How can I safely remove crayon from natural stone surfaces?
Estimated Reading Time: 2 MinutesQ. Any help as to how to remove crayon from stone would be greatly appreciated!
A. Crayon marks on stone are a combination of wax and pigment. Both will need to be removed from the surface and the pores of the stone.
Start by carefully scraping any solid crayon material from the surface using a plastic scraper. Avoid metal tools that could damage the stone. Use a hot clothing iron or a hair dryer to heat a clean, dry paper towel placed over the crayon. Replace the paper towels as they become saturated.
After removing the wax, there may still be pigment in the pores of the stone. To treat this, dampen a clean cloth, wring it out, and apply a few drops of a gentle degreasing solution or ammonia-based cleaner. Gently wipe the stained area, being careful not to oversaturate the stone. Rinse with clean water and let the surface air dry.
If stains remain after these steps, a poultice is the most effective next step. A poultice draws the stain out of the stone over time. For detailed, step-by-step instructions on how to mix and apply a poultice correctly, check out our free Stain Management App.
Your poultice chemical ingredient will be 30/40 volume hydrogen peroxide. After removing the poultice, clean the stone with pH-neutral, stone-safe cleaner and allow the stone to dry completely. Several poultice applications may be necessary to completely remove the stain.
In more stubborn cases, a solvent-based poultice using mineral spirits or paint thinner can be applied. Test in an inconspicuous area first.
Stronger chemicals can etch or discolor certain types of stone. If your stone is damaged by the DIY stain removal methods, contact a stone and tile restoration contractor. To find a vetted PRO in your area, visit www.surfacecarepros.com and click on Find a PRO. If repeated poultice treatments do not fully remove the crayon, or if the stone is particularly delicate, consulting a professional stone restoration specialist is advisable. They have access to advanced poulticing agents, solvents, and application techniques that can remove deep-set stains without damaging the stone.
Once the crayon is fully removed and the stone is dry, you can consider applying a penetrating stone sealer to help inhibit future staining. Your PRO can perform this service for you.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR Fred Hueston is the Chief Technical Director at SurfaceCarePROS.com and Director at StoneForensics.com. He is also the author of Stone and Tile Restoration: The Manual, a comprehensive online manual for stone and tile restoration contractors. [Learn more about Fred.]