There are multiple acids to get rid of stains on the sides of a building. The first thing to identify is what kind of rust stain it is and how it got there. If it is from electrical panels and on the wall, the solution to the problem is different from rust stains near the ground, which are usually from red clay. Depending on the stain, work wet into wet or just on a dry surface. Working on a dry surface has a more intense impact on the stain. Tough stains require no dilution and mist the stain with acid.
Safety First
Surely, it should come to mind to wear PPE when handling acids. It is better to hire a professional if ever in doubt. Never mix different acids together and rinse equipment thoroughly after each use. Be aware of your surroundings. There should be no people or pets nearby and be mindful of plants, windows, and furniture. Acids like F9 Barc can score glass.
Agitate, not just Acid
Usually agitating the rust stain first with a medium-hard brush and water is necessary. Be mindful of how hard the brush is. Consequently, old, painted surfaces can chip under hard bristles. Make sure you read the label of the product to see how much the dilution ratio is. A spray bottle or a pump sprayer is necessary for even application. Evidently, most acids work in a short dwell time of a few minutes but some all the way up to twenty minutes. If the stain is not lifting quickly, scrub it in with a brush to agitate the stain some more.
One Acid does not fit all
Some stains disappear quickly like a melting effect, and others need help with the brush. Sometimes rinsing with water with a typical garden hose pressure is enough to wash it away after the acid wash. The more stubborn stain needs a pressure washer to finish it off at the end. Be mindful when using the pressure washer because some surfaces have old paint that can easily chip off or soft surfaces that can score. Use a fan tip and make sure you handle it correctly to not damage the surface.
We keep many acids at hand
What do we use? Rust Rescue is best on rust stains from metal. Efflo is excellent for efflorescence. Without a doubt, red clay stains are the worst to lift so we use a plethora of different products for that. We use One Restore, Muriatic acid, F9 Barc, or Mud Mayday for red clay stains. It depends on what surface it is on. We always scrub for red clay and sometimes also use the pressure washer. Never mix acids. Assess the stain and use one. If it does not lift right away, doing layers also can work.
If you would like for Billy Goat Gutter Cleaning to assess your stain and take care of it, leave us a message on our contact page.
