Cleaning Stone

[MatthewC]

There are often questions here about stripping paint/gunk etc from buildings, so I thought this item might be of interest.

It's a stone cleaning "system" which I was told about the other day (funny how the word "system" gives it a worrying sound!); the Royal British Legion intend to clean the war memorial using it. It is called "DOFF" - see http://www.stonehealth.com/stone-cleaning-products/doff-system/.

I thought that their video was a bit energetic and might have forced water under the tiles. I wonder how it would work on slate roofs or limestone walls etc, and if it would really remove paint safely.

Has anyone encountered it before? Any views?

 

[plasticpigeon]

Yes, some guys tried to clean the stone sills and cappings round the windows and doors on my house with it. Every one they blasted they blew to smithereens. The so called mason in charge left it to his 2 labourers to use it who were not skilled and rather simple. They were trying to strip paint, which involved covering the stone with some nitromoors type stuff to soften the paint, and then blast it off with what is in effect a heated pressure washer. I would never want it used on my property again, as it is not fail safe. It is powerful enough to blast holes in soft stone if not used properly. On granite maybe it is ok, but it still covers whatever it being cleaned with gallons of water. I'd advise against its use. It probably wasn't used properly by the guys doing my house, but I think it it is too risky to assume that someone else is skilled enough to make it work gently and effectively.