frexpt Posted December 19, 2009 Share Posted December 19, 2009 The house we have just bought has a lovely grey stone fireplace, which I think is limestone. The previous owners have burned an open log fire for the past 10 years and the smoke stained surround looks to be pretty ingrained. Any suggestions, please, on what to use to restore the surround or at least reduce the staining? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mint Posted December 20, 2009 Share Posted December 20, 2009 Isn't the staining part of the er.............character? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JayJay Posted December 20, 2009 Share Posted December 20, 2009 http://www.stonehealth.com/productrange.html has a product that should help you. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Théière Posted December 20, 2009 Share Posted December 20, 2009 [quote user="sweet 17"]Isn't the staining part of the er.............character?[/quote]I thought so too, but then again, if you have an open fire yes, with a cast iron log burner it looks a little strange IMO.That looks like a good range of products for restoring the stonework, I had resonable success with foam type oven cleaner. (cheap leader price stuff) The worst of the black came off easily and with each successive application the stonework got lighter. You need a lot of paper towel to wipe up though.No it did not damage the limestone, before anyone asks. [:)] Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
powerdesal Posted December 20, 2009 Share Posted December 20, 2009 As Theiere said, oven cleaner works, but its messy and time consuming. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
frexpt Posted December 20, 2009 Author Share Posted December 20, 2009 [quote user="Théière"] [quote user="sweet 17"]Isn't the staining part of the er.............character?[/quote]I thought so too, but then again, if you have an open fire yes, with a cast iron log burner it looks a little strange IMO.That looks like a good range of products for restoring the stonework, I had resonable success with foam type oven cleaner. (cheap leader price stuff) The worst of the black came off easily and with each successive application the stonework got lighter. You need a lot of paper towel to wipe up though.No it did not damage the limestone, before anyone asks. [:)][/quote]I think that there is a distinction to be made between "character" features and the filthy state of this fireplace that has been caused by years of neglect. A little gentle restoration to bring a lovely feature up to the standard of the rest of the property is what is needed here and yes, we are installing a woodburner, so Théière's observation was absolutely spot on!Many Thanks to all for the suggestions! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mint Posted December 20, 2009 Share Posted December 20, 2009 Didn't know about the neglect, etc. so apologies.Good Luck with the restoration of your fireplace! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shimble Posted December 20, 2009 Share Posted December 20, 2009 acide chlorydique available in the supermarkets near white spirit cheaqp as chips.....wear goggles and gloves (hydrochloric acid) brush on maybe wire brush soak rinse off .....if not sand blast Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Théière Posted December 20, 2009 Share Posted December 20, 2009 Hmm, hydrochloric acid on limestone, now that really has to be a big no,no.If the vapour doesn't leave you in tears the damaged fire place sure will [:'(]Oh and by the way the gas produced by the reaction could put you in a comahttp://www.gcsescience.com/rc3-marble-chips-hydrochloric.htmhttp://www.classzone.com/books/earth_science/terc/content/investigations/es0610/es0610page11.cfmand just as we are all trying to reduce our Co2 emissions Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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