Many types of stones are porous and prone to staining. If one of your StoneLite® becomes stained, the stain can often be removed with the aid of a poultice mix based on powdered clay or diatomaceous earth and a combination of other elements. Below is a list of common stains and the poultice mixes that can remove them.
- Iron/Rust – Iron stains can be removed with a combination of oxalic acid, poultice powder and water. It may be necessary to re-polish the finish of your natural stone veneer panel afterwards.
- Ink – Ink is removable with either mineral spirits or a combination of methylene chloride and poultice powder.
- Oil – You can remove an oil stain from your natural stone veneer panel with a combination of ammonia and poultice powder. Tough oil stains may require the use of methylene chloride.
- Coffee/Tea/Food – Stains from coffee, tea, or food can be removed using a combination of 20 percent hydrogen peroxide and poultice powder.
- Copper – In order to remove copper stains from a natural stone veneer panel, use a poultice powder with ammonium chloride.
- Paint – Water-based paint stains require a poultice powder combined with a commercial paint remover. For oil-based paints, use a poultice powder with mineral spirits and possibly methylene chloride if the stain is deeper.
StoneLite® Stain Removal Process
Use distilled water to wet the stained area of the natural stone veneer panel and prepare the poultice mix that corresponds to the stain type into a thick paste. Then carefully apply the poultice mixture over the stain using a spatula, avoiding air pockets and voids. Next, cover the poultice you\’ve applied with plastic and seal the edges of the plastic with blue painter\’s tape. Then poke several holes in the plastic as this will the poultice to dry properly. After all, the poultice drying is ultimately what removes the stain. Drying can take up to a day or two and, once the poultice is dry, you\’ll want to remove the tape and plastic with it.
To prevent scratching, you will want to use a wood or plastic spatula to remove the poultice. Once removed, clean the previously stained area with by rinsing it with water and subsequently blotting or wiping the area dry with a soft cloth. Repeat the poultice process as many times as is needed for difficult stains. If your stone surface becomes etched during stain removal, shine can be restored by applying polishing powder and buffing the natural stone veneer panel with burlap.
