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How To Remove Rust From Bluestone

19 June, 2012 - Category : Bluestone

Many homeowners have found that laying bluestone pavers in the patio, pathway, driveway and pool areas of their homes is a very attractive addition that family and visitors alike admire. If you have left metal items on these areas for an extended period of time, however, you may find that any rust it has developed has seeped into the porous surface of the bluestone. Fortunately, it is possible to remove these stains.

Step 1: Give the stained areas of the bluestone a thorough clean by scrubbing at them with a mixture of hot water and dishwashing detergent. You can then rinse the areas with clean water.

Step 2: You will need to purchase a dry, absorbent, powdery material to create a poultice (such as moulding plaster, talcum powder, whiting chalk, and so on) and put enough of it to cover the rust stains into a container.

Step 3: Add an acid free rust remover to the dry material, mixing it in gradually until it has formed a paste-like consistency.

Step 4: Take a spray bottle and dampen the rust stains on the bluestone using water. While the stone is wet, apply the poultice you have created, spreading it in a semi-thick layer over the worst affected areas.

Step 5: Tape some plastic cling wrap over the poultice-covered bluestone to help it work its magic. You will have to leave it overnight or until the poultice has completely dried.

Step 6: Remove the cling wrap and rise away the dried poultice (using the garden hose will be fine). If you can still see the rust stains, apply another layer of the poultice to the bluestone and repeat the process again.

To prevent rust stains from forming onto your bluestone again in the future, you should paint it with an appropriate stone sealer, then reapply this sealer every few years to ensure it is flawless.