Do I Need To Seal My Slate Floor

Many others however prefer to seal the slate for a variety of reasons.

Do i need to seal my slate floor.

The slate must be clean before applying the sealer or you will seal any dirt and marks on to the slate. Slate and other stone floors don t need to be sealed though if left open they are porous and exposed. An impregnating clear sealer will soak deep into the slate to protect it from stains and contaminates. Too much moisture can stain the stone so it is recommended that even if you don t seal all of your slate floors you at least seal those parts in high traffic areas.

There are two basic types of sealant that can be used on a slate floor. A penetrating or surface sealer will protect the slate which is somewhat porous from stains. You can test this when it s dry by dropping a bit of water on the tile surface to see how well it beads up. More than one coat may be necessary to seal your slate tile properly.

You should choose a sealing option that best suits your slate for depending on how you want the floor to look and how much maintenance is required for the sealer chosen. Use clean warm water without detergent as some can react with the sealer. A below surface or penetrating sealer will seep down into the material clogging the pores so that stains cannot get in. Make sure that the slate is perfectly clean and dry before applying the sealant or this will cause streaks.