Nobody does it on purpose, but it happens very often. Rust stains are left by objects on terraces, balconies, graves, or, for example, in wellness areas or bathrooms. Simply anywhere where stone, metal, and moisture meet. This entire situation is amplified by a significant factor: time. The longer a stone surface is exposed to corrosion, the deeper it penetrates into the material.
How to remove rust from deep within the stone?
This article will be primarily dedicated to one product from a wide range of stonemasonry chemicals. Although we also offer a cleaner that can handle surface rust, I assume you are interested in removing rust properly, from deep within the material. Once and for all.
Whether it is natural or artificial stone, the situation is usually very similar. However, artificial stone, terrazzo, stoneware, or concrete are more porous materials, so rust gets deeper into the material's structure. And this can be solved by perhaps only one product of Italian production, from the Bellinzoni brand. It is called B-Rust Remover, or the original name Mangia Ruggine, but we will call it a rust remover.
Since this product is not acid-based, it can also be applied to polished marble without damaging the shine.
Since this product is not acid-based, it can also be applied to polished marble without damaging the shine.
Significant rust contamination on a terrazzo (stoneware) surface.
How does the rust remover from Bellinzoni work?
I would love to answer by saying: "Quite simply!". It probably doesn't make sense to explain the relatively complex chemical processes. What I personally like most is the color effect that indicates the chemical reaction.
- The rust remover has a gel-like consistency in its inactive state, clear or white in color.
- The rust remover reacts only with rust. It is not a cleaner for other types of dirt, such as oxidized metal residues.
- If you apply the rust remover to the affected area and it does not change its color to dark purple, it is most likely not rust.
What is the procedure for removing rust?
Applying the rust remover to the soiled area is easy, but you should not forget to follow basic safety instructions and pay attention to increased health protection. This product has a strong odor, so in addition to rubber gloves and eye protection, you should also use respiratory protection.
- Apply the rust remover only to the affected area. Use a clean metal spoon, brush, or wooden stick.
- Let it act for 15-20 minutes, or until the gel changes color from white to dark purple.
- Wipe off the reacted substance and reapply until the rust remover stops reacting (changing color).
- If the gel stops reacting, you can consider the stone deep-cleaned of rust.
- We recommend cleaning the entire area, not just the affected spot, with the alkaline cleaner ULTRA STRIPPER, diluted at a 1:20 ratio.
- Use water to remove the last residues of the chemicals.
Warning: When applying the rust remover, do not introduce rust back into the container (1kg), as there is a risk of activating the chemistry in the entire package.
The primary indication that the rust remover is working is a significant color change from clear to dark purple.
How to prevent this situation from happening again?
At DiaSegment s.r.o., our experience shows that 90% of rust removers sold are applied specifically to the stone slabs of graves. Here, rust is caused by the wires florists use to fix decorations on wreaths. In such cases, simply placing a plastic sheet under the wreath is enough.
If we were to give more professional advice, we would recommend a high-quality impregnation of the stone or concrete surface. This won't prevent rust itself, but it won't allow the rust to get deep into the material. In many cases, cleaning would then be a simple surface task.
However, the impregnation and protection of stone surfaces require a more expert approach. Do not underestimate this issue and read about it in our articles:
- How to protect stone? A simple guide on how to proceed with impregnation.
- How to clean and maintain a grave or tombstone: A complete guide from cleaning to protective coatings and regular maintenance
- Natural stone bathroom: Step-by-step maintenance and care of stone surfaces
B-Rust Remover, formerly Mangia Ruggine by Bellinzoni
Conclusion
I have gained a great deal of experience with the product B-Rust Remover (Mangia Ruggine). Besides common cases, we have also applied it to a grave frame anchored with lower-quality anchors. Rust seeped from the inside of the stone to the surface and had to be cleaned.
In another case, we applied the rust remover to an entire grave slab that naturally contained too much iron. The originally light granite called "Sea Wave" turned more orange over time. By cleaning it and applying high-quality impregnation, we prevented further reactions and restored its original appearance.
I won't claim it is the only, best, or cheapest product on the market. But from extensive experience, I can promise that it is truly 100% reliable.
Pavol Šáray
CEO & Technical Expert at DiaSegment
I spend most of my time in the field with customers, searching for the best solutions for their specific tasks directly at construction sites or in stonemasonry workshops. These field trips are my greatest inspiration – I subsequently process insights from practice into professional articles to help you navigate the subject. Since I am often fully engaged in work, you might not reach me immediately, but I will be happy to give your questions my full attention.
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