Tips & Warnings

Tips on Stain removal

Marble, granite and natural stones are not adverse to staining. They are porous materials, this porosity is why it can stain but it is also why stains can be removed. Simply reverse the staining process. This can be done by introducing something else that will absorb the stain. A poultice, which contains whiting and hydrogen peroxide can do this.

First classify what type of stain:

Once the stain has been identified and classified the following steps can be taken:

  1. Wet the stained area with distilled water. Pre wetting fills the pores of the stone with water isolating the stain and accelerating the removal by the chemical
  2. Prepare the poultice, and apply it to the stain being careful not to spill any on the non stained areas (approximately 1/4 inch thick overlapping the stain area by 1 inch)
  3. Cover the poultice with plastic (cling film works)
  4. Tape the plastic down to seal the edges, it also helps to poke several holes in the plastic so that the powder will dry out)
  5. Allow the poultice to dry thoroughly, this usually takes about 24-48 hours. The drying of the poultice is what pulls the stain out of the stone and into the poultice.
  6. Remove the poultice from the stain.
  7. Rinse with distilled water
  8. Buff dry with a soft cloth
  9. If the stain is still evident apply the poultice again (it may take up to five applications for difficult stains)