STONE FAÇADE CLEANING

The Talbot - Malton, North Yorkshire, YO17

Client's Challenge

The Talbot Hotel, operating under the Fitzwilliam Malton Estate, required specialist stone cleaning to restore the appearance of its external Yorkshire stone façade.

Over time, the stonework had become heavily affected by environmental pollutants, ingrained dirt, grime, and surface darkening. The client required the building to be returned to a clean, well-maintained appearance without damaging the natural stone patina or altering the historic character of the façade.

As a busy, publicly accessible hotel with continuous day-to-day operations, the works needed to be delivered safely and efficiently around staff, guests, children, and other contractors, with no disruption to hotel operations.

Assessment & Planning  

APT ICC carried out a full site survey and consultation with the estate
property surveyor and conservation architects to assess:

• The condition and sensitivity of the Yorkshire stone substrate
• The extent of pollution staining and surface darkening
• The most appropriate non-abrasive cleaning method to preserve natural patina
• Safe working practices suitable for a live hospitality environment

Controlled trial test panels were completed to validate results and demonstrate that soda blasting would deliver the required restoration standard without substrate damage. Full works only commenced following approval
of the trial areas by estate management.

    Methodology

    APT ICC delivered the project using a sensitive, non-abrasive soda blasting methodology, selected specifically for historic stone restoration.

    The works were carried out as follows:

    1. Completion of controlled soda blasting trial panels for client and conservation approval.

    2. Soda blasting across the Yorkshire stone façade to remove pollution build-up and surface darkening.

    3. Progressive cleaning to restore the stone’s natural colour while preserving patina.

    4. Continuous coordination with site management to maintain public safety and access.

    5. Final inspection and handover to confirm finish quality and consistency.

    Soda blasting was chosen due to its ability to clean effectively without etching, scarring, or altering historic stone surfaces.

    Clean Stone & Soda Blasting at Fitzwilliams Malton Estate, Talbot Hotel in York

    Site Access & Logistics

    Clean Stone & Soda Blasting at Fitzwilliams Malton Estate, Talbot Hotel in York

    Equipment
    • Specialist soda blasting systems with controlled delivery
    • Compressed air systems and precision blasting heads
    • Protective sheeting and segregation equipment
    • Full PPE and site safety controls

    Chemicals
    • None used – soda blasting provided a chemical-free, environmentally responsible cleaning
    solution

    The Results
    • Pollution staining, grime, and surface darkening successfully removed
    • Natural Yorkshire stone colour restored
    • Stone patina preserved with no substrate damage
    • Works delivered safely within a busy hotel environment
    • No disruption to hotel operations or guest experience
    • Successful trial outcomes supported future specification of soda blasting

    The success of the trial panels led the estate management team to recommend
    soda blasting as the preferred method for future renovation contracts across the estate portfolio.