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This is a very common problem on granite. Granite is a very porous stone, more porous than most marble. Because of its porous nature, granite has the ability to retain a great deal of moisture. The dark area in this case may simply be excessive... Read More

Mexican tile is a clay terra cotta-type product, and is very absorbent. In order to remove the oil a poultice is necessary. Refer to “Stain Removal Guide for Stone” and carry out the procedure it describes. If the stain is not removed after four... Read More

This cloudy-white condition is common on tiles that have been coated with an acrylic wax. Consider having the floor stripped and re-coated with a good-quality Mexican tile sealer. TIP Mexican tile is a clay product and is extremely soft and very... Read More

Pickled Mexican clay tiles are pickled at the factory. It is difficult to re-pickle the tile after it has been installed. This is a job for a professional, and it will be very expensive, since all the grout will have to masked to keep the pickling... Read More

Q. I randomly stumbled on your website. I have a quick question if you’re willing to share advice. I have marble (or it’s quartzite) in my bathroom, and somehow it’s rusting where the faucet is. The stone is changing a rust color. I... Read More

  Efflorescence - Removal and Prevention   By Frederick M. Hueston www.stoneforensics.com The crystallization of soluble salts in Historic masonry causes severe deterioration of the substrate. This crystallization is called... Read More

Graffiti Removal Procedure for Stone, Masonry, and Tile Surfaces By Frederick M. Hueston, www.stoneforensics.com If your beautiful building, wall, or other surface has just become the unintended canvas for graffiti, your first reaction might be to... Read More

Q. We have 4 chocolate stains on our natural stone hearth. The stains have been there just a few days. We got off the actual chocolate (probably Hersey’s chocolate for smores) and tried to clean the stain with a windex surface cleaner. It... Read More

Q.  Hi. I have what appears to be an oily stain (which I think is from candle wax) on sandstone hearth. It's been there several years. Is there any hope of getting it out? I tried acetone and it did nothing. Any help for advice you can... Read More

Q. I spread a dark blue hand towel on the counter top and was working on it, when I removed the towel a couple hours later a darkened stain/discoloration was left behind that outlined where the towel was. I tried Stonetech Cleaner on it, but it won... Read More