Removing red chalk lines from concrete

[bill jensen]

wow! Is there anything that will remove it? I've tried bleach,
cleanser and even Goof-off with no luck. I think a wire wheel may do
it, but it's a broom finish and i don't want to knock that off and leave
smooth area. fyi, the slab is just 3 days new so I've been holding off
on acids.

Any ideas appreciated.

[DD_BobK]

Do you mean chalk...... like chalkline chalk?

If so, ignore it. It will wear off in time.
I believe there is a high potential for doing permanent damage to your
"green slab", let it cure.

cheers
Bob

[Oren]

water

time is on my side

[bill jensen]

Yes Bob, chalk line chalk. Thanks for you input.

[Red]

I got the 'bright idea' to use a chalk line when I was hanging
wallpaper. Some red chalk got the wallpaper and nothing would remove
it. Been there for 12 years now.
Yeah, I know that didn't answer your question but thought I'd share
the experience anyway.

[j...@myplace.com]

On Fri, 9 Sep 2011 18:21:34 -0700 (PDT), DD_BobK <rkaz...@gmail.com>
wrote:

He already did permanent damage by putting bleach on 3 day old
concrete. The surface will probably deteriorate and flake off where
the bleach was used.

The best solution at this point would be to rip it up and pour new
concrete.

This is proof how amateurs can destroy something in seconds by doing
something stupid. That chalk was hurting nothing and would have
vanished in a short time just from rain and normal use. Now the whole
job is ruined permanently. Even if the surface does not crack off,
that bleach will show up years from now when the chalk was only a
memory.

[Bob F]

Irwin says the red is "Visible after weeks of weather exposure and jobsite
wear", and calls it permanent. The "standard" is "temporary".

[DD_BobK]

As Bob F posted, if depending on the type of chalk it was, the marking
could be there a LONG time.

scroll down & checkout page 48
http://www.irwin.com/uploads/products/brochure/270_2011-06-02-marking-layout.pdf

unfortunately, it looks like the "red chalks" are the longest lived
ones. :(
My suggestion remains the same, leave it alone and it will eventually
fade.

cheers
Bob

[RicodJour]

On Sep 10, 1:00 am, DD_BobK <rkaza...@gmail.com> wrote:
> On Sep 9, 6:30 pm, bill jensen <b...@mail.ca> wrote:
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> > On 9/9/2011 6:21 PM, DD_BobK wrote:
>
> > > On Sep 9, 5:49 pm, bill jensen<b...@mail.ca>  wrote:
> > >> wow!  Is there anything that will remove it?  I've tried bleach,
> > >> cleanser and even Goof-off with no luck.  I think a wire wheel may do
> > >> it, but it's a broom finish and i don't want to knock that off and leave
> > >> smooth area.  fyi, the slab is just 3 days new so I've been holding off
> > >> on acids.
>
> > >>    Any ideas appreciated.
>
> > > Do you mean chalk......  like chalkline chalk?
>
> > > If so, ignore it.  It will wear off in time.
> > > I believe there is a high potential for doing permanent damage to your
> > > "green slab", let it cure.
>
> > > cheers
> > > Bob
>
> > Yes Bob, chalk line chalk.  Thanks for you input.
>
> As Bob F posted, if depending on the type of chalk it was, the marking
> could be there a LONG time.
>

> scroll down & checkout  page 48http://www.irwin.com/uploads/products/brochure/270_2011-06-02-marking...

>
> unfortunately, it looks like the "red chalks" are the longest lived
> ones.  :(
> My suggestion remains the same, leave it alone and it will eventually
> fade.

The red chalks will last and last and last and... The OP should
practice ignoring the chalk lines immediately if not sooner.
Otherwise start considering Plan Bs - masking.

