Repair Systems — 03 — Facade & External Envelope
Kaolin/paper pulp solvent poultice — oil and grease stain removal
Technical product reference for kaolin clay or paper pulp and solvent poultice systems for oil, grease, tar, and hydrocarbon stain removal from masonry facades on Australian Class 2 strata buildings. Solvent dissolves the contamination; carrier draws it out as the poultice dries. Suitable for sandstone, limestone, and heritage masonry. Fire risk during application — ventilation and ignition source elimination mandatory. Hazardous waste disposal required.
What is kaolin / paper pulp solvent poultice?
Kaolin clay or paper pulp saturated with a hydrocarbon solvent is the correct poultice formulation for removing oil, grease, tar, and hydrocarbon staining from masonry facades on Class 2 strata buildings and heritage structures. The solvent dissolves the oil or grease contamination; the clay or pulp carrier absorbs it and draws it out of the masonry pore structure as the poultice slowly dries. Suitable for all masonry types including acid-sensitive substrates — no acid is used in solvent poultice systems.
Product Reference
2 product systems — kaolin / paper pulp solvent poultice — scroll to view all
Remmers kaolin / paper pulp + solvent poultice — oil and grease stain removal
Kaolin / paper pulp + solvent poultice — oil and grease removal — heritage masonry
System Description
Remmers Australia provides kaolin clay and solvent-based poultice systems for removal of oil, grease, tar, and hydrocarbon staining from masonry facades on Class 2 strata buildings and heritage structures. The kaolin clay (or paper pulp) carrier is saturated with a hydrocarbon solvent matched to the stain type — acetone for general oils, naphtha for tar and bitumen, mineral spirits for lubricant and cooking oil staining. The solvent dissolves the oil or grease contamination; the carrier absorbs it and draws the contamination out of the masonry pore structure as the poultice dries at 15 mm application thickness. Apply and cover with plastic sheeting to control evaporation rate during the 24–48 hour dwell period. Fire risk during application and drying — eliminate all ignition sources and maintain ventilation throughout the work area. PPE required: solvent-resistant gloves, safety glasses, adequate respiratory protection for the specific solvent in use. Solvent waste from removed poultice is classified as hazardous waste under EPA regulations — do not dispose of to stormwater. Suitable for sandstone, limestone, and all masonry types — no acid is used in solvent poultice systems.
Technical Properties
- Stain type: Oil, grease, tar, hydrocarbon — solvent dissolves the stain; clay carrier absorbs and draws it out during drying
- Carrier: Kaolin clay or paper pulp — absorbs dissolved oil/grease out of masonry pores by capillary action
- Active: Hydrocarbon solvent (acetone, naphtha, mineral spirits) — select solvent matched to the stain type
Limitations
- Fire risk during application and drying — hydrocarbon solvent vapours are flammable; eliminate all ignition sources and maintain ventilation
- Solvent vapour in enclosed spaces — do not work in confined spaces without forced ventilation and appropriate respiratory protection
- Solvent disposal is hazardous waste — removed poultice and contaminated materials cannot be disposed of to stormwater; confirm EPA requirements
PROCUREMENT SOURCES
Confirm suitability with the current manufacturer TDS before specifying or applying.
Site-mixed kaolin / paper pulp solvent poultice — hydrocarbon stain removal
Site-mixed solvent poultice — hydrocarbon stain removal — masonry and heritage
System Description
A site-mixed solvent poultice formulation using kaolin clay powder or standard paper pulp as the carrier, saturated with a hydrocarbon solvent selected to match the specific stain type, for removal of oil, grease, tar, and hydrocarbon staining from masonry facades. Paper pulp is more economical and widely available from office supply outlets — shredded paper pulp mixed to a paste consistency with the selected solvent at approximately 1:1 by volume. Kaolin clay powder provides a finer, more uniform carrier and is preferred for smooth stone surfaces where paper pulp texture may affect the finish. Solvent selection is critical: acetone for general cooking and lubricating oil; mineral spirits (white spirit) for heavier grease and machinery oil; naphtha for tar and bitumen staining. Apply at 10–15 mm thickness, cover with plastic sheeting to control evaporation, allow 24–48 hour dwell, remove with plastic scraper, flush with clean water. Fire risk during application and drying — ventilate the work area and eliminate ignition sources. Solvent-contaminated poultice waste is classified as hazardous waste — do not dispose to stormwater.
Technical Properties
- Economical site-mixed option — kaolin clay powder or paper pulp from office supply; solvent from hardware or chemical supply
- Paper pulp carrier: shredded paper mixed with solvent at 1:1 ratio — widely available, low cost, suitable for general masonry
- Kaolin carrier: finer and more uniform than paper pulp — preferred for smooth stone surfaces and heritage masonry
Limitations
- Fire risk — hydrocarbon solvents are flammable; eliminate ignition sources, ensure ventilation throughout application and drying
- Incorrect solvent selection produces poor results — identify stain type and match solvent before applying
- Solvent-contaminated poultice waste is hazardous waste — do not dispose of to stormwater; confirm EPA requirements for disposal
PROCUREMENT SOURCES
Confirm suitability with the current manufacturer TDS before specifying or applying.
System Comparison
Side-by-side comparison of kaolin/paper pulp solvent poultice systems. Match solvent to stain type. Confirm fire safety and hazardous waste disposal requirements before commencing.
| Supplier | Product | Stain type | Carrier | Active | Distribution | Key feature | Primary use |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Remmers Australia | Kaolin + solvent poultice | Oil / grease / tar | Kaolin clay (proprietary) | Solvent (formulated) | Remmers specialist supply | TDS / SDS — heritage documentation | Oil stain — heritage and strata |
| Site-mixed | Kaolin / paper pulp + solvent | Oil / grease / tar / hydrocarbon | Kaolin or paper pulp | Acetone / mineral spirits / naphtha | Hardware / chemical supply | Low cost; solvent matched to stain | Oil stain — general masonry |
Do not confuse kaolin/solvent poultice with:
- Attapulgite + hydrogen peroxide poultice — for organic and biological staining (moss, algae, bird droppings, tannin) only; do not use solvent poultice for organic staining — the solvent will not remove biological pigments
- Proprietary masonry poultice with chelating agent — required specifically for rust and iron staining; kaolin + solvent has no effect on rust or metal oxide deposits
- Acid wash cleaning — entirely different mechanism for calcium-based deposits and efflorescence; do not substitute acid wash for solvent poultice on oil staining; they address entirely different contamination types
- CRITICAL fire safety: Hydrocarbon solvent vapours are flammable — eliminate ALL ignition sources before commencing including pilot lights, electrical equipment, vehicles; do not use solvent poultice indoors without forced ventilation
- Hazardous waste: Solvent-contaminated poultice material and any rinse materials are hazardous waste under EPA regulations — do not dispose to bins, stormwater, or general waste; arrange hazardous waste collection before commencing
Disclaimer
This page provides general technical information only. Solvent type must be matched to the specific oil contamination. Flammable solvents require exclusion of ignition sources and adequate ventilation. EPA solvent waste disposal requirements apply. Heritage projects may require method approval before treatment.