How do I apply a poultice to remove a stain?
A. How to Make and Apply a Poultice:
There are five major classifications of stains:
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Organic stains (i.e. coffee, tea, coloring agents of dark sodas and other drinks, gravy, mustard, etc.)
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Inorganic stains (i.e. ink, color dies, dirt – water spilling over from flower and plant pot, etc.)
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Oily stains (i.e. any type of vegetable oil, certain mineral oils – motor oil, butter, margarine, melted animal fat, etc.)
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Biological stains (i.e. mildew, mold, etc.)
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Metal stains (i.e. rust, copper, etc.)
Organic and Inorganic Stains
Oily Stains
Metal Stains
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Clean the stained area with water and a stone safe cleaner. Remember to blot rather than wipe.
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Pre-wet the stained area with a little water. Distilled water is recommended.
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Refer to the chart in our Stone and Tile Care Guide and determine which chemical to use for the stain.
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Mix the poultice material with the selected chemical. Mix until a thick peanut-butter paste consistency is obtained.
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Apply the paste to the stained area, overlapping the stain by at least ¼". (Don't make the application too thick, or it will take a long time to dry.)
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Cover the paste with a plastic wrap. Tape the plastic using a low-contact tape.
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Allow the paste to sit for 12–24 hours.
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Remove the plastic cover and check to see if the paste has dried. If it has not, allow it to sit uncovered until thoroughly dry.
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Once it is dry, remove the paste by scraping and rinse the area.
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Examine the stain. If it still remains, but is somewhat lighter, re-poultice until it is gone. If the stain refuses to disappear completely, it is time to give up, replace the tile or call a stone specialist. Stain removal can be very difficult, and care must be taken when using a poultice.