Use and Care Guide

Sealing:
Sealing is a common step taken on some stones as an extra precaution against staining. In fact, the
sealing products used in the stone industry are "impregnators" which do not actually seal the stone, but
more correctly act as a repellent rather than a sealer. Sealing does not make the stone stain proof;
rather it makes the stone more stain resistant. When consulting with your stone supplier, you may find
that many stones do not require sealing. However, applying an impregnating sealer is a common
practice.
When considering sealing, remember that sealing the stone does not make the stone stain proof, it
makes it more resistant to staining.
If a sealer is applied in a food preparation area, be sure that it is non-toxic and safe for use.
Consult with your supplier or sealing manufacturer specific to the type of sealer and frequency of use
recommended.
Stain Identification Tips:
Identifying the type of stain on the stone surface is the key to removing it. Stains can be oil based,
organic, metallic, biological, ink based, paint based, acid based. If you don't know what caused the stain,
consider likely staining agents that may have been present. Here are some questions you consider:
Where is Stain Located?
• Is it near a plant, a food service area, an area where cosmetics are used?
• What color is it?
• What is the shape or pattern?
• What occurs in the area around the stain?
Stain Removal Steps:
Surface stains can often be removed by cleaning with an appropriate cleaning product or household
chemical.
What Type of Stain?
The following sections describe the types of stains you may have to deal with and the appropriate
household chemicals to use and how to prepare and apply a poultice to remove the stain.
Oil-based (grease, plumbers' putty, tar, cooking oil, milk, cosmetics)
an oil-based stain will darken the stone and normally must be chemically dissolved so the source of the
stain can be flushed or rinsed away. Clean gently with a soft, liquid cleanser with one of the following:
household detergent, mineral spirits, or acetone.
Organic (coffee, tea, wine, fruit, tobacco, paper, food, urine, leaves, bark, bird droppings)
May cause a pinkish-brown stain and may disappear after the source of the stain has been
removed. Outdoors, with the sources removed, sun and rain action will generally bleach out the
stains. Indoors, clean with 12% hydrogen peroxide (hair bleaching strength) and a few drops of
ammonia.
Metal (iron, rust, copper, bronze)
Iron or rust stains are orange to brown in color and follow the shape of the staining object such as nails,
bolts, screws, cans, flower pots, metal furniture. Copper and bronze stains appear as green or muddy-
brown and result from the action of moisture on nearby or embedded bronze, copper or brass items.
Metal stains must be removed with a poultice. (See website on Using a Poultice – www.marble-
institute.com/consumers/poultices/. Deep-seated, rusty stains are extremely difficult to remove and the
stone may be permanently stained.