Oil stains with rust marks

Garage floor, workshop, or driveway where engine oil has spilled near metal objects or machinery that left rust stains

Why order matters

When two problems appear together, the treatment order is critical. Using the wrong product first can spread stains, neutralise chemicals, or cause new damage. Follow these steps in order.

Treatment Steps

1. Step 1: Oil Grease

   Product: Lithofin OIL-EX

   Why this order: Oil creates a barrier that prevents rust treatment from reaching the iron oxide. Oil must be extracted first from the pores of the stone.

   Method: Apply OIL-EX as poultice: saturate kitchen paper or cotton wool, press firmly onto oil stain, cover with cling film, leave 12-24 hours. Remove, check progress, repeat if oil stain remains.

   Wait: Allow surface to dry completely (4-8 hours)

2. Step 2: Rust Stains

   Product: Lithofin Rust-EX

   Why this order: With oil removed, Rust-EX can now react directly with the iron oxide in the stone pores.

   Method: Apply Rust-EX to rust stains. Leave 15-30 minutes. For deep rust: poultice with cotton wool and cling film for 4-12 hours. Rinse thoroughly.

   Wait: Seal the surface after treatment to prevent future staining

Warnings

• Remove the source of both problems: fix oil leaks and remove or isolate metal objects from stone contact
• On porous stone (sandstone, concrete): oil may have spread wider than visible - treat a larger area