Steps to Remove Rust from Marble Pavers
Don’t worry if your marble pavers have got rust stains. Here’s a step-by-step guide to using Mar Gel Plus effectively for rust removal:Step 1. Prepare the Area
- Remove Loose Debris: Before working on rust stains, remove any loose dirt on the marble pavers. Sweep away or rinse off the dirt or debris from the marble surface. This will assure you that you’re only dealing with the stain itself.
- Test a Small Area: Even though Mar Gel Plus worked great in our tests, if you are using any rust cleaner including this for the first time, apply it to a small area to make sure that the cleaner is compatible with the marble pavers.
Step 2- Apply Mar Gel Plus to the Rust Stain
- Spread Evenly: You don’t need to mix the product with any other substance. It is ready to use so apply Mar Gel Plus on the surface using the preferred tool evenly. You can use a clean, soft cloth or a non-abrasive brush to apply a thin layer of product directly onto the rust-stained area. The product should cover the entire stain. You will notice a purple compound when it is applied to the rust. Make sure to cover the stain completely without rubbing or scrubbing the product.
- Let it Sit: Let the product act on the surface. Let it sit on the stain for 15-20 minutes. The time required will depend on the intensity, depth, and stubbornness of the stain. It also depends on the time it has been there. The time you provided to set the Mar Gel Plus will let it penetrate the stain and lift it from the surface. Avoid letting it dry out; if necessary, lightly mist it with water to keep the gel activated.
Step 3- Gently Remove the Product
- Wipe Away: After the set time, gently remove the product and its residues with a soft, damp cloth. If you are working on a medium or large surface then you can collect the residues with a squeegee before soaking them up more easily with paper towels or cloths until all excess have been removed. Do not scrub too hard as marble is prone to scratching.
Once you carefully remove all the product residue, apply the Oxidant. This will remove any purple compound created by the action of MAR GEL PLUS. Carefully understand the instructions on the Oxidant packaging by the manufacturer. These will need twice the time needed by the rust cleaner itself.
- Rinse Thoroughly: Now rinse the area with clean water to remove any remaining product and prevent any residue buildup.
Step 4- Dry the Surface
- Pat Dry: If you are satisfied with the Mar Gel Plus results you will need to dry the surface for the final look. Use a clean, dry cloth to gently pat the area dry. Drying the area is crucial for marble cleaning as water residue can also leave further stains on the marble surface.
What Are The Precautions For Using Mar Gel Plus
While Mar Gel Plus is suitable for surfaces like marble, there are some precautions as well that you will need to follow while using it. These are:
- Clean the dirt, dust, and grime from the surface. Also, do not use it when the surface is hot. You can use it when the sun is down and the heating level is low.
- It is a standalone product so do not mix it with any other product.
- If the nearby surfaces do not need treatment, they should be protected.
- To achieve an even result in the case of absorbent surfaces, we recommend applying the stain remover by treating areas that are larger than the single stained portions, such as a whole tile or room.
- When using on recently laid or grouted surfaces, wait for it to fully cure
- While applying the product the surface must not be exposed to sunlight.
- Before applying the product is necessary to take a preliminary test to evaluate the product's suitability for use.
How Do Marble Pavers Get Rust Stains?
If marble pavers are installed in patios, gardens, showers, or pool areas then they can get rust stains easily. They can damage the overall look of your pavers. They’re usually caused by:
Metal Objects:
Using iron furniture, tools, or objects such as decorative items can result in rust stains over time. The moisture underneath these items can leave rust stains which can be hard to clean.
Water Exposure:
Living in an area where water with minerals can react with the stone, especially in humid or rainy environments, can also cause rust.
Natural Mineral Content:
Marble naturally contains trace amounts of iron. They can oxidize (rust) when exposed to moisture.
Knowing these factors can help you to understand the reason behind the rust stains on marble. You can deal with them accordingly.
Bottom Line
Marble pavers look stunning in any area but the real problem is staining. Marble is durable but not scratch and stain-resistant. Even if they are properly sealed regularly, they will still get rust stains if you are using any metal objects, furniture, or anything with iron compounds such as iron-rich soil and water. Just make sure to keep an eye on rust stains on your marble pavers and use only compatible products like Mar Gel Plus by NT Pavers. Your goals shouldn’t only be eliminating the stains but keeping the surface damage-free.
Read also our blog on How to clean outdoor marble pavers.