How Do You Remove Oxidation from Natural Stone?

27 January, 2025

Owners of natural stone worktops, floors, and other surfaces in their homes often deal with the common problem of oxidation. Ugly stains and discoloration brought on by exposure to air and moisture can quickly diminish the natural elegance of the exquisite stone surfaces. None wants oxidation to make their gorgeous granite, marble, or limestone features look dead and drab. The problem of oxidation is more prone to areas alongside the coast such as Oceanside, Encinitas, etc. The moisture and sandy air from the California coastline can take away the luster of your stones. Knowing how to properly remove oxidation from your stone surfaces enhances their life and improves visual appeal. Furthermore, knowing the distinction between oxidation and tarnish is essential for appropriate stone restoration and repair.

Understanding Oxidation

To efficiently remove oxidation, you need to first understand what it is, how it occurs, and other important details. So, without further ado, let’s check out everything you need to know about oxidation.

What is Oxidation?

When a material interacts with oxygen, a chemical reaction known as oxidation takes place, producing oxides. Oxidation in natural stones can show up as discoloration or stains, especially on iron-containing stones. For instance, iron oxide development can cause reddish-brown stains to appear on iron-rich stones like limestone or sandstone when they are exposed to air and moisture.

What Makes Oxidation Occur?

Natural stones absorb water due to their porous nature, which promotes oxidation. Environmental elements that can hasten this process include humidity, air pollution, and exposure to specific chemicals. Frequent upkeep is required to keep oxidation from becoming a serious problem. This is a major problem when it comes to stone restoration in Oceanside and Encinitas, which is a coastal area.

How to Remove Oxidation from Natural Stone?

Removing oxidation from natural stone requires professional attention. Professional floor restoration experts use specific cleaning agents and modernized equipment to remove oxidation. Below listed is the detailed guide on removing stone oxidation with professional help.

Know Your Stone Type

Before carrying out any stone restoration job, you must be familiar with the stone type, so that you know what you are dealing with. The same goes for the oxidation removal process. Every different stone has a distinct cleaning and restoration process. For instance,

Granite: It is durable but can be stained during the process.
Marble: Marble is softer than granite and more prone to scratches.
Limestone: It is a porous stone and absorbs stains more easily.

Get All the Cleaning Supplies

To remove oxidation from the stone, you will need the following cleaning supplies:

pH-Neutral Stone Cleaning Agent: Always use pH-neutral stone cleaners for the process. Make sure not to use any acidic or alkaline-based cleaners as they can damage the stone texture.
Soft-Bristled Cleaning Brush: Use soft brushes to scrub the stone surface without scratching.
Microfiber Cloths: Use microfiber cloths for polishing and drying. Use synthetic clothes made of polyester and polyamide or nylon for the best results.
Oxygen Bleach or Hydrogen Peroxide: Hydrogen peroxide is the most popular agent for removing tough stains created by oxidation.
Sealants: Use ultra premium stone-impregnating sealers to provide a protective layer on the stone surface.

Clean the Stone Surface

Now comes the most important and delicate part- cleaning the surface of your stone.

Dust and Sweep: Use a vacuum or broom to remove any loose dirt or debris.
Apply Cleaner: As directed by the manufacturer, combine the pH-neutral cleaner with water. Put a lot of it on the discolored area.
Scrub Gently: Scrub the area in circular strokes with a soft-bristled brush. Particularly when working with softer stones like marble, take care not to apply excessive pressure.
Rinse Well: To get rid of any cleaner residue, thoroughly rinse the area with clean water.

Handle Stains with Care

Oxidation causes tough and stubborn stains that take away the luster of your stone. For tough oxidation-induced stains:

Make a Paste: To make a paste, combine hydrogen peroxide or oxygen bleach with water.
Use Paste: To keep it from drying off too rapidly spread it over the affected area and cover it with plastic wrap.
Let It Sit: Depending on how bad the stain is, let it sit for a few hours or overnight.
Rinse carefully: Rinse well after removing the paste with water.

Dry it Well and Seal

This is the final step of your oxidation removal process. After cleaning the surface carefully and thoroughly, dry the surface well. Use microfiber synthetic clothes to dry the surface circularly without putting too much pressure. For protection against future oxidation, use high-quality sealant on the stone surface. The sealant will act as a moisture and stains barrier.

Seaside Stone Restoration Can Help

Oxidation removal from natural stone requires careful attention to detail and cleaning techniques specific to each stone type. You can preserve the beauty of your natural stone surfaces for many years to come by being aware of how oxidation happens and taking preventative action. At Seaside Stone Restoration, our professionals have years of experience and offer modernized, affordable stone restoration services to ensure your stone surface looks as new as its original form.