How to Treat a Slate Counter

Treating your slate counter involves proper cleaning and sealing. Sealing the counter will prevent the slate from absorbing various materials and becoming permanently stained. After sealing the slate counter, properly maintaining the slate continues the protection and longevity of the countertop. Daily cleaning along with occasional resealing will keep your slate countertop looking new no matter how old it is.

Things You'll Need

• Sealer
• Alkaline stone cleaner
• Spray bottle
• Steel wool pad
• Sponge
• Soft-bristle brush
• Disposable paint liner
• Lint-free nap roller
• Microfiber or cotton cloth
• Mild dish detergent

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Instructions

1. Pour an alkaline stone cleaner into a spray bottle. Spray the slate countertop, and allow it to set for two to three minutes. Wipe the countertop with a steel wool pad, scrubbing lightly to remove all scratches and loosen dirt and grease buildup. Remove the alkaline cleaner, dirt and grease using a moist sponge. Rinse and wring out the sponge out after every three to four wipes.

2. Allow the slate to dry for two to three days.

3. Pour the sealer into a disposable paint liner. Apply the sealer using a lint-free nap roller in one even coat on the slate. Start from one end and work your way across the counter, and repeat the process until the sealer covers the entire slate countertop. Allow the sealer dry for one to two days.

4. Apply a second coat of sealer, using the same method as the first coat.

5. Dry-buff the second coat of sealer. Use a microfiber or cotton cloth to carefully wipe the surface to remove all excess sealer. Dry-buffing removes any streaks from the sealer. Allow the sealer to dry.

6. Clean the slate daily. Fill any size bucket 3/4 of the way with warm water and a few squirts of mild dish detergent. Dip a sponge or cotton cloth into the bucket, wring it out and wipe the surface to remove any stains, dirt or grease.

7. Clean difficult stains, dirt and grease using a soft-bristle brush. Scrub the area lightly with the brush, and wipe it clean with a damp sponge.

References

• Integrity Stone & Tile Cleaning: Sealing Slate Tile
• The Kitchen Designer: Kitchen Countertops -- Slate, Yes, Slate!
• The Family Handyman: Installing Tile Countertops