Cleaning wood stain from cast concrete mantle

[Shaughnn]

Hi Steve and welcome to the asylum. :crazy: I've actually got a questions for you, if you have a moment? The hardwood guys on my current project stained their flooring and stair treads last week (hemlock). In the process, the carelessly dripped stain onto the top of the cast concrete mantle below. Any ideas of what sort of poultice the builder can use to draw this stain out of the concrete and thereby save the hardwood guys from a $7,000.00 repair/replacement bill?
Solus Cast Concrete (http://www.solusdecor.com/concrete.html)
Thanks,
Shaughnn

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[SABoyt]

Shaughnn, how large of a spot is it? If the mantel was not sealed in any way, it might not be a good outcome. The fresh mantel along with the nature of stain is a bad combination. If you are to have any luck with it, it would probably be with a poultice made with Diatomacious Earth and mineral spirits. It might take a few tries to remove it. Put the poultice on the spot and cover it with saran wrap or plastic bag material. Tape it in place with blue tape. Keep it covered for 24 hrs and then remove the covering. Allow it to air out until dry. If it helped a little or a lot, reapply the mixture for another 24 hrs. Repeat until it is removed. If you get no results from the first attempt, try the DE with a 20% hydrogen peroxide solution instead of the mineral spirits.

Keep in mind that due to the process used by the manufacturer to cast this creation, it might also affect the color of the mantel. But if it is a matter of try something or tear it out, what is there to lose? Good luck.

[doitright]

Hi Shaughnn :)

My first option would be to use a Methylene Chloride based stripper. No plastic or other poultice materials are needed. It should only need to sit on the surface for about 10 minutes, neutralize with water, agitate with stiff brush, and rinse well. Let dry naturally, or with fan, and check results. As Steve mentioned, several applications may be necessary. There should be no reason to replace this mantle.

Prosoco makes an excellent product called "Fast Acting Stripper". If the area is small enough, your builder may be able to request a sample from Prosoco Technical assistance to do complete the project. If not have him check for a local Prosoco distributor.

Hi Steve, Welcome aboard! :)