Stains from hands

[kenswith]

Hi!

We have two baby gates for doggie control in openings adjacent to a raised granite apron/bar.  Some of us have had a habit of stepping over the baby gates unstead of opening them to pass through.  When this is done there is a tendency to grip the edge of the granite for support, no doubt transfering oils from the hands to the granite.  In these places the granite has darkened a bit.  I believe the granite is St. Cecilia to give you an idea of the natural background color.  It is my wish to try to lighten as much as possible if not completely eliminate these darkened areas, reseal the granite, and of course discontinue the practice of stepping over the gates!

I have read about poultices and have diatomaceous earth for our pool filter to use for this.  My question is about the safest yet most effective agent to add to it for this type of stain.  One resource recommended ammonia--this sounds scary.  Is it really safe?  It seems like a harsh chemical and I have worked to avoid any chemicals or acids touching the granite.  Other than these areas the stone is in excellent condition--glossy and clean with no other stains, and I do not want to hurt it.

Your expert advise as well as a recommendation for a sealer would be greatly appreciated.

Many thx,
Jackie

[Mark D.]

Jackie,
First I would try cleaning it with a Ph balanced cleaner. If that doesn't get the stone where you want it then you can use a poultice for a stain remover.
De works well with acetone. Make a moist paste, put it on the stone and cover it with a wet paper towel and/or wrap in saran wrap.
We are almost ready to unveil our spray on stain remover for stone.

For regular cleaner I like this:
http://www.defusco.com/Glues:-Epoxy,-Polyester,-etc.-Stone-Cleaner-&-Stone-Polish/c82_508/p2674/TENAX-COUNTERTOP-CLEANER-FOR-STONE-32OZ/product_info.html?osCsid=4c46770lhab4vila877pkcqd52

When you want to seal it to stainproof it use this:
http://www.defusco.com/Glues:-Epoxy,-Polyester,-etc.-Hydrex-Sealer/c82_502/p2095/TENAX-IMPREGNATOR-AND-SEALER---1-LITER/product_info.html?osCsid=4c46770lhab4vila877pkcqd52

Glad to be of service,
Mark

[Stone Dude]

the oils from your body stain the stone. it happens alot of desks and stuff. i would recommend the diatomaceous earth mixed to a paste with laquer thinner. cover it with saran wrap and tape it down so it cannot breathe. leave it for 24 hours. it will dry up and you just wipe the powder away. if it only comes out a little bit, repeat the process untill gone. i have had a lot of luck with this poultice mix.