After much agonizing and searching we did go back to Mari's Garden and looked again at their stone lanterns before purchasing what we had seen earlier.
Mari's Garden provides lots of materials and options. There was a preschool class visiting when we got there learning about plants and gardening.
They also sell hydroponic gardening materials and equipment.
There were many granite lanterns there and many were stained red from the red dirt that we have on Oahu.
The only lantern that appealed to us must have been the most red stained lantern there.
However, they said it could be cleaned with Simple Green. They cleaned a small spot to show us that it could be done.
And then they also offered a $50 discount because of the staining and a few small chips.
So we bought it. There just wasn't another store on the island that sold granite lanterns with a style we liked.
We brought it home and scrubbed it with Simple Green. A little bit came off, BUT not the deep down stained parts, particularly those parts close to the bottom.
We looked online for solutions and tried a more concentrated version of Simple Green. Nope! It took off the surface dirt, but nothing else.
We tried, soft scrub. Nope. Didn't work.
We tried flour mixed with hydrogen peroxide. Nope.
We tried baking soda mixed with hydrogen peroxide. (Above right) Nope. The part that looks cleaned already was that color.
It was really frustrating, but Art never gives up. Never.
Mari's Garden provides lots of materials and options. There was a preschool class visiting when we got there learning about plants and gardening.
They also sell hydroponic gardening materials and equipment.
There were many granite lanterns there and many were stained red from the red dirt that we have on Oahu.
The only lantern that appealed to us must have been the most red stained lantern there.
However, they said it could be cleaned with Simple Green. They cleaned a small spot to show us that it could be done.
And then they also offered a $50 discount because of the staining and a few small chips.
So we bought it. There just wasn't another store on the island that sold granite lanterns with a style we liked.
We brought it home and scrubbed it with Simple Green. A little bit came off, BUT not the deep down stained parts, particularly those parts close to the bottom.
We looked online for solutions and tried a more concentrated version of Simple Green. Nope! It took off the surface dirt, but nothing else.
We tried, soft scrub. Nope. Didn't work.
We tried flour mixed with hydrogen peroxide. Nope.
We tried baking soda mixed with hydrogen peroxide. (Above right) Nope. The part that looks cleaned already was that color.
It was really frustrating, but Art never gives up. Never.
The lantern looks really nice, hopefully you will find something to help with the stain. Warm greetings!
ReplyDeleteLove the stone lantern just the way it is. But, I guess once you start the clean up you cannot stop. Can't wait to see the final result.
ReplyDeleteI like it with the color in it. I'm not sure why the stain bothers you so much. But, that said, I do hope you find something that will take care of it for you both. It's a nice lantern, BTW. :-)
ReplyDeleteThere is a product that removes rust stains, it is a cleanser called Barkeepers Friend. I get it in my grocery store and at Walmart in the cleaning products section. It keeps all my pot and pans sparkling clean. I use it every day. I don't know if it would work on a porous material like the lantern, but it got rust stains off an old white blanket! It might just work on that lantern!
ReplyDeleteI think maybe you should learn to love it as it is :-)
ReplyDeleteAnother option would be to stain the whole thing to match the discoloured spot
ReplyDeleteI like its weathered look. It has survived.
ReplyDeleteThe best thing I can tell you is maybe get it as clean as you can, buy some solid color concrete stain and try to turn it back "concrete" in color
ReplyDeleteIt's a beautiful lantern. The style is charming, and I be you will get it semi unstained.
ReplyDeleteThe stain makes it unique and beautiful. Though I admire Art, always!
ReplyDeleteI took a closer look at the lanterns at the swap meet. The material used actually looks kinda ugly . . . like cement.
ReplyDeleteAh---how gorgeous (just the way it is)... BUT--I know you are searching for another look ---and I also know what Art will continue working on it until he/you get it the way you want it... Good Luck...
ReplyDeleteHugs,
Betsy
I agree with many above who like it as is. Won't t just pick up stain in your garden?
ReplyDeleteLive with it. The color has a beauty of its own. Reddish brown earth stains are actually a pigment. You could mix the dirt in the old pineapple fields on the way to Waialua with an oil painting binder and make actual oil paint, and you know how long oil paintings last--centuries. And then there are always the red dirt shirts of Kauai, which are actually quite attractive.
ReplyDeleteI believe the Ko'olau Farmers store in Kailua has a whole lot of stone lanterns.
I'm with Djan. I like the look. It shows character. But since it bothers you, good luck to Art and hope he finds the cure.
ReplyDeleteOk, Art's gonna have a medical problem trying to "fix" the lantern. Must accept the spirit of the red dirt blended with the granite. Looks like it came from an older temple or site. Anyone can have a pure, fake, white, or grey stone. If he's not giving up, might as well make a mudhole with some red dirt, and put the top half of the lantern into it for a few days. Then it will all match.
ReplyDelete(Not sure about Hawaii's red dirt, but Oklahoma's doesn't come off of anything. Rainwater splashed red dirt upon the lower white bricks of my parent's house...still there since 1964.) Remember the rose rocks from Oklahoma? They, too, won't "fade."
Cheers, Linda in Kansas
Wait till you see tomorrow's post. Art does not give up once he sets his course.
DeleteIt is very beautiful as it is.....think of wabi sabi! But if you cannot accept this, Bar Keepers Friend works better than anything for me.
ReplyDeleteWABI SABI is my hobby!
DeleteAwesome! This is the first time I've heard of this. I learn so much from you. Sounds like a great idea/concept/belief but Art is into clean as you'll see tomorrow.
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ReplyDeleteI would think your search for a cleaner will pay off sooner or later.
ReplyDeleteI'm with Djan. I like the look. It shows character. But since it bothers you, good luck to Art and hope he finds the cure.
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