How to Remove Dopping Wax From Stone

Wax can be removed from stone, but it takes several products.

Dopping wax is dripped onto surfaces and paper for sealing wax and other decorative purposes. The wax can cause a problem if it is dripped onto stone, because stone is a porous surface. The wax penetrates deep into the stone and is difficult to remove. Luckily, many companies produce cleaning products designed to break down dopping wax, and any other waxes, and lift it from any stone surface.

Things You'll Need

• Solvent stone stripper
• Grease cleaner for stone
• Putty knife
• Hair dryer
• Soft cloth
• Stiff bristle brush
• Lacquer thinner

Instructions

1. Purchase some solvent stone stripper and grease cleaner for stone from a home supply or hardware store. The cleansers will be designated for use on stone, and a formula that is designed for removing wax should be purchased. Look for these specifications on the bottle.

2. Chip away as much of the wax as possible with a putty knife. You can try to chip away the wax when it is hardened, or you can soften the wax with a hair dryer and then try to scrape it away. Do not to get the wax too hot, or it will melt even further into the pores of the stone and become even harder to remove.

3. Place some stone grease cleaner on a soft cloth and rub over the wax for several seconds. Allow the cleaner to dry and note any changes in the amount of wax. It is possible that this cleaner will not be strong enough to reach the wax deep inside the pores of the stone. If this cleaner does not seem to work, then move on to using the stone stripper.

4. Pour a small amount of stripper over the surface of the stone where the wax spilled. Allow the solution to sit for five to 10 minutes.

5. Rub the wax with a stiff bristle brush for one to three minutes. Wipe the area with a soft cloth.

6. Pour a small amount of lacquer thinner over the wax and allow to sit for an additional 10 minutes. Use the soft cloth to wipe away any remaining thinner and wax.

7. Clean the stone with the stone grease cleaner after removing the wax.

References

• Aldon Chemicals: Removing Candle Wax Drippings