Advice on cleaning a rock.

I lost my old petrified rock when we moved. I used it as a nice looking coaster that fit my home's decor. I recently found another rock that is flat enough to work as a new coaster and look nice.

I have one problem though. Other than rinsing it off, I am not sure how to keep it from leaving gritty bits of debris on the table. I know I am going to need to do more than rinse it off and glue some felt on the bottom.

Does anyone know of any tricks to laminate/lacquer/seal a rock to keep the little crumbly bits from ruining my tabletop? Even advice on how to clean it better than just rinsing it would help.

Thanks.

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4 replies	Author	Time	Post
Advice on cleaning a rock. (Original post)	Jamastiene	Nov 2012	OP
What about some stick-on cork?	LiberalEsto	Nov 2012	#1
some kinds of rock, like sandstone will just continue to fall apart	Viva_La_Revolution	Nov 2012	#2
clean it with muriatic acid.	mopinko	Nov 2012	#3
I used a spray can of Deft clear laquer	Adsos Letter	Nov 2012	#4

Response to Jamastiene (Original post)

Wed Nov 14, 2012, 04:47 PM

LiberalEsto (16,919 posts)

1. What about some stick-on cork?

I think pieces of corkboard with stickum on the back can be found in craft stores. Or just get some plain corkboard and glue it on.

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Response to Jamastiene (Original post)

Wed Nov 14, 2012, 04:56 PM

Viva_La_Revolution (27,113 posts)

2. some kinds of rock, like sandstone will just continue to fall apart

especially if you're using it as a coaster and it's getting wet a lot. Water is the most destructive force of erosion.
You can try sealing it with a penetrating sealer, or you can look for a different kind of rock like dark marble or granite.

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Response to Jamastiene (Original post)

Wed Nov 14, 2012, 06:54 PM

mopinko (39,761 posts)

3. clean it with muriatic acid.

but i would check out a tile store for some 4 x 4 polished tiles. most places will let you buy just a few pieces.
granite fabricators often cut scrap into small tiles. some also give away scrap.
teflon glides are the new felt.

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Response to Jamastiene (Original post)

Thu Nov 15, 2012, 12:31 AM

Adsos Letter (14,156 posts)

4. I used a spray can of Deft clear laquer

I have a pretty good sized chunk of petrified wood that I put about 5 good coats of Deft on. it isn't super crumbly but it holds together nicely, and gives it a deep glossy coating. Deft aerosol is very quick drying.

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