Cement brightener

[drivewaysonly]

I use a commercial chemical for removing well water rust stains. The chemical contains ox. acid. I want to use it for "bleaching" driveways as well. My question is do I use the same mixture to lighten as i do to remove the stains or should it tune it down a bit?

Also, many of our homes are brick and have these rust stains. I know better than using the acid here but what are other options for removing the rust stains from red and redish brick?

thx

 

[MPW]

I think regular strength would be fine. BTW, what do you use in colored brick to remove rust? Will the ox mess it up?

 

[drivewaysonly]

I think regular strength would be fine. BTW, what do you use in colored brick to remove rust? Will the ox mess it up?

Well, I in the "Warning" section of the product I speak of, it says BOLDLY not to use the product on brick containing iron oxide as pigment. I have seen the results of home owners who ignore this little rule. The rust stains are removed but so was MUCH of the red color. Not sure which one was worse.
so, for now, I have no clue how to remove rust stains from red or redish brick.

 

[MPW]

The brick I am doing soon is grey. Will that be ok?

 

[drivewaysonly]

The brick I am doing soon is grey. Will that be ok?

I have never used it on any brick. I am to understand that the problem only results when there is red and even only then IF the red is iron. Honestly, I don't know. It is out of my area. I hopesome of the others get in here soon and help us both out.

If I had to get rust off of grey brick, I would try a test spot behind a bush or close to the ground. Give it a day and see.

 

[MPW]

Good idea. Thank you.

 

[Mike Gwas]

Try using HF acid instead. Never had a problem on brick.....

 

[drivewaysonly]

Really! I will trust you on this one and give it a try. That is good news thanks.

 

[Mark]

Suggested Reading

Here are the results of a Search of this BBS for
Hydroflouric Acid AKA HF Acid

 

[jandjsales]

anybody tried sure kleen 600?? it is an acid recommended by brick manufactures for cleaning red brick. i use a copy of that product because the real stuff is expensive.i also use it for removing mud stains on concrete and removing excess mortar on brick. you should really be careful on sand finished brick, alot of pressure will take the sand finish off, on sand finish i use 40 degree tip and back off the brick to where the pattern covers 4-5 bricks and move pretty quick.

jeff

 

[goon]

hey drivewaysonly...any luck with the HF acid and the brick? I am curious to know myself. Look forward to hearing from you !

Thaddaeus

 

[drivewaysonly]

havent tried it yet...mpw was going to the next day I think

 

[CaroliProWash]

EacoChem makes a great brick cleaner - should handle those rust stains as well. No pickiness about which surface like with Prosoco.

Celeste