If you have been spray painting close to the sandstone surfaces of your home, you may have later noticed stains and spots that you could have sworn were not present when you cleaned up. Fortunately, spray paint will not permanently stain sandstone, but it will take a little elbow grease to completely remove it from the surface of the natural stone.
Step 1: Give the sandstone a thorough wash with the garden hose or a bucket of clean water. This can help to remove any debris that has managed to adhere itself to the paint, making it easier to clean off.
Step 2: Using a wooden scraper, gently attack the spray paint stains and try to remove as much as possible. Once you’re finished, leave the sandstone to dry completely.
Step 3: Apply a layer of paint stripper to the affected areas of the sandstone, leaving it to sit until the paint has been removed. You will then need to rinse the stone again using clean water.
Step 4: If you’re having difficulties removing the spray paint using the stripper alone, you can mix together a poultice using an absorbent material (like baking soda, flour or cornstarch paste). Apply the poultice to the sandstone and leave to dry, upon which time it will flake away itself.
If you have been unfortunate enough to find spray paint stains on your sandstone surfaces, it is important to remove it as soon as possible to ensure the best chances of success. If possible, attempt to wash away the paint as soon as it hits the surface. Avoid using any acid-based cleaners on your natural stone, as they are known to severely damage the surface.