Removing rust stains

[DNgroundworks]

Hi Fellas, just finished a job 45m indian stone paving, it seems we have placed something, maybe a barrow or the mixer on the stone, out of the way, whilst we where paving the driveway, anyhow this has resulted in some rust stains, any idea on how to remove them?

Regards Daniel

[Pablo]

if they're superficial they'll weather off quick enough I'm not aware of any treatment to remove rust marks so if push comes to shove you'll need to replace the marked ones.

[DNgroundworks]

Whats the chances of a high pressure jet removing them, they realy are very slight i didnt even notice any where remaining after we cleaned the patio with a rotary cleaner. The client (quite rightly) is with holding payment until the matter is resolved. Which is fair enough. I dont like the idea of lifting flags :p

[mike builder/landscaper]

well if it is only 2 or 3 flags that are marked, i would soon put the saw through the joint, lift and relay the flags. and get your money. saves messing about.

[DNgroundworks]

Ye but if i can hire a heated high pressure jet washer and it works it will be done in 5 minutes, less of a pain for me, less disruption for the customer.

[seanandruby]

Not if it is a minimum hire charge and it just marks the flags. You then have the added charge of lifting and re-laying ???

[DNgroundworks]

I doubt it would mark the flags sean, Anyhow thats why im on here asking......will it work. The rotary cleaner removed some, and there aint alot of pressure in them, so maybe a jet would work?

[dig dug dan]

you need a pencil jet on a decent pressure washer.
there is a rust remover that halfords sell. have you tried that?

[Pablo]

I think what Sean meant was you could spend the money on a steam cleaner and still have no success meaning you'll still have to replace them. Replacing them is the cheapest guaranteed way of getting your money asap and the ones you lift can be used on another job. If it's a softer sandstone some water and rough sandpaper may work.

[DNgroundworks]

DDD- im a bit loath to using chemicals on sandstone as ive managed to turn indian stone yellow/orange before with it so i try to not use it lol

I was just thinking if the rust is on the surface then surely it could be blasted off?

[dig dug dan]

dan you could try that first.
Its a bit of a funny one cos as already said, you could end up spending on various things to get rid of it, then end up replacing the slabs in the end, which if you had done in the first place, would have saved you
I would be doing what you are doing though. no harm in trying, and i always think chopping out and replacing slabs neevr looks right afterwards
I learn't a lesson this time last year. installed a pond on the cheap, which leaked. i went back patching up the liner, extending it, etc. must of gone back half a dozen times, spent money on liner tape, glue, labour.
In the end, i admitted defeat, and ripped the whole liner out and replaced. (last pond i ever do!!)

[DNgroundworks]

I hate lifting and re-laying flags they just never seem to bed down right somehow, its very light staining so i hope that it should lift off with a good jet wash.

[London Stone Paving]

lithofin have a product that removes rust. I'll let you know what it is tomorrow when I am back in the office

[DNgroundworks]

found it! Lithofin rust ex? is that the stuff? Cheers

[London Stone Paving]

Thats the one, saved me a job in the morning