Stains on Stone Surfaces - Dos and Don'ts of Stone Care & Restoration

Marble and other common natural stone surfaces are porous, so stains can occur if spills are not addressed properly on time. Professional stone restorers can remove any stains on marble, granite etc. using the right products and methods. 

Our first step is to check whether the stain is organic or oil-based, and based on it we decide on a suitable stain removal method.   

The best way to minimise damage from stains is to professionally seal the stone surfaces after installation. The level of stains or spills the natural stone can be exposed to will be a decisive factor in selecting the type of sealer to be used.

Given below are some guidelines from The Marble Man stone restorers to safeguard your beautiful stone surfaces from staining:

STAIN DOs

1. Identify the stain if possible as this will determine the treatment. It could be water based (some paints), alcohol based (wine, spirits, marker pen), oil based (grease, cooking oil), metal based (rust), organic (coffee, tea, milk, food, bird droppings, make-up, tobacco), or biological (mould, mildew, lichen).

2. Consult your stone care professional and tell them as much as you can about the stain. They will advise you on how to best treat the area. This is the safest way to avoid damaging your stone and to ensure that the stain is completely removed. A simple solution may be provided for you to try yourself, but if not, removal by a technician may be recommended.

3. Test the area first if treating the stain yourself, to ensure the treatment is suitable, even if using a recommended treatment or product.

4. Treat the stain ideally before it dries or as soon as possible with a recommended treatment or product only.

STAIN DON'Ts

1. Avoid using chemicals unless recommended, as these may damage the stone or set the stain if not appropriate.

2. Avoid using heat especially on albumin based stains (containing protein) such as blood or milk as it may cook and set the stain.

Application of Poultice- the Stain-removing Paste for removing stains from natural stone
The most effective and common method used by a stone care professional to remove a stain from natural stone is to apply a poultice. A poultice is made with a powder and a special treatment product, which is determined by the type of stain.

The powder is mixed with the treatment product to form a paste, which is then thickly applied to only the affected area. It is covered with plastic wrap, the edges sealed and small holes made to allow the powder to dry. As the mixture dries, it draws the stain from the stone and absorbs it.

This process can take up to 48 hours and sometimes may need to be repeated several times. After removing the poultice the area is washed with pure water and polished with a soft cloth and a cleaning product suited to the stone.

This method is effective for removing common stains such as coffee, iodine, blood, chewing gum, ink, paint, rust, acidic liquids, efflorescence (a white substance which can develop on some stone), graffiti, water, mould, mildew, lichen, dull and coloured spots etc.

Call our office today on 1300 627 626 to arrange an obligation free stone restoration quote. Visit our website to get a clear idea of stone restoration processes.