Have recently had a paint stripping company remove several layers of paint and wall paper believe it or not from a fire place in a 125+ year old tenemant flat I am renovating. Initially we thought what was left was a dark grey/back slate stone - however the paint stripping company now believe the fireplace is white marble and had been painted over!! NIGHTMARE!!! Can this be restored? If so how? Can I do it myself? Or is it too late and the paint has soaked completely into the stone and the damage is irreversible!!! please, please help! I am gutted that previous occupants of this house have been so stupid!!

 

Dear Michelle:

 

“ Can this be restored? If so how? ”

 

It sure can! By a bona fide stone restoration contractor.

 

“ Can I do it myself? ”

 

No.

 

The good news is that no paint could ever soak into marble, and therefore I can be restored. It will be probably be a very expensive proposition, but it can be done by the right professional.

Ciao and good luck,

Maurizio Bertoli