THE CLEANING OR REMOVAL OF STAINS FROM STONE MAY INVOLVE THE USE OF LIQUIDS, DETERGENTS OR SOLVENTS WHICH MAY RUN OFF ON ADJACENT MATERIAL, DISCOLOR THE STONE OR DRIVE THE STAINS DEEPER INTO POROUS STONES. USE THE PRODUCTS AND TECHNIQUES DESCRIBED HERE ONLY FOR THE COMBINATIONS OF DIRT/STAIN AND STONE SPECIFIED.
A. This procedure includes guidance on poulticing marble stained by organic materials such as food, flowers, leaves, tea, coffee, bird or animal droppings.
B. Organic stains are typically pinkish-brown in color and tend to disappear when the offending object has been removed. This procedure may be used to remove those stains which remain.
C. Safety Precautions: Bird droppings may expose operators to the effects of cryptococcosis and histoplasmosis which endanger the human respiratory system. Public health authorities should be consulted for appropriate precautions.
E. For additional information on poulticing, see 04455-02-R.
F. For general information on the characteristics, uses and problems associated with marble, see 04455-01-S.
An unstable compound used especially as an oxidizing and bleaching agent, an antiseptic, and a propellant.
Other chemical or common names include Peroxide of hydrogen*; Solution of hydrogen dioxide*; Superoxol*; (hydrogen peroxide is commonly sold as a 3% solution; Superoxol is a 30% solution; Superoxol causes flesh burns; 3% hydrogen peroxide does not).
Potential Hazards: TOXIC (when concentrated); CORROSIVE TO FLESH (gasoline, kerosene and mineral spirits are each a mixture of compounds from petroleum, all of which fall within a specified range of properties); FLAMMABLE (in high concentration).
Available from chemical supply house, drugstore, pharmaceutical supply distributor, or hardware store.
A. Examine the marble surface CAREFULLY to determine the cause of staining before proceeding with any cleaning operation.
NOTE: DO NOT USE BLEACH ON DARK COLORED STONES AS THIS WILL CAUSE THE STONE TO LIGHTEN.
A. Rinse the area to be treated with mineral water.
B. Pour hydrogen peroxide solution in a glass or ceramic bowl.
C. Thoroughly moisten the stained surface with this liquid. Be sure to dampen well beyond the stain.
E. Using a wooden or plastic spatula, apply the paste to the stained surface in layers no more than 1/4 inch thick. The poultice should extend well beyond the stain to prevent forcing the stain into previously clean stone.
F. Check the coating for air pockets or voids.
G. Cover the poultice with plastic sheeting and seal with masking tape.
H. Let set for 48 hours (unless otherwise specified).
I. After set period, dampen the poultice with mineral water.
K. Again, thoroughly rinse the cleaned area with mineral water, blot with clean towels and allow the surface to dry.
L. Once the surface has dried completely, check for remaining residue and repeat the treatment if necessary.