Marble

[ZAG]

Hello everybody,

I am trying to remove several layers of paint from an outdoors ornamental sculpture.
Does anyone have any suggestions for the best strippers to use without damaging the stone?

Thanks a lot!

[The Forge]

I would find a business that does 'dry ice blasting'. It will strip the paint off without damaging the original surface. The process was initially invented to remove paint from airplanes. I have used the process and it is really amazing.:cool:

[StevenW]

What about damaging the paint? Was it part of the original sculpture?

[ZAG]

The work of art wasn't originally painted, it has been caked with different layers and different colours, thanks for your concern.

[StevenW]

I'd just sand it off with some 220 and call it done then.

[ZAG]

Thank you very much for your imput!

[GHarrison]

Test a methylene chloride stripper on a section (from hardware store). If its latex paint it will come loose. Coat the sculpture, or sections at a time with it and remove with wooden spatula tool or natural bristle brushes so you don't damage the original marble surface.

Rinse with water and repeat until removed.

Marble kept outside should never be coated, this will expedite erosion of the surface of the stone.