How to remove stubborn wood stains from Verona marble floors?

Q. Please tell me how to remove a hard wood stain from Verona marble flooring?

A. Wood stains on marble occur when color from wood, such as tannins or dyes, soaks into the stone. These stains can be stubborn, especially if they are older, but they may be improved or possibly removed if treated carefully.

For light surface stains, start with a gentle, pH-neutral stone cleaner and a soft cloth or nylon brush. This simple approach may be enough to lift the discoloration without damaging the marble.

For deeper or older stains, particularly those caused by solvent-based wood stains or dyes, more intensive treatment, such as poulticing, will often be needed. A poultice draws the stain out of the stone over time. Before you apply your poultice, carefully clean the area with acetone on a white cloth to remove any surface residue. Continue cleaning with acetone until no stain is visible on the cloth.

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 paint remover.

Consult a professional stone restoration contractor if you are unable to lift the stain with multiple poultice applications. Some types of wood stains are designed to color wood, so they can be very difficult to remove. To find a vetted PRO in your area, visit www.surfacecarepros.com and click on Find a PRO. A PRO has access to specialized poultices and techniques that can remove tough stains while protecting the marble’s finish.

Once the stain is gone, keep the marble protected by avoiding prolonged contact with wood and maintaining a regular cleaning routine with neutral stone cleaners.

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.]