOAPFILM
Type:
Soap film on shower walls and vanity tops.

Problem:
Soap from showers can build up on shower walls leaving a film that will not wash off with regular cleaning.

Solution:
1.If soap film is thick,scrap with a razor blade.Wet the surface to avoid scratching the surface.
2.Once all heavy build-up is removed clean with acetone and a green scrub pad.
3. There are also commercial soap film removers on the market which work well, but be careful that they do not contain acids which can etch polished marble.
Several poultices may need to be applied to completely remove all staining.
 
Beer Stain
BEER

Types:
There are literally hundreds of types of beers. The beer that seems to be more of a problem with staining are the dark beers. Countertops are very susceptible to dark beer staining.

Problem:
The sugars and proteins in the beer can cause a very dark stain on light colored stones.

Solution:
1.Clean the entire area thoroughly with water and a mild detergent( Dishwashing soap like ivory works well).Allow the water and soap to soak into the stone for several minutes.Lightly agitate the area and remove excess water with a dry towel.Rinse the area with clear water.

2.If the above cleaning procedure does not remove the beer stain, then try a stronger cleaner such as ammonia and water.

3.If the stone is still stained, prepare a powder poultice with 30-50 % Hydrogen peroxide.
Several poultices may need to be applied.
 
Adhesive Stain
Adhesive Stain
Types:
Tape residue, cellophane, band-aids, stickers, etc.


Problem:
Sticky residue on surface of stone.Some tape residues especially duct tape, can penetrate below the surface of the stone and can be very difficult to remove.


Solution:
1. Peel off any remaining tape, use a very sharp razor blade and be careful not to scratch the surface of the stone.

2. The remaining sticky residue can usually be removed with a rag and acetone.Pour the acetone on a clean white rag and rub the area until all the sticky residue is gone.

3. If the adhesive has left a stain, then prepare a poultice of Diatomaceous earth or similar powder with one of the following
solvents:

*Mineral spirits

*Toluene

*Xylene

*Methylene chloride
 
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