[Matt Gibson]

Hi guys,

Ive got some sandstone chimmney stacks to clean, you can imagine how black they are. Access is no problem with a cherry picker, but i was just wondering if you guys had any ideas on the best way to clean them up. I used to do alot ofbrick chimmneys with HF acid, but im worried about staining the stone with the HF. Thought about wet blasting them (wet sandblast) and was having a look at some other products specifically for soot removal. If anyone has any input, it would be much appreciated.

Cheers,

Matt

BTW, i havent given a price yet, will be doing a test in a few weeks before i price it.

[Blast Away]

If there's slate tiles then you're gonna be cleaning them from the HF's contact so always think of that. Wet blasting will take longer in clearing the gutters and drains from the sand.

[Matt Gibson]

yeah, the slate issue is gonna be a pain, i had that problem in london. I was looking at a product from www.stonehealth.co.uk that specially removes soot and smoke stains.. they're sending me a tester of it to try out. it doesnt contain acid.

I thought about the clean up if i wet blasted, what a pain, i would rather stay away from it if i can.

cheers lee

 

[JSMC]

used to work with HF acid and ended up in burns unit of the royal infirmary. Nasty nasty stuff. What concentration do you use? We had it coming in at either 40 or 60 %. It can do some real serious damage to yer bones if not treated correctly.

[Matt Gibson]

JSMC

Yeah mate, its nasty stuff, we used to use it day in day out, we had the 68% stuff. just used to mix it up ourselves, we all got a bit careless around it, few burns, nothing too bad, got it under my fingernail once, worst pain i ever had, had to get the nail removed...fun times..

on a side note, anyone else out there have any idea or tips on how to get a black sandstone chimmney stack clean? any sneaky products out there ppl have used? or good tip ?...

Cheers guys

Matt

[BDCS]

Soda blast it

[Matt Gibson]

i never thought of soda blasting it. no clean up either. cheers BDCS

[Blast Away]

I've never done Soda Blasting, looks a good method for certain cleans but I've been told the clean up is a nightmare as the soda get moist and thick like wet talc.

[Matt Gibson]

ive never used soda blasting either, but i was told the opposite, was told the soda melts away with the water.

[BDCS]

Most of it will disolve in water but heavy piles can be helped along with dilute citric acid. I usually just pressure wash it to the nearest road gully as there are no enviromental issues. It can also be used with a pressure washer with a wet blaster but it must be kept dry - I buy one with a water resistant coat but its only semi efficient.