Expert: Robert Lamb - 6/19/2007

Question
QUESTION: I have tried both abrasives and mujriatics acid (concentrated and dilute) without
making any appreciable change. Since most of the commercial cleaners are
acid-detergent combinations (SafeRestore has hydrochloric acid, essentially the
same as muratic), why should they do better?

ANSWER: Different acids work differently on different kinds of stains.

If you have already tried muriatic acid, then the hydrochloric acid in SafeRestore probably wouldn't work any better since hydrochloric acid is another name for muriatic acid.

There are stronger acids like hydrofluoric acid that is found in the product Crystal Clear 550. (See: http://www.colkercompany.com/shop.asp?category=12000) But hydrofluoric acid is very dangerous for the home owner to use. (See: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hydrofluoric_acid).

What type of abrasives have you tried?

Sincerely,

Robert Lamb
Window Masters
http://www.robscleaningservice.com

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: I knew that muriatic was an impure form of hydrochloric - I was hoping that
SafeRestore contained some additional ingredient that might help. The abrasives
that I tried were Fuller's Earth and various household scouring powders. What
precautions should one take with hydrofluoric acid?

Answer
I don't know all the components of SafeRestore. Perhaps the manufacturers can help you with that question.

As for abrasives, you may try Cerium Oxide or a product with Cerium Oxide in it as this is the main ingredient used to buff out scratches in glass which would be the most invasive form of glass restoration. (see:http://www.jracenstein.com/Store/items.asp?Cc=000B&Bc=&gclid=CM7Z8rvL6IwCFRUHWAo)

As for hydrofluoric acid, I would discourage your using this. Make sure you read this link: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hydrofluoric_acid

Hydrofluoric acid seeks out and attacks calcium. It is extremely caustic!! I personally have been burned by just inhaling the fumes from this product. If you drop some on your skin it will be absorbed into the skin until it reaches the calcium in your bones. Anyone wearing anything less than a full hazmat uniform including a respirator and eye protection is looking for trouble in my personal opinion.

That being said, it is the main ingredient in Crystal Clear 550 (http://www.jracenstein.com/store/Itemdesc.asp?ic=86%2D601&eq=&Tp=) used to restore glass with calcium deposits.

Sincerely,
Robert Lamb
Window Masters
http://www.robscleaningservice.com