Antique Marble Table Rust Stain

QUESTION:

How do I remove a rust stain from antique marble table top?

ANSWER:

Uh Oh! Rust stains are some of the toughest to get out of marble... especially if they have been there for awhile. Hopefully the stain isn't an antique as well!

Here's What To Do

Make and apply a poultice. A poultice is a paste made with a particular chemical that is determined by the type of stain you have.

For rust stains, you'll need "Iron Out," which you can buy at your local hardware store.

Make a solution (if necessary) following the Iron Out directions.

Then, mix Iron Out and talc/baby powder into a paste the consistency of peanut butter.

Using a wooden/plastic spatula, apply the poultice to the rust stain on the marble about 1/2 inch thick with a 1/2 inch border. Cover the poultice with plastic wrap and seal all edges with masking tape.

Let the poultice sit for 24 hours then take the plastic wrap off, but don't touch the poultice. Let it dry out completely...until it's hard... this is when the rust is being drawn out of the marble.

When the poultice is completely dry, scrape it off with the wooden/plastic spatula and clean. Hopefully the stain is gone, but if not, repeat the process as many times as necessary until it is gone.

Like most rust removers, the Iron Out is acidic and will probably etch marble in that area causing a dullness. This can't be helped.

If it does etch, then buy a marble polishing powder or cream for removing etch marks (see our products page) and work the area until you restore the shine. It may sound a bit involved, but it's really a very simple project. Just be patient!

Let me know how it goes with the comment link at the bottom of this page.

Good Luck,
Ryan