R

[aemeijers]

On 9/10/2011 2:21 AM, RicodJour wrote:
> On Sep 10, 1:00 am, DD_BobK<rkaza...@gmail.com> wrote:
>> On Sep 9, 6:30 pm, bill jensen<b...@mail.ca> wrote:
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>> On 9/9/2011 6:21 PM, DD_BobK wrote:
>>
>>>> On Sep 9, 5:49 pm, bill jensen<b...@mail.ca> wrote:
>>>>> wow! Is there anything that will remove it? I've tried bleach,
>>>>> cleanser and even Goof-off with no luck. I think a wire wheel may do
>>>>> it, but it's a broom finish and i don't want to knock that off and leave
>>>>> smooth area. fyi, the slab is just 3 days new so I've been holding off
>>>>> on acids.
>>
>>>>> Any ideas appreciated.
>>
>>>> Do you mean chalk...... like chalkline chalk?
>>
>>>> If so, ignore it. It will wear off in time.
>>>> I believe there is a high potential for doing permanent damage to your
>>>> "green slab", let it cure.
>>
>>>> cheers
>>>> Bob
>>
>>> Yes Bob, chalk line chalk. Thanks for you input.
>>
>> As Bob F posted, if depending on the type of chalk it was, the marking
>> could be there a LONG time.
>>

>> scroll down& checkout page 48http://www.irwin.com/uploads/products/brochure/270_2011-06-02-marking...

>>
>> unfortunately, it looks like the "red chalks" are the longest lived
>> ones. :(
>> My suggestion remains the same, leave it alone and it will eventually
>> fade.
>
> The red chalks will last and last and last and... The OP should
> practice ignoring the chalk lines immediately if not sooner.
> Otherwise start considering Plan Bs - masking.
>
> R

I suspect it bothers OP more than anyone else that sees it, especially
since everyone else will assume it just happened. I wonder if rubbing in
a poultice of the dye (in some shade of gray) used for tinting concrete
or grout, or even plain old cement dust or powder, would take the edge
off, or just make it worse? (not advocating it, just curious)

But I mostly agree with the others- sunlight and weather and time, maybe
lots of time, are likely the only real cure at this point.

--
aem sends...

[bill jensen]

I tried it in a small inconspicuous spot and rinsed it well. If there
is some damage how long before it shows?

[The Daring Dufas]

You could try one of those powerful laser pointers. There are some that
will burn paper but I'm not sure how much money you would like to spend
on a new toy that could have any number of unexpected uses. ^_^

TDD

[Thomas]

Paint it with cement.

[hbocbri...@gmail.com]

simple,Green scouring pad and a little water if it takes more than that then use a 120 grit Sandpaper these are stains they don't just magically disappear I've snapped lines that were bogus and tried to cleaning them off minutes later and they were extremely hard unless you have a little water and Green scouring pad it works like 400 grit sandpaper and if its been in there for a long time you may need to go a little more aggressive with sand paper yeah that takes some elbow grease it's a stain most times when you snap lines on a slab you want them to be permanentbecause they're usually being covered up by framing

[Oren]

On Wed, 27 Aug 2014 21:58:28 -0700 (PDT), hbocbri...@gmail.com
wrote:

>simple,Green scouring pad and a little water if it takes more than that then use a 120 grit Sandpaper these are stains they don't just magically disappear I've snapped lines that were bogus and tried to cleaning them off minutes later and they were extremely hard unless you have a little water and Green scouring pad it works like 400 grit sandpaper and if its been in there for a long time you may need to go a little more aggressive with sand paper yeah that takes some elbow grease it's a stain most times when you snap lines on a slab you want them to be permanentbecause they're usually being covered up by framing

Bah. Some chalk is more permanent than others. You have to pick the
correct one for the task. It may wash off easily or last longer; like,
say by walking on a concrete foundation ready for walls. YMMV

[RobertMacy]

Isn't chalk a calcium based compound, therefore a 'fast' wash with
muriatic acid [too fast to eat the concrete] remove it a bit better?

[Oren]

Dang if I know Robert. I've read some chalks last longer. Some less.
I'd read the label. What if it rains over the weekend after you popped
the line?

[cl...@snyder.on.ca]

On Thu, 28 Aug 2014 14:01:05 -0700, RobertMacy
<robert...@gmail.com> wrote:

Coloured "chalk" isn't "shalk" I think some of it is more closely
related to laser printer toner!!!

[Pavel314]

I'd try vinegar to dissolve the chalk followed by a quick pail of water to wash away the pigment.

[RobertMacy]

On Thu, 28 Aug 2014 17:14:59 -0700, <cl...@snyder.on.ca> wrote:

>> ...snip....

