How to Remove Melted Plastic Stain on Cast Concrete Fireplace Mantel

Q. Unfortunately, I had a decorative Halloween candle holder with the fake light in it turned on. Part of the black plastic from the candle holder melted from the heat of the cast concrete fireplace and ran down the mantel. I cannot get the stain out. Do you have a solution to this? Thanks!

A. Since the discoloration is melted plastic, it may take a strong solvent to remove the stain. As with any strong chemical, be sure to follow the recommended safety precautions on the bottle. Test the solvent on an inconspicuous area first, just in case there are any dyes in the concrete that may be affected by the solvent. You can use varnish remover, available at home improvement stores. Scrub the stain with a nylon scrub brush and the solvent. If the stain is not removed, try creating a poultice with the solvent and an absorbent medium, such as flour or diatomaceous earth.  If you need the services of a  Certified SurpHaces PRO Partner, contact us. Good luck removing your stain! Let us know how it goes.