How to Seal Slate Floors
Slate is a porous stone that absorbs moisture easily. This can lead to staining of the slate floor surface unless the slate has been sealed. Sealing the slate closes the small pores in the stone's surface, first allowing you to grout the joints between the stones without discoloring the slate, and then allowing you to use the slate worry-free from any spills that may occur. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
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Apply a thin coat of sealant onto the slate before applying the grout between the joints to keep the grout from discoloring the slate surface. Apply the sealant using a paint roller for even coverage, working with the grain of the stone. Place the sealant into a painter's tray for easy access. Allow the layer of sealant to dry and then proceed with the grouting. The first layer of sealant should both protect the slate's surface from the grout, and allow the grout to be easily removed from the surface of the stone, while being left in the joints betwee, where it's needed.
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2
Wait 30 days for the grout to set, with the slate floor covered with red rosin paper secured at the edges but not taped directly to the floor's surface to protect the surface during the setting period.
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Remove the rosin paper and apply a second thin coat of sealant to the now grouted slate floor. Let the coat of sealant dry for two hours and then apply a third thin coating. Clean and dry the surface before applying the sealant.
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Allow the sealant to dry completely for 24 hours before using the surface.
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5
Reseal the slate flooring about every 5 years to maintain the protection of the stone surface
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Tips & Warnings
The sealant will dry to the touch in two hours, but walking on the surface prior to the complete 24 hour drying time will leave footprints in the surface.
Always work in a well ventilated area when sealing your stone floors.
