Stain chart

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stain

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ADHESIVES

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 remove with a rag and acetone.Pour the acetone on a clean white rag and rub the area till all the sticky residue is gone.
3. If the adhesive has left a stain than prepare a poultice of diatomous earth or similar powder with one of the following solvents:
*Mineral spirits
*Toluene
*Xylene
*Methylene chloride

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BEER

Types
There are literally hundreds of beers. The beer that seems to be more of a problem with stain is the dark beers. Light colored countertops are very suspectable 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 than 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

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ACNE CREAMS

Types:
Most acne creams on the market today contain Benzol Peroxide which is a bleaching agent.
Problem:
Acne creams which contain dyes can cause staining.These dyes are usually flesh to brown in color.
Solution:
1.Thoroughly clean the area with water and a soap( a mild detergent).
2.Once the area has dried, take some acetone on a clean white rag and rub the stained area.
3.If the acetone doesn't work poultice the area with a poultice powder and 30-50% hydrogen Peroxide.

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BLEACH

Types:
Common household bleach, Clorox, soft scrub with bleach, mildew killer like X-14 and similar brands.
Problem:
Bleach contains sodium hypochlorite, which is an acid and can etch soft marbles.It may also lighten certain sedementry type stones like shell stone and coquina.
Solution:
1.Flood the area with clean water to remove any excess bleach.
2. If the stone is etched than repolish the area with a polishing powder such as aluminum oxide and oxalic acid .I recommend using a pre-packaged powder.Apply a small amount of powder add some water and rub the area into a slurry with a white buffing pad.
3.If the stone has lighten there is very little that can be done.An light application of linseed oil may cosmetically darken the area to help hide the discoloration.

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BLOOD

Types:
Human and animal blood,raw meats prepared on a marble counterrop can cause blood staining.
Problem:
Blood contains salts and proteins,If cleaned while still fresh it will usually not stain.If allowed to dry blood stains can be very difficult to remove.
Solution:
1.Clean area thoroughly with cold water and a mild detergent(Ivory Soap works well).
2.Prepare a solution of 50% household ammonia and water.Apply this solution and allow to sit for several minutes. Gently scrub the area and rinse with cold clear water.
3.If stain is still present poultice with a powder like diatomous earth and ammonia.

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CANDY-NON-CHOCOLATE

Types:
Hundreds of types of candies-All containing sugar and various dyes.
Problem:
Several candy's contain dyes, especially red dye can be very difficult to remove.
Solution:
1.Scrap remaining candy from surface.

2.Clean area with acetone and a clean white cloth.

3. If acetone doesn't work than poultice with powder like diatomous earth with one of the following solvents:
Mineral spirits
Toluene
Xylene
Methylene Chloride

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TOMATO SAUCE

Types:
Barbecue, steak, spaghetti and catsup.
Problem:
These sauces contain tomato, tannin, oil and dyes.The dyes will leave a red to brown stain.The oil will penetrate the stone and darken.
Solution:
1.Clean area thoroughly with cold water and a good detergent(Ivory works well).
2.If stain is still present clean the area with an alkaline degreaser(Commercial degreasers are available at most janitorial supply houses).Mix with water according to directions and let solution stand on stained area for several minutes. Agitate with a cloth and rinse with clean water.
3.If stain is still not removed than poultice with powder(diatomous earth or similar powder) and an alkaline degreaser.A second poultice may be required using powder and a solvent such as toluene or methylene chloride if there is dye present.

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GUM

Types:
Chewing gum, tree gum(sap), etc.
Problem:
Gum rarely stains stone surfaces but can be very difficult to remove from honed and rough textures surfaces.
Solution:
1.Do not try to scrap gum off surface, this only makes more of a mess.Freeze the gum using an aerosol gum freeze, available at most janitorial supply houses.Spray the gum for several seconds then chip the gum with a scrapper or putty knife.This should remove most of the gum.
2. If there is any gum residue still remaining apply a solvent cleaner such as a dry spotter, also available at most janitorial supply houses.

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HARD WATER STAINS

Types:
Water stains from irrigation systems, faucets , bathroom fixtures, shower walls, etc.
Problem:
The minerals in water will leave mineral deposits which can appear as a white haze to large deposits of crust like minerals.
Solution:
1.If deposits are large try scrapping off excess deposits with a sharp razor blade.
2. Next apply an solution of weak phosphoric acid and agitate the area applying more acid as needed.This will etch all marble surfaces so plan on re-finishing the marble.
3.Re-hone and polish the stone if necessary.
Some mineral deposits will be immbeded below the surface of the stone and may cause spalling.If this is the case, replacement of the damaged stone is the only alternitive.