How to clean off 'Stovax slate dressing' from fireplace surround?

[erebus]

Any ideas? It is for a smooth green slate fireplace that is going to be overpainted with stone effect paint, thus needs to be cleaned thoroughly first.

The Stovax stuff gives the slate a lustre so is probably oil based?

TIA!

I think it is acid, erebus. Does it say to wash brushes afterwards with water or white spirits?

I used slightly different stuff for a similar reason - apply it, wait about 10-20 minutes, then agitate it with a brush and wipe it off. Sometimes you need to repeat it until the layers of stone sealant or polish come off. Wear gloves as it numbs the tips of your fingers.

Give the area a good wipe over with meths afterwards and it should be completely grease free.

I cannot find out if the Stovax slate dressing is water soluble but Wickes sell a stone stripper which is the stuff I used and took the slate right back to it's raw state.

Ah ha! I will look for that. I imagine that's exactly what I need. Thanks!