Q. Is it possible to remove a bleach stain from a green slate worktop? This is a Cumbrian slate from the north of England. A. Yes, it is possible to remove a discoloration on slate that was caused by bleach. To be clear, bleach doesn’t actually... Read More

Q. What should I use to get out polyurethane stain on my sandstone step? A. The methods for removing polyurethane from stone will vary, depending on what type of polyurethane caused the stain. Each type behaves differently once it hardens or seeps... Read More

Q. Spilled gun cleaner on my stone topped coffee table. It left a white stain. How can I remove this? A. Natural stone may not look porous, but it is. Liquids and chemicals can soak below the surface. Gun cleaners often contain strong solvents that... Read More

Q. I have polished white marble that is too slippery for the floor. What is the best way to take away the polish? I have not laid the tile yet. We are planning to lay the floor ASAP. A. The route you choose to take to make this floor more slip... Read More

Q. 25 years ago, our painter applied a sealant, possibly epoxy, polyurethane, or acrylic, to a new flagstone interior entry. It‘s held up beautifully. We are about to install flagstone in a small breakfast room. We want to retain the color of... Read More

Q. I purchased prefab granite counters after being told it was every bit as good as regular granite slabs. They were installed in January and in March I started noticing the granite was cracking and small pieces popping up. A piece got caught in my... Read More

Q. How can I remove a boiled linseed oil stain from natural stone? A. Boiled linseed oil can leave a dark, sticky, and persistent stain on natural stone that doesn’t respond to simple cleaning. It penetrates the pores of stone and resists water... Read More

Q. I have tried removing rust stains on these stone columns (on testing the base is limestone), and I believe the columns are the same? I've used a number of different branded products and oxalic acid but none of these have removed/lessened the... Read More

Q. After we applied a color enhancer to our Eromosa stone (from Owen Sound, Ontario), we noticed some efflorescence. Not sure if it was there before the enhancer was applied. Is there any way to get rid of it? A. What you’re seeing is very... Read More

Q. My home is approximately 1 year old. And the main floor has porcelain tile. Over the past few months we noticed the grout changing color (darker) in only some spots throughout the home. The spots are about 1-1/" in length. Since we are still under... Read More