How to Get Rust Off of Bluestone
The term “bluestone” came out of the paving industry to identify a type of sandstone that contains quartz particles. Typically excavated from quarries in the Northeast United States, the blue-toned sandstone continues to maintain popularity with homeowners as a paving and masonry material.
The absorbency of unsealed bluestone, however, makes it susceptible to staining, including rust stains caused by metal objects left in contact with the stones for long periods of time. Remove stains with a non-toxic poultice, which will leach the rust from the pores of the stones.
Things You Will Need
- Dish soap
- Scrub brush
- Absorbent powder
- Rust remover
- Spray bottle
- Plastic wrap
- Packaging tape
Tip
To avoid future stains, consider painting bluestones with eco-friendly stone sealer.
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Clean the stained areas, scrubbing with hot water and dish soap. Rinse the washed areas with clean water.
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Purchase a dry, absorbent, powdery material for the poultice. Options include kaolin clay powder, diatomaceous earth, whiting chalk, molding plaster or talc.
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Place enough dry material in a mixing container to cover the rust stains. Use approximately 1/2 lb. of dry material for every 6 square inches of staining.
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Add organic, acid-free rust remover to the dry material. Combine and mix the rust remover into the dry material gradually, until a paste-like consistency is reached.
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Dampen the stains using a spray bottle. Apply the poultice while the stained areas are still wet. Spread semi-thick layers of poultice over the stains.
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Place pieces of plastic wrap over the poultice-covered areas, taping around the edges with packaging tape. Allow the poultice to leech the rust stains overnight or until the poultice has fully dried.
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Remove the pieces of plastic wrap and rinse the dried poultice. Apply a second treatment of poultice, if any evidence of the rust remains.
The Drip Cap
- The term “bluestone” came out of the paving industry to identify a type of sandstone that contains quartz particles.
- Remove stains with a non-toxic poultice, which will leach the rust from the pores of the stones.
- Rinse the washed areas with clean water.
- Spread semi-thick layers of poultice over the stains.
References
Writer Bio
Mason Howard is an artist and writer in Minneapolis. Howard's work has been published in the "Creative Quarterly Journal of Art & Design" and "New American Paintings." He has also written for art exhibition catalogs and publications. Howard's recent writing includes covering popular culture, home improvement, cooking, health and fitness. He received his Master of Fine Arts from the University of Minnesota.
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