removing plaster residue from stone

[pepperpot]

I live in a very old stone built cottage and recently opened up the original fireplace and removed the plaster from the stone walls in the living room. I've been left with a plaster residue on the stones which I'd like to somehow remove and clean the stones up, does anyone have any tips for doing this?

 

[JohnD]

Stiff brush. Try a nylon scrubbing brush, with water, and wet the plaster well. Plaster does not stand up well to being wet. You can also use a pan scourer but this will wear your fingers away.

If necessary, a wire brush will take it off, but will also scratch the bricks.

You may also have lime mortar between the stones, which is very soft and weak. Try not to scratch it out.

 

[diyisfree]

I was going to suggest another method BUT the point John made regarding the lime motor rules it out...

Well said John! A guy who knows the traditional ways

 

[Bongo]

Hi,
I have a similar dillema....beautiful exposed stone but impossible to clean! Water and a scrubbing brush didn't work for me...(looked great whilst still wet but dried all dusty again!). Am planning on exposing more stone so would welcome any tips you may have. Thanks

 

[diyisfree]

Bongo,

I restored a 200 year old cottage recently, After we had removed all the old lime plaster it revealed some beautifull stone work and also a fireplace with the bricks laid in an herringbone pattern.

Because the cottage was completly un-occupied at the time we called in the local sand blaster. He did all the stone and the old oak beams.

Looked amazing afterwards but it wouldnt be usefull to you if you are living in there while you are doing the work. Lets say there was a bit of dust after he finished

 

[Bongo]

Thanks for the reply....we are living in the property so blasting the stone is sadly not really an option. Thanks anyway!