 |
Home >>Professional Decorating>>Decorating Museum>>Removing Ink and Iron Stains
Decorating Defects - their cause and cure
Removing Ink and Iron Stains
Ink Stains
Old ink stains on tiled or marble surfaces are often exceedingly difficult to remove. If they will not yield to a strong solution of sugar soap, something stronger, such as citric acid, may be effective. Alternatively, chloride of lime mixed to a paste with water may be applied.
If these fail, a fairly strong solution of oxalic acid will probably be successful. The utmost care must be taken not to let any of the liquid come in
contact with the hands, and perhaps the safest method of application is by
means of a rag or sponge fastened to a stick, both of whlch should be destroyed after use.
Whatever solution is used, the surface should be thoroughly well washed in repeated changes of cold water.
Iron Stains
Discolorations due to rust on marble, concrete, and stonework will often be found in proximity to nails, screws, and other ferrous metal fittings, and it may prove extremely difficult to remove them. The following treatments should be tried:
For pale-coloured iron stains, take one part of sodium citrate in six parts of water and add an equal volume of glycerine, stirring well together. Make into a paste with fine sifted whiting and apply to the affected area. Allow it to stand for several days and, if necessary, repeat the treatment.
For darker and more intense iron stains on these surfaces, first soak the discoloured area for a few minutes (ten to fifteen) with a solution of one part of sodium citrate in six parts of water, dabbing on with a soft pad. Make a paste with whiting and water and apply this as a poultice, sprinkling over it a layer of hydro-sulphate crystals. Cover this with a layer of damp cotton wool and leave for up to two hours. Repeat the treatment, should this prove necessary. Then rinse well with clean water and repeat the sodium-citrate application.