Protect Slate against Salt Attack

To minimize the possibility of efflorescence on slatestone surfaces, it's essential to use a penetrating sealer. This type of sealer prevents water absorption while enabling the slatestone to release any accumulated moisture. Unsealed surfaces that retain moisture can lead to efflorescence deposits as the moisture evaporates.

A penetrating, impregnating sealer penetrates below the surface of the slatestone, filling voids and blocking water migration. This effectively prevents the buildup of salts within the stone, reducing the risk of efflorescence formation.

A deep penetrating sealer won't affect the slip resistance of your surfaces

It will penetrate deep into the pore structure of slatestone, establishing a water-resistant barrier that effectively prevents the ingress of water and dissolved salts.

Avoid using topical coatings that block the pores of slatestone. These coatings have the potential to trap water inside the material, creating a slippery surface when wet.

Slatestone is an ideal choice for poolside areas for several reasons. It offers aesthetic appeal, a comfortable feel underfoot, and maintains a suitable level of traction even when wet or exposed to sunlight. However, it's important to take proper care of slatestone in wet or saltwater environments to prevent erosion and maintain its integrity over time.

Efflorescence manifests as a white, powdery deposit on the surface of porous stone and masonry. It occurs when water containing dissolved salts is absorbed into the slatestone from all sides and travels through its pores to the surface, where it evaporates, leaving behind salt deposits. Fresh efflorescence can be easily removed with a dry brush, but over time, the salts harden and may require acid washing or grinding for removal.

Salt spalling is a form of weathering similar to efflorescence, specifically occurring in slatestone. Dissolved salt is carried through the material in water and crystallizