GUM (shadows OR Stains)

[Ron Musgraves]

Well!!!!!!!!!!


GUM? Everyone claims they have a formula. Let’s put it to and online test. Lets take a photo of a piece of gum that has been on the concrete for several years. Remove the gum safely with hot water and low pressure. Take the second photo and show the thing everyone is referring too as shadow. Then we can try a method of cleaning suggested by this audience. Of course follow up with a photo showing the results. I would be willing to put it to the test and try several different methods.

Is anyone game???? Just keep in mind that I will share all methods, so if you have a trade secret you should bottle it.

I will show you by this test that most chemicals that are used only make a larger shadow. (Stain)

It would be interesting to see the photo results. I believe that the concrete is permanently stained. The result of the staining is not just sugar but acid. Our saliva contains acids that permanently scar the concrete. If you have noticed new gum does not leave the stains we are talking about.


Sure some of us have removed these stains (shadows). If the gum is new there is no issue. If we blast a portion of the sidewalk with the gum the stains not too deep and we have removed it. Some use chemicals that appear to work and all’s they do is darken the rest of the area to match the shadow.

I have found products that work but they are not safe. I have tried many chemical and methods over 18 yrs. And have not found one I’m please with using. Yes,,,this subject has been brought up many times and many times no one has gotten and answer.


I’m ready to try to take a shot. I will provide the gum, time and the photos. I can even video tape the processes. I think I can find a camera. LOL

 

[Jon]

Well this should be very interesting indeed if you guys and gals take Ron up on it.

I won't be one of those taking pictures and competing here
for one reason over all others, I have never had a customer complain about "shadows". I get hired to clean the sidewalks, patio areas etc. and I do that well.

They are informed that the gum comes off and it leaves that "shadow" which over time tends to lighten, in reality it is there and always will be like Ron said.

I never tell them I can remove that "shadow" as I know it will not truly come out. Yes many have claimed to make it go away, some cheat and sprinkle concrete powder down then wet it, great white wash job for a few month but it goes away too.

Now Ron, the key question here is just how are you going to require proof that the before and after pictures are of the exact same spot?

I will enjoy watching all of you claim you have the best or only method or that you have developed a product to do this job.

Pulling up a comfy chair and sitting on the sidelines watching all the excitment here, gee what fun

Could even ante up a buck each for the winner.

 

[Ron Musgraves]

Hey Jon,

I don’t have a process that’s works. I hear claims to processes on the bb. I have not heard any success stories.

I not making a challenge that mine is better than yours I trying to help you and myself to find a better process. The first one I can try is the one you mentioned, caustic, that’s the powdered chemical your talking about. You’re right we would need to take a picture a couple of days later when the excess caustic is not hiding the stain. That would prove that method doesn’t work.


Facts are what I’m interested in, be careful Jon has given me the first demonstration and didn’t even know.

I want to test all processes that way we can be clear on what works and what doesn’t work.

The trust question????? I will do every process in uniformed condition. (The same way). If you think I didn’t do it right, then do it yourself and submit the results.




To everyone,

Bottom line is this question comes up by guys at least once a month or so. If you search there are no answers because maybe no one has and answer. This will give the guys some results in a way to choose what’s best for them.


Get involved don’t sit on the sidelines, I know I can go back and find process suggested. I would rather you participate now so if you have special details I can follow them. if I use your process and test it without permission you will lay claim I did it wrong. E-mail the process or post it right here.


Thanks

 

[Jon]

Hey Ron,

Keep in mind I was not attacking you or anyone else, I know from talking with you there is no such thing as a product that will do away with it.

I was simply saying I will sit on the sidelines and see if others that have claimed to have a method or product are brave enough to step in and prove themselves.



Now I have a question to all, how many of you have had complaints about gum shadows? If the concrete was cleaned correctly the customer should be more then happy and not really notice them unless walking with their head DOWN looking for pennies.

Do tell please, do you really get complaints about that spot left?

 

[Ron Musgraves]

no problem jon,

 

[Ron Musgraves]

No one still Does

 

[Christopher]

I have also tried a lot of chemicals for the shadows but have not found anything safe that works.

It would be nice if there was something out there that was safe and actually worked.

I guess not enough attention is on the shadows in the chemical market, otherwise maybe something would be invented by now.

Maybe Craig can invent it?

 

[Doug Rucker]

To many different acids in to many different gums