Use and Care Guide

Biological (algae, mildew, lichens, moss, fungi)
Clean with diluted cleaning solution. Use a 1/2 cup of any of the following: ammonia, bleach, or
hydrogen peroxide and a gallon of water. Reminder: do not mix bleach and ammonia.
Ink (magic marker, pen, ink)
On light colored stones, clean with bleach or hydrogen peroxide. On dark colored stones, clean with
lacquer thinner or acetone.
Paint
Small amounts can be removed with lacquer thinner or scraped off carefully with a razor blade. Heavy
paint coverage should be removed only with a commercial "heavy liquid" paint stripper available from
hardware stores and paint centers. These strippers normally contain caustic soda or lye. Do not use
acids or flame tools to strip paint from stone. Paint strippers can etch the surface of the stone;
repolishing may be necessary. Follow the manufacturer's directions for use of these products, and flush
the area thoroughly with clean water. Protect yourself with rubber gloves and eye protection, and work
in a well-ventilated area. Use only wood or plastic scrapers for removing the sludge and curdled paint.
Normally, latex and acrylic paints will not cause staining. Oil-based paints, linseed oil, putty, caulks and
sealants may cause oily stains. Refer to the section on oil-based stains.
Water Spots and Rings (surface accumulation of hard water)
Buff with dry 0000 steel wool.
Fire and Smoke Damage
Older stones and smoke or fire-stained fireplaces may require a thorough cleaning. When the smoke is
removed, there may also be some etching (due to carbonic & other acids in smoke). Commercially
available "smoke removers" may save time and effort.
Etch Marks (caused by acids left on the surface of the stone)
Some materials will etch the finish but not leave a stain. Others will both etch and stain. Contact your
stone dealer or call a professional stone restorer for refinishing or repolishing etched areas.
Efflorescence (a white powder that may appear on the surface of the stone)
It is caused by the deposition of mineral salts carried by water from below the surface of the stone.
When the water evaporates, it leaves the powdery substance. If the installation is new, dust mop or
vacuum the powder. You may have to do this several times as the stone dries out. Do not use water to
remove the powder; it will only temporarily disappear. If the problem persists, contact your installer to
help identify and remove the cause of the moisture.
Scratches and Nicks
Slight surface scratches may be buffed with dry 0000 steel wool. Deeper scratches and nicks in the
surface of the stone should be repaired and re-polished by a professional.
Using a Poultice
Go to www.marble-institute.com/consumers/poultices/ for more information, or call a stone
professional (recommended).
Natural Stone Easy to Clean and Maintain!
Call your professional stone supplier, installer or a restoration specialist for problems that appear too
difficult to handle.