Q. Can I use acetone for an oil-based stain on a Pietra Cardosa countertop? If so, how do I apply it?
A. Thanks for your question! Since you haven’t specified the type of finish on your Pietra Cardosa countertop or the exact kind of oil involved, we’ll provide guidance based on the general characteristics of this stone and common oil stains.
Pietra Cardosa is a dense natural limestone, most often honed, though it can also be polished or textured. Honed and textured surfaces are slightly more porous and absorb oils more easily, while polished surfaces resist absorption somewhat but can show smudges more clearly.
Oil stains sources include:
Each type behaves differently, so treatments vary. But the first step will always be to remove any oil from the surface. As you do this, be sure to blot, not rub, so that you don't inadvertently spread the oil around. Use a clean white cloth. Dried oil can be carefully scraped with a plastic scraper.
NOTE: Follow the manufacturer’s safety precautions when using chemicals.
For fatty or cooking oils, apply a poultice powder over the stain and let it sit 12–24 hours. Remove the powder and apply a stone-safe degreaser diluted with water. Keep the area wet for 30 minutes, then blot with a clean white cloth. Repeat if necessary.
For automotive or other heavy oils, you'll need to make a poultice. It will draw 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 a degreaser. After removing a poultice, rinse thoroughly with water and let the stone dry completely before evaluating results. Moisture can temporarily darken Pietra Cardosa. Multiple poultice applications may be needed.
For oil-based paints, apply mineral spirits or paint thinner to the affected area. Blot with a clean, white cloth. Repeat this until no color transfers. Oil-based paint stains can be persistent. If you need to treat the stain further, you can apply a poultice. Your chemical poultice ingredient will be a commercial paint remover.
For body oils or perspiration, blot the area with denatured alcohol and a clean white cloth. If needed, apply an alcohol-based poultice to lift deeper oils. Multiple applications may be needed.
Now, let's answer your question about using acetone. For heavier oils, oil-based paints, or stubborn stains that haven’t responded to degreasers or alcohol-based treatments, acetone can be effective. It should be applied as part of a solvent poultice, not simply wiped on. Try gentle methods first before you resort to acetone.
Oil stains can be tough to remove. If DIY methods do not fully resolve the stain or you are concerned about damaging the surface, a stone restoration professional can help. To find a vetted PRO in your area, visit www.surfacecarepros.com and click on Find a PRO.
Once the stone is fully clean and dry, a penetrating sealer can help inhibit future staining. Your PRO can select and properly apply the most appropriate sealer.
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.]
Article ID: 871
Created: January 25, 2026
Last Updated: January 27, 2026
Author: Fred Hueston
Online URL: https://surfacecarepros.com/kb/article/can-acetone-remove-oil-based-stains-from-a-pietra-cardosa-countertop-871.html