Rust Stains On Sealed Granite?
Hi Tom,
What causes rust stains on a supposedly sealed granite shower base and sides or did the installer not impregnate seal it properly im guessing the later and you ?
Thanks, Rick
Hello Rick,
Lighter colored granite needs a heavy coat of sealant to prevent the water from absorbing into the stone but also consider the following. Often times after granite is properly sealed, users use harsh cleaning chemicals. Most of these cleaners will not harm the granite at all, but they will gradually dissolve the sealer and expose the granite to staining.
It sounds like you have another problem as well. Some granite colors contain mica which will rust. You can sometimes see this as a silver fleck in the granite. Even sealer will not prevent the eventual rust marks, usually in a circular pattern around the mica or iron mineral. The rust mark is deep but you could try ‘Iron Out’ found at your local home improvement store. Note, ‘Iron Out’ can etch granite a little so be sure to test it first. After you are done, apply a heavy coat of sealer.
Best wishes,
Tom Cordova
