ugly slate

[oh-my]

Hi,

We got a heckuva deal on some 1" honed slate (actually, free--it came off the top of an old pool table in my parents' basement), but it's not the beautiful grey/black I was picturing. Instead, it's a dark brown (that part's okay) with weird blue-green spots and dots in very random places. My first thought was that these spots were some kind of reaction to an acid or chemical, in which case they wouldn't be very deep. However, I've sanded down a ways on the back side and the spots aren't disappearing...I'm afraid they're natural. Is there any way to stain slate to make those spots disappear? I'm all in favor of black (they're going on my kitchen countertops), but don't know if it's even possible. Any advice would be welcome!

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[MakenaTile]

try this-

You need a bottle of black India ink. Check it- make sure its not actually purple- some are. Real India ink is basically waterproof once its dry.

Sand your slate with 100 grit wet type sand paper in water-make sure you get every bit of it. Rinse with running hose while rubbing with your hand (you will get a more uniform sanding this way- and complete removal of the dust)

Now-
Two options-
while tile is still damp (you in gloves) use a 3"x3" piece of towel soaked in the ink and quickly coat it- then use your gloved hand to spread it around evenly-
allow to dry completely- areas that are too black can be sanded out with 400 grit-

or
apply to dry tile -solid coat. Buff out with dry towel right after (removing excess) or allow to dry then hit it lightly with 600 grit.

Experiment to see what gives you the most natural finish- (or cool finish)

Now- Seal it with 2 coats of the following:
Red Max Pro
"Step 2"


Its a stain resistant floor sealer that can go over just about any floor surface- Its much more tough than any of the normal stone sealers.

Its sold at Lowes- in the cleaning product department- on the floor. Runs about $18 a gallon. (you can use the rest to coat all sorts of things in your home- like those fake wood cabinet doors)

It will enhance it- so test the tile's look by wetting it with water first- it can make stuff show up you didn't realize was there.

I'm a stone mural carver and slate is the stone I use most.
If you want a finish that will never come off- clear coat it with
Dupi-Color car clear coat spray paint. 3 coats. It's inexpensive and works great. once dry- you can take down the shine with a wet sponge with a touch of wet ajax. Doesnt take much- dont rub hard. Once it drys for a few days- it will handle being banged up real well. If it does ever wear thru- wipe one pass quickly with acitone to clean any residues off- then recoat with clear.

Good luck.

[Stone Dude]

Call industrial Supply. Tel: 800-289-6834

Ask for Mark DeFusco and tell him Cameron DeMille referred you to them. Ask Mark for Tenax Tepox V stain. they have yellow, blue, green, brown and red. They also have Tenax Uniblack. you can choose from these colors, or mix a few to create your own. they will stain just about anything on the planet so be carefull. it is $50 for one quart, but if you want to stain your slate, that is the way to go.