Stain chart

[Huligar]

HEEL MARKS

Types:
Black rubber, neoprene.
Problem:
Can leave a black streak mark on surface of stone.Rarely stains but can be difficult to remove an rough textured stones and concrete.
Solution:
1.Clean with acetone and a clean white rag.On textured stone try using a green scrub pad with acetone.
2.If acetone doesn't work try another solvent such as dry spotter, available at janitorial supply.

[Huligar]

CHOCOLATE

Types:
Candy, cocoa, ice cream.
Problem:
Can leave brown stains in light color marbles.
Solution:
1. Clean area thoroughly with cold water and a good detergent(Ivory soap works well).
2.If stain is still present clean with ammonia and water.Let solution sit on stained area for several minutes.Remove excess solution and rinse with clear cold water.
3.If above procedures fail, poultice with Diatomous earth or similar powder and ammonia.Difficult to remove chocolate stains may require poulticing with 20-50% hydrogen peroxide.

[Huligar]

COFFEE/TEA

Types:
Instant coffee, hot tea and iced tea
Problem:
Coffee and tea both contain tannin which can leave a yellow to brown stain.If left on stone long enough the stain can penetrate deep and be nearly impossible to remove.If the concentration of coffee or tea is strong enough it can also etch the surface of polished marble.
Solution:
1.Pour 35% hydrogen peroxide directly on the stain and add a few drops of ammonia. Leave until bubbling stops.
Cautiono not use ammonia only.Ammonia can permanently set the stain.
2.If above procedure does not remove stain than poultice with powder and 35% hydrogen peroxide.
3.If all else fails try poulticing with toluene or xylene.

[Huligar]

EGG

Types:
Chicken, duck or dinosaur eggs
Problem:
Eggs contains a protein called albumin which can leave a yellow stain.
Solution:
1.Clean area thoroughly with cold water and detergent(Ivory soap or a commercial stone soap).
Cautiono not use hot water, it can set the stain.
2. If stain still remains poultice with poultice powder and 20-50% hydrogen peroxide.

[Huligar]

LIGHT FRUIT JUICE
Types:
Apples, pears, oranges, lemon, lime, grapefruit and there juices.
Problem:
The acids in some fruits, especially lemon will etch polished marble.The sugars in these fruits will turn yellow or brown if allowed to sit too long.
Solution:
1.If the surface is etched re-polish using a commercial available polishing powder.If the etch is very deep, re-honing may be necessary.
2.If the fruit has left a stain than clean the area with cold water and a good detergent(Ivory or Stone Soap).
3.If stain still remains poultice with poultice powder and 20-50% hydrogen peroxide.

[Huligar]

RED FRUIT
Types:
Cherry, grape, blueberry, blackberry, cranberry, raspberry, strawberry and there juices.
Problem:
All these fruits contain dyes which can be very difficult to remove.
Solution:
1.Clean area with cold water
Cautiono not use soap, it can set the stain .
2. If stain still remains poultice with 20% hydrogen peroxide and poultice powder.
3.If stain is still not removed , poultice with toluene and poultice powder.

[Huligar]

FURNITURE POLISH
Types:
Spray and liquid furniture polishes
Problem:
Oils, dyes ,waxes and silicones can cause staining.The darker polishes(walnut) can permanently stain the stone.
Solution:
1.Clean with acetone and a clean white rag.Allowacetone to sit on stain area a few minutes and blot remaining acetone with a clean rag.
2.If stain is still present poultice with one of the following solvents in poultice powder
*mineral spirits
*toluene
*xylene
Methylene Chloride

[Huligar]

GLUE SYNETHIC

Types:
Super glue, hot glue, epoxy resin, plastic model cement.
Problem:
These type of glues will rarely stain.The glues are usually hard to remove from the surface.
Solution:
1.On smooth surface scrap glue with a sharp razor blade..Be careful not to scrape scratch the surface.
2.Any remaining residue can be cleaned with acetone and a clean white rag.
3.If glue is real stubborn soak the area ion acetone for several minutes and try scraping with a razor blade followed by wiping with acetone.

[Huligar]

GLUE WATER SOLUBLE
Types:
Casein, Elmers, mucilage, paste and hide glue.
Problem:
The white and clear glue rarely stain, however some of the darker glues can leave a stain that can be difficult to remove.
Solution:
1.Scrap excess glue with a sharp razor blade.Be careful not to scratch the surface.
2.Clean with cold water and a good detergent(Ivory or stone soap).Try using a green scouring pad.
3.If glue is stubborn use acetone and a clean white rag.
4.If the glue has left a stain than poultice with toluene or similar solvent and poultice powder.

[Huligar]

GRASS
Types:
The kind on your front lawn! For the other kind see cigarette burns.
Problem:
Tannin and chlorophyll in the grass can leave a nasty green or yellow stain.
Solution:
1.Clean stained area with a clean white rag and denatured alcohol.
2.If stain still remains poultice with 20-59% hydrogen peroxide and poultice powder.
CautionO NOT use ammonia, or any alkaline cleaners on grass stains -it can permanently set the stain.