Stonehealth is well known for its TORC (which superseded Jos) and DOFF physical cleaning systems but it is not so well known for its useful range of chemicals. Stonehealth has a policy of providing chemicals which have good environmental and health & safety credentials.
In addition to the TORC system, which is probably the gentlest way to remove carbon there is, there are two other methods available from Stonehealth: the Carbrid poultice and a thixotropic paste known as Complexon.
While DOFF, using super heated water and steam at a genuine 150ºC, removes many modern paints without assistance, there are times when Stonehealth’s economic paint softeners assist the speed and quality of the removal. Paint softeners are also efficient in the removal of graffiti.
One of the most difficult forms of graffiti to remove is felt tip ink but, Stonehealth even has a poultice to lift out these pigments. Used correctly, Stonehealth products will remove many types of graffiti without leaving ‘ghosting’, but to prevent and protect surfaces from graffiti attacks,
B or G Waxes are invisible sacrificial barriers. If there is a serious graffiti attack where the surface cannot breathe,
B & G Waxes are easily removed and if necessary a subsequent coat can easily be reapplied.
Cleanfilm, a latex based cleaner, enables cathedrals, churches, colleges and municipal buildings to continue to function while the work is in progress. All types of soiling, even fire damage, are simply removed from masonry and even plaster surfaces without the use of water.
Unsightly metallic staining resulting from the oxidisation of iron, copper and bronze is frequently found deep below masonry surfaces making it difficult to remove. Stonehealth have Ferrid and Cuprid poultices that will effectively draw out most stains. Two or more applications may be required depending upon the intensity of the stain.
Oilrid is a biological ready-to-use detergent containing oil digesting bacteria and is particularly useful where heavy and deep oil contamination has occurred.
Prevosil has proved to be a useful stone sealant for both internal and external applications. It is vapour permeable yet liquid impermeable and the standard versions are unlikely to alter the appearance or character of the stone.
Treated surfaces will stay cleaner longer, will be easier to keep clean and will resist biological activity. Prevosil is either water or alcohol based. When it is alcohol-based it is also available as a ‘damp look’ version, to enhance the colour and character of stone, and a ‘wet look’ version that leaves a shine on the surface.
As with all sealants, hydrophobic treatments and consolidants, due consideration should be given to whether reducing the permeability of stone will cause subsequent problems, particularly if salts are likely to be present.
Stonehealth Stone Repair is non-cementitious and supplied as either a powder or a liquid. Either can be colour matched to the original natural stone. A repair can be cast to full thickness in one application and is frost resistant while setting. It can be worked or dressed just like normal stone after setting when it is difficult to distinguish from the original stone.