How to care for marble, granite, and other natural stones

Stain Care Techniques

Purchasing and installing natural stones is an investment in lasting beauty that will give you many years of pleasure and joy. However, stones are porous materials. This porosity is why staining is possible. It is also why stains can be removed so easily. In other words, the stone has literally absorbed the stain and we simply extract the stain. But it is very important to know the proper extraction procedures to extent the life and enhance the beauty of natural stones. There are also pre-prepared poultice mixes that have the chemicals already added. All you have to do is add water.

Facts to know about stains:
i) Stones are made of different minerals and these minerals contain chemicals. Sometimes, these chemical compositions and staining substances together may create permanent stains.
ii) When stains become too old and deep, they might not be fully removed with the first attempt or even the second.
iii) Using wrong chemicals might make stains deep and permanent or even cause oxidation.
It is very important to properly identify the type and source of stains because stains respond differently to chemical solutions and removal methods. If wrong chemical are used and wrong methods applied then it may cause an undesirable result. There are many materials that may cause staining, but there are five most common categories:-

Oil-Based Stains: Grease, tar, cooking oil and food stains.

Organic Stains: Coffee, tea, fruit, tobacco, cosmetics, etc.

Metal Stains: Iron (rust), copper, bronze, etc.

Biological Stains: Algae, mildew, lichens, etc.

Ink Stains: Magic marker, pen, ink, etc.

Identifying stains by color:

Black: Grease, ink, dirt, tar, shoe polish, moss, oil, fungus, mould, asphalt, animal feces etc.

White: Plant fertilizer, paint, efflorescence.

Green: Algae, mildew, foods, ink, dyes, copper, bronze.

Reds Shade: Foods, fruit, drinks, blood,, dyes, rust, dirt, ink, fertilizer.

Yellow: Eggs, mustard, oil, grease, urine, rust.

Blue: Plant fertilizer, ink, dyes.

Orange: Foods, fruit drinks, rust, dyes.

Gray: Aluminum, efflorescence, paper

Brown Shade: Coffee, tea, foods, chocolate, grease, oil, algae, moss, vegetation dirt, wood (tannin), tobacco, urine, animal feces, rust, copper, bronze, dyes, plant fertilizer.

Clear: Eggs, shellac, lacquer, varnish, urethane, polyurethane

Other: Paint, ink, crayon (wax), dyes, cement coloring stains, pigmented sealers, colored paste waxes, and colored grouts.

Category of Stains:

Not all stains are of same size and intensity. They may be categorized as:
i) Light
ii) Very Light
iii) Moderate
iv) Severe
v) Very Severe
Light stains can be removed with normal care techniques and products. But moderate and severe stains are quite obdurate and difficult to remove with conventional care procedures. So if you have one of them, you should take advice from professional care technicians before you try to remove them.

Once the stains have been identified, you should take immediate steps to remove them. As stones are absorbent by nature, a specific extractor called poultice is used to draw out the stains out of the stones. The poultice is mixed with special chemicals and then applied to the stained areas. Poultices are available in pre-mixed condition as well as in powder products. They are easily found marble or tiles stores. But before buying the product, make sure that you check the label thoroughly and it is the right product for your stones.

How to use Poultice:

· Wet the stained area so that stains are loosened.
· Mix the poultice so that it does not run or stick to the stone. If a paper poultice is to be used, first soak it in the chemical and then lift it until it stops dripping.
· Apply the poultice to the stain approximately 1/4-inch thick over-lapping the stain area by about one inch. Be careful not to spill it on non stained areas.
· Cover the poultice area with plastic like food wraps, seal the edges and keep it for 24-48 hours until the poultice dries. Drying the poultice is very important. If the poultice is not dried properly, stains might not be completely removed.
Remove the poultice from the stain. Rinse with distilled water and buff dry with a soft cloth. If the stain is not removed, apply the poultice again. It may take up to five applications for difficult stains.

Stain Removal Guide:

ORGANIC STAINS: These types of stains can be removed by mixing Hydrogen Peroxide. Pour the mixture on the stained are, use light brush and rinse with water. If it works, keep repeating and if it does not lighten, apply poultice with chemicals as per instructions.

Ink SAINS: Using a poultice is the most effective way to remove oily stains. Usually, a few application of poultice is required to remove them.

BIOLOGICAL STAINS: Prepare a solution with bleach (3/4th), water (1/4th) a few drops of detergent powder. Pour the solution over the stained area, brush it and rinse with water until gone.

METAL STAINS: "Iron Out" cleansing material should be used in this case. Apply according to instructions and rinse the area with water. (Bleach is prohibited in this kind of stains).

All natural stone users must have a Stain Removal Kit on handthat should contain the following article:

· This article
· 1 - 24 ounce ph7 stone soap
· 1 - 32 ounce bottle of sealer
· A wooden or plastic spatula
· A nylon scrub brush and rubber gloves
· Hydrogen peroxide
· The phone number of your nearest NSRA member

Sealers and factors to consider:

Some factors should be considered while selecting sealers-
i) The life span of the sealer- how long would it last before replacement is required
ii) Location and environmental condition surrounding the stone
iv) Type of the stone and its, % of absorption
v) Which type of treatment products will be used after installation of the stone?
vi) Cleaning habits of staff
vii) Size and age group of occupancy of the home

Proper and regular treatment of the stones is of paramount importance. While sealers may not completely prevent stains, or etching. a treated surface is less susceptible to stains as it will minimize the effect of etching substances by not allowing the damaging effects to enter deep into the surface and beyond the aid.
If you are using natural stones, always remember to remove spills and foods from the surface as soon as possible. If they are kept there for long, stains might develop. These preventative measures do not mean that you will not require future maintenance. In fact, regular care will keep the stones ever more gorgeous. Understanding stones, stone care products and techniques are pre conditions for a successful maintenance program.