Remove Soot And Stains From A Precast Stone Mantelpiece's Surface
Posted on: 14 June 2016
If the precast stone mantelpiece surrounding your fireplace has soot and stains on its surface, restore its beauty with the following steps, Once the project has been completed, add a coat of sealer to the stone surface to protect it from dirty residue or damage.
Materials
- vinyl tarps
- vacuum cleaner with a hose attachment
- detergent
- bucket
- soft-bristled scrub brush
- spray bottle
- rubber gloves
- hydrochloric acid
- lint-free cleaning cloths
- painter's tape
- sealer (designed for stone products)
- paint tray
- paintbrush
Remove Loose Residue And Surface Stains
Place a couple vinyl tarps around the mantelpiece to collect any dirt that falls onto the floor as you are cleaning the mantelpiece. Use a vacuum cleaner's hose attachment to suck up loose residue from the stone surface. Fill a bucket with warm water and add a small amount of detergent to it. Use a soft-bristled scrub brush to remove stains from the mantelpiece's surface. Rinse the soapy residue with plain water and a sponge.
Eliminate Stubborn Stains
If there are any stubborn stains on portions of the mantelpiece, a small amount of hydrochloric acid will effectively eliminate them. Before applying the acid, fill a spray bottle with water and put on a pair of rubber gloves to protect your hands. Spray each area that is going to be treated with water. It is important to keep the stone surface saturated during the cleaning process so that the acid doesn't permanently burn any parts of it.
Pour a few drops of hydrochloric acid onto a lint-free cloth. Wipe each area that is stained with the cloth. Remove hydrochloric acid that remains on the stone surface immediately afterward with a clean, damp cloth. Once finished, dry the stone surface with another cloth.
Seal The Mantelpiece's Surface
Secure strips of painter's tape over hardware or surfaces adjacent to the mantelpiece that you do not want to be exposed to the stone sealer. Pour a container of sealer that is designed for stone surfaces into a paint tray. Use a paintbrush to apply an even coat of the sealer to the stone surface. Wait for the sealer to dry. Add a second coat of sealer if any areas weren't covered sufficiently with the first coat.
Once the sealer has dried, remove the strips of painter's tape. The mantelpiece will be protected from severe staining in the future. The sealed surface can be cleaned with soapy water and a scrub brush occasionally in order to maintain the beauty of the mantelpiece.
If you'd rather replace your mantlepiece, a local manufacturer can provide the necessary stone supply.
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