SLATE
Slate Cleaning
Slate comes in many different types and can be suitable, or not suitable, in various applications. Generally speaking, the green variety is the most durable, followed by the black, then multi-colour. Finally China Gold, which is the weakest.
When the slate is new we have a process for creating added density. Slate is most often found with a split face, natural cleft texture, and a nice sheen which comes with the natural cleft.
We have a unique process for cleaning slate which allows us to make the surface look 100% new. It is a proprietary resurfacing process that will not remove the natural cleft finish.
Our process is guaranteed to out preform any other slate cleaning process and is performed with equal effectiveness on internal or external slate applications.
Slate Sealing
The most common slate sealing you will see is actually a coating. The coating will put a durable clear film onto the slate. This will protect the slate from staining and bring out the colour nicely. It can also make the surface very slippery.
Coatings can also be a toxic nightmare to strip and re-coat, when the time comes. While Coating is especially not recommended for external applications, because of the slip hazard. This will not allow water vapors to transmit, and can cause spalling (flaking), and other problems.
The slate sealing process usually involves impregnating sealers which penetrate the surface and leave a natural finish. Impregnators for slate can also be color enhancing, bringing out all the beautiful characteristics that make slate so popular while allowing the slate to breathe and remain naturally slip resistant.