Paint spots on yorkstone flag

[sparrow]

I have a salvaged and recently-laid Yorkstone flag with white spots of what looks like paint on it. I tried a paint remover and washed it off after some hours but nothing much happened although I tried several applications. I tried a wire brush in an electric drill and this gradually removed the spots. Unfortunately I did this while the flag was still wet and so did not realise that the flag was effectively being polished. Now that the flag is dry it is covered in polished patches of a steely blue appearance in marked contrast to the stone’s natural colour. Is there anything I can do to fix this?
I see from a search of the site that someone had a similar problem with sandstone a couple of months back and sandblasting was suggested. That isn’t really practical in this case. Could I get a result by putting a thin layer of sand on the flag and grinding it by hand or would this make matters worse?

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

[local patios and driveway]

if it nw has a polished finish i guess you could rough the surface up a bit, maybe some kiln dried sand and then scuff it all up with your boot? or go to hire shop and hire electric sand blaster

[sparrow]

Thanks for your reply, Ganger.

I have tried sand and it is working to an extent, although I should think a fair bit of effort will be required. I hadn’t noticed that you could hire electric sand blasters – probably missed it in the various hire catalogues. I suppose it’s the usual story of you don’t see what you’re not looking for.
I guess the lesson here is the obvious one that we all know: experiment on a off-cut first.

[local patios and driveway]

not sure where you are but i could pop over with my sand blaster and compressor. you buy the sand, do it in a few hours probably, cost you a few cups of tea

[sparrow]

Thanks for the kind offer, Ganger, but I had to get the thing done quickly. My next-door neighbour recently laid the flags in his garden prior to moving out and letting the house. I got involved because he was running short of time and helped him out by building a three-course flower-bed wall around the flagged area. As you can imagine, it was a bit embarrassing to have polished bits of one of the flags. Lots of people are viewing and the agent reckons the house will be let in a couple of days, so I’ve been nipping in with the sand between views and am now nearly finished.

[local patios and driveway]

sounds like you got it covered then. all good.

[London Stone Paving]

not sure where you are but i could pop over with my sand blaster and compressor. you buy the sand, do it in a few hours probably, cost you a few cups of tea

Is the sandblaster any good. What did that set you back?

Steve