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REMOVING LATEX AND ACRYLIC PAINTS FROM MARBLE


THE CLEANING OR REMOVAL OF STAINS FROM STONE MAY INVOLVE THE USE
OF LIQUIDS, DETERGENTS OR SOLVENTS WHICH MAY RUN OFF ON ADJACENT
MATERIAL, DISCOLOR THE STONE OR DRIVE THE STAINS DEEPER INTO POROUS
STONES.  USE THE PRODUCTS AND TECHNIQUES DESCRIBED HERE ONLY FOR
THE COMBINATIONS OF DIRT/STAIN AND STONE SPECIFIED.


PART 1---GENERAL

1.01 SUMMARY

    A.   This procedure includes guidance on the removal of latex
         and acrylic based paints from marble using a neutral pH
         commercial methylene chloride based paint remover.

    B.   Latex paints tend to remain primarily on the surface of
         stone materials as opposed to oil based paints, which
         tend to penetrate into the stone and remain there.

    C.   Historic Structures Precautions:

         1.   Do not use acids or flame tools to strip paint from
              stone, as it will damage the surface.

         2.   Do not use steel or metal spatulas or tools to
              scrape stone because of the likelihood of
              scratching, chipping, gouging, or otherwise marring
              the surface.

    D.   See 01100-07-S for general project guidelines to be
         reviewed along with this procedure.  These guidelines
         cover the following sections:

         1.   Safety Precautions

         2.   Historic Structures Precautions

         3.   Submittals

         4.   Quality Assurance

         5.   Delivery, Storage and Handling

         6.   Project/Site Conditions

         7.   Sequencing and Scheduling

         8.   General Protection (Surface and Surrounding)

         These guidelines should be reviewed prior to performing
         this procedure and should be followed, when applicable,
         along with recommendations from the Regional Historic
         Preservation Officer (RHPO).

    E.   For general information on the characteristics, uses and
         problems associated with marble, see 04455-01-S.


PART 2---PRODUCTS

2.01 MANUFACTURERS

    A.  ProSoCo, Inc.
         www.prosoco.com
         

2.02 MATERIALS

    A.   A liquid methylene chloride paint stripper such as
         "Sure Klean Fast Acting Stripper" (ProSoCo, Inc.), or approved equal.

    B.   Clean, potable water

2.03 EQUIPMENT

    A.   Wood or plastic spatulas and stiff fibre or jute brushes
         for removing the sludge and curdled paint.

    B.   Stiff bristle brushes (non-metallic)


PART 3---EXECUTION

3.01 EXAMINATION

    A.   Examine the marble surface CAREFULLY to determine the
         cause of staining before proceeding with any cleaning
         operation.

3.02 ERECTION, INSTALLATION, APPLICATION

    
    A.   Apply a thixotropic paste of methylene chloride paint
         stripper to the surface and allow to dwell until the coating shows
         signs of dissolving, following manufacturer's instructions.

    B.   Remove stripper and residue with a sufficient pressure water rinse;

         and heated water rinse, 150 to 180 degrees F may improve removal.

    C.  Thoroughly rinse the surface with clean, clear water and
         allow to dry.

    D.  Repeat the process as necessary to sufficiently remove
         the stain.

                         END OF SECTION