How to Remove Fevicol & Other Tough Stains from Stone Surfaces

It can be frustrating to be unable to remove Fevicol, paint, oil, or wood polish stains on stone, tile, or concrete with regular household cleaners or even alkaline or acidic detergents. Often these residues penetrate micro-pores or bond to the surface creating sticky, dull, or discoloured areas that ruin the appearance and texture of the stone tile or concrete. 

At Flagstone Fix Services, we can provide professional restoration of stone by deep-cleaning your surface with Faber Advanced Stone Care Systems. In particularly stubborn cases of contamination, i.e. adhesives, paint, resin, oil, or polish, we use the chemical deep-cleaning Double Stripping Method.

What is the Double Stripping Method?

Double Stripping is a controlled, professional cleaning approach designed specifically for removing the most persistent contaminants on stone, ceramic, and cementitious surfaces. The method is based on a specific chemical reaction activated through two of Faber’s products. 

• Faber DEC 21 is a powerful solvent-based degreaser that dissolves organic, oily, and waxy contaminates. 

• Faber 30 or Faber Epoxy Residue Remover are the second agents that attack synthetic and polymeric residues such as adhesive, paints, and Fevicol.

Step-by-Step Professional Procedure

1. Surface Preparation

• Prior to starting the cleaning process, sweep or vacuum off all loose dust and debris.
• Mask all non-stone areas, joints and edges to protect them from your cleaning solutions.

2. First Application: Faber DEC 21

• Apply DEC 21, undiluted, directly to the affected area.
• Use a mop, white pad, or soft-bristle brush to apply in an even manner.
• Let it work for 25-30 minutes, buffing with a cloth every 3-4 minutes to keep continuous agitation.

3. Second Application: Faber 30 or Faber Epoxy Residue Remover

• Do not remove the DEC 21; apply Faber 30 or the Epoxy Residue Remover undiluted.
• Let the combined mixture work for another 25-30 minutes and again buff every few minutes.
• During this step, you are creating the dual action stripping solution for moderately deep embedded residue.

4. Extraction and Curing

• With a wet vacuum and/or absorbent cloth, remove all the emulsified residues.
• Rinse thoroughly with clean water until absolutely no film chemicals are left on the surface.
• Let the surface stay dry before any evaluation or sealer is applied.

This process not only removes visible residues but also clears contaminants from within the stone, ensuring a deep and permanent clean.

When to utilize Double Stripping?

Double Stripping is a last resort technique that addresses instances where alternate professional cleaning options or one-step products have not produced a satisfactory outcome.  

• For low-absorbent surfaces, such as granite, porcelain, or quartzite, only a single application of Faber 30 or Epoxy Residue Remover will achieve a satisfactory result.  
• For porous stones, such as marble, limestone, or sandstone, the Double Stripping system will ensure a thorough penetration and complete stain dissolution.   
• For heritage surfaces, or high-value services, Flagstone Fix team conducts a controlled patch testing to assess the appropriate dwell time and most compatible product. 

Removing Different Types of Stains

1. Wood Polish

Wood polish is usually solvent-based and leaves a darker, glossy stain that resembles a colour enhancer.

• Recommended to use Double Stripping with DEC 21 + Epoxy Residue Remover
• Result: Removes solvent polymers and restores the stone’s natural tone.

2. Oil & Grease

Oil stains can range from kitchen spills to industrial grime.

• Start with Faber No Oil to draw grease & oil out of the pores.
• If the stain persists, use the Double Stripping method with DEC 21 with Faber 30.
• Always rinse thoroughly after cleaning.

3. Paint

Paint removal depends on both the paint’s composition and surface absorbency.

• On ceramic or porcelain use Faber 30 or Faber Deterfug (for acid-resistant tiles).
• On absorbent stones, perform Double Stripping with DEC 21 + Faber 30.
• For stubborn residues, finish with Faber No Mac Gel to extract pigment lodged in pores.

4. Fevicol & Adhesive Stains

Fevicol and other adhesives vary from simple acrylics to complex synthetic or epoxy-based glues.

• Mild stains use Faber 30.
• Strong adhesives use Faber Epoxy Residue Remover.
• Severe or aged Fevicol stains perform Double Stripping with DEC 21 + Epoxy Residue Remover.
• Apply Faber Epoxy Remover Gel to vertical surfaces for controlled application.

5. Paint Primer

Primers behave like adhesives and require the same approach.

• Recommended to use Epoxy Residue Remover for standard primers.
• For heavy buildup, Double Stripping with DEC 21 + Epoxy Residue Remover.

Pro Tips for Safe Stone Cleaning

• Always test in a small area for compatibility before using it on the entire surface. 
• Avoid using aggressive abrasives or metal pads – polished surfaces can be scratched easily.
• Ensure adequate ventilation when cleaning with chemicals.
• After cleaning the stone, always neutralize and completely dry the surface before sealing.

For soft stones (marble, travertine, limestone), we recommend consulting with a Flagstone Fix specialist to avoid etching and creating surface haze.

Bring Your Stone Back to Life

Flagstone Fix prides itself on not just removing stains – we provide comprehensive stone care and protection solutions. Our work begins with pre-sealing during the install, providing cleaning and restoratively cleaning services throughout the years and offering maintenance – ensuring the stone remains as beautiful and functional as the day it was installed.

Our team includes industry professionals, working on residential to commercial projects including hotels and showrooms, villas and institution flooring.

Contact us for product recommendations, on-site assessments, or professional application services.