> Coloured "chalk" isn't "shalk" I think some of it is more closely
> related to laser printer toner!!!

I once spilled large drops of 'washable' red food coloring on the zipper
front of a pair of white dress trousers. You guessed it. Washable indeed!
Instant 'painting clothes'

[RobertMacy]

On Thu, 28 Aug 2014 18:19:39 -0700, <gfre...@aol.com> wrote:

>> ...snip...
>
> I still have some red chalk lines that have survived dozens of
> pressure cleaning and 2 hurricanes. Red is pretty permanent.

They had to use that carcinogenic red food coloring somewhere! ;)

[cl...@snyder.on.ca]

Get som "barkeepers friend" - apply in a thick paste and cover to
keep it from drying out. Leave it for an hour or so and scrub with a
stiff bristle brush.

That said, a shotgun could prevent having to do it again. Shoot
anyone using red chalk. There is no excuse for using that crap when
blue works just as well and is a LOT easier to remove!!!

[cl...@snyder.on.ca]

It WAS washable. Just wrong definition of washable. You can wash it
all you like, and it will not dissapear.

[RobertMacy]

On Fri, 29 Aug 2014 08:18:06 -0700, <gfre...@aol.com> wrote:

> On Fri, 29 Aug 2014 07:16:08 -0700, RobertMacy
> <robert...@gmail.com> wrote:
>

> Seriously, the "red" seems to come from iron oxide according to the
> MSDS so barkeepers friend, naval jelly or some other rust remover
> might work.

maybe "Whink", a commerically available mild hyrdofluoric acid for
removing rust stains

but wear gloves!!!

[Oren]

On Thu, 28 Aug 2014 21:19:39 -0400, gfre...@aol.com wrote:

>I still have some red chalk lines that have survived dozens of
>pressure cleaning and 2 hurricanes. Red is pretty permanent.

I dug out a planter between the house and the sidewalk for new soil.
Found some line that still had remnants of blue chalk from the house
construction.

[Seymore4Head]

On Fri, 29 Aug 2014 11:18:06 -0400, gfre...@aol.com wrote:

>On Fri, 29 Aug 2014 07:16:08 -0700, RobertMacy
><robert...@gmail.com> wrote:
>

>Seriously, the "red" seems to come from iron oxide according to the
>MSDS so barkeepers friend, naval jelly or some other rust remover
>might work.

What about rust in your naval?

[DD]

replying to bill jensen, DD wrote:

> bj wrote:
>
> wow! Is there anything that will remove it? I've tried bleach,
> cleanser and even Goof-off with no luck. I think a wire wheel may do
> it, but it's a broom finish and i don't want to knock that off and leave
> smooth area. fyi, the slab is just 3 days new so I've been holding off
> on acids.
> Any ideas appreciated.

I had red chalk stain in a kohler bathtub and tried everything to remove
it.
Then I read that the red chalk is made from rust properties or something
like that
so I used Ospho on the stain. It disappeared in seconds!!! I don't think
you will
be disappointed.


--

[Uncle Monster]

I believe the guy may have figured it out since he posted his question 4 years ago. ^_^

[8~{} Uncle Silly Monster

[Mr. Dan]

replying to bill jensen, Mr. Dan wrote:
> bj wrote:
>
> wow! Is there anything that will remove it? I've tried bleach,
> cleanser and even Goof-off with no luck. I think a wire wheel may do
> it, but it's a broom finish and i don't want to knock that off and leave
> smooth area. fyi, the slab is just 3 days new so I've been holding off
> on acids.
> Any ideas appreciated.

I just found out today how to remove red chalk. Never been treated
concrete 4 months old. Framers used red chalk and we are going to seal for
the finish floor. The answer C L R. Calcium lime rust remover. I used
full strength with a disposable paint brush. Brushed it it for about 30
sec and it was gone! Rinsed with a wet rag and moved on.

--

[Tekkie®]

Mr. Dan posted for all of us...

Good post, I believe it was asked many times and no satisfactory answer was
ever given.

--
Tekkie

[mowmow]

replying to Tekkie®, mowmow wrote:
I've had great luck with IRON OUT. I mixed a couple of cups of it into a
couple of gallons of warm water and used a stiff bristled brush on the end of
a broom handle (Menards) to pre-soak the area. I then sprinkled the Iron Out
directly on the chalk line (which had been there for two years now). After a
few minutes, I used the brush to work the wet powder a bit. I then used the
mix in the bucket to essentially rinse the area while not diluting it
excessively. I again added the powder directly to the areas where red
remained. After about an hour of repeating this process (an not much sweat)
the lines were completely gone in most areas and mostly gone in the rest. Wish
I would have done this years ago. I finished with a garden hose and
"wet-broomed" all residue off of the drive - the red will reappear
all-spread-out if you don't do this.

I'd be worried about CLR affecting the appearance of the concrete (concrete in
my area is heavy in limestone. Maybe Iron Out would have similar concerns (I'm
no chemist) but I can say with certainty that it had no ill effects on my
drive and I've used it to remove rust marks in several places in my very large
concrete drive. Almost TOO easy!

Finally, someone commented about people doing stupid things when they don't
hire professionals. I can tell you that even the best make mistakes, and that
is what happened in my case. I hired the best in the area, and one their
newbies used red chalk and we scolded for it. It will happen again to somebody
- even if they hire professionals.

https://www.homeownershub.com/img/dr
https://www.homeownershub.com/img/ds
https://www.homeownershub.com/img/dt
https://www.homeownershub.com/img/du
https://www.homeownershub.com/img/dv

[Nicholas R Newton-Cahoon]

replying to DD_BobK, Nicholas R Newton-Cahoon wrote:
Use a can of monster energy drink and scotch bright to remove lines

--
for full context, visit https://www.homeownershub.com/maintenance/removing-red-chalk-lines-from-concrete-662047-.htm

[headdown]

Unfortunately, I tried CLR on granite slabs with red chalk and it did nothing to remove or even fade it.

--
For full context, visit https://www.homeownershub.com/maintenance/removing-red-chalk-lines-from-concrete-662047-.htm

[micky]

In alt.home.repair, on Sun, 18 Jun 2023 20:15:02 +0000, headdown

<65985a248feb3857...@example.com> wrote:

>Unfortunately, I tried CLR on granite slabs with red chalk and it did nothing to remove or even fade it.

I would just wait, or maybe use a garden hose.

I've seen plenty of chalk on sidewalks over the years, mostly to play
hopscotch, or as modern art. And none of it lasts forever, or even 6
or 3 months. It must be time, and maybe the rain. Maybe the sun. If the
sun has anything to do with it, red will disappear the fastest. I
used to keep a map of NYC on my dashboard and after a year, the green
and black streets still looked like new, and I think all the other
colors were there and looked good, but the red streets had totally
disappeared. Now ink and chalk are not the same, but the red is the
one that disappeared.

[hub...@ccanoemail.com]

On Sun, 18 Jun 2023 19:54:22 -0400, micky <NONONO...@fmguy.com>
wrote:

A strong water jet can do wonders :

https://tinyurl.com/yc84j25j

... not a power washer by any means .. but ..
it's made in USA it's brass it's cheap.

John T.

[micky]

In alt.home.repair, on Sun, 18 Jun 2023 20:14:15 -0400,

Yeah, good. I have one of those things but I can't find it. so I
think I bought a plastic one because it would be elitist to have two
brass ones.

[Ron Snyder]

Red chalk will NOT was off. Any contractor that tells you otherwise isn't worth what they are paid. It is why they also make blue chalk.

[mowmow]

Ron - I beg to differ, though I am not a contractor. I looked at the line in my new driveway (see my earlier post in this thread) every day for over a year before trying the solution in my posting. My reason for trying the Iron Out was that maybe red chalk uses iron oxide as a pigment.

As a follow-up, there is ZERO visible evidence that the line was ever there. I suspect some may have different luck based on whether and how their driveway was sealed. Mine was sealed before chalking (which should be the norm, as most sealers also help with curing), and I used V-Seal 102 sealer. This sealer is a non-glossy sealer, however, so I would think it is LESS favorable to removing the red stains. Nevertheless, it worked.