Removing hard water deposits from outdoor granite

Sir, I am looking for a way to remove a buildup of water deposit on our Medal of Honor Memorial at Riverside National Cemetery. The memorial consist a reflection pool made of red granite surrounded by black granite slabs engraved with the names of all recipients of our nations highest award. In the middle of the pool is a fountain that is 8 ft. high and 20ft long which consist of 2 rows of water streams creating a curtain effect. Due to the wind and splashing there is a constant mist that settles on one side of the pond and the engraved slabs. I am establishing a maintenance program to keep this polished and in pristine shape and could use your advice. Mike Cummings Supervisor Riverside National Cemetery

 

Dear Mike:

You're most likely right in your assessment of the hard minerals accumulating on the surface of the polished stone, but there's also a chance that it could be something more serious.

Hard mineral deposits can be easily and effectively removed from polished stone surfaces by scraping the worse off of them with a 3” or 4” ra z or blade, and then finish the job with a specialty alkaline cleaner with chelates in its formula (the chelates are the key factor) rated “for natural stone”, like MB-3.

However, considering the prominent historical importance of that installation, I think it would be best if you get hold of a proficient stone restoration contractor, should the treatment suggested above not work.

Too bad that your Cemetery is in California , because I'd be honored to take a look at it myself.

Ciao and good luck,

Mauri z io Bertoli