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cleaning masonry / limestone

Stone Conversations : Archive 10 : Message 00505

From: "John Vancamp" <jvcstnwrks@zzzzzzzzzzzzz>
Date: Fri, 16 Dec 2005 19:32:35 -0600
Subject: cleaning masonry / limestone


Will & Simon

I defer to your experience. However, my concern with the use of any acid
on limestone is the chemical reaction between the calcium carbonate in the
stone (some limestones are nearly 100% CaCO2) and the acid. The reaction
will leave an etched surface if not left to dwell to long before washing
off with copius amounts of water. If left on the stone too long, it can
penetrate and actually cause some structural damage within the stone.
Even vinegar can etch a good pure limestone. That plus a strong emphasis
on safety, as all ready mentioned, when using muriatic (hydrochloric) or
oxalic acid as they are very caustic chemicals.

JVC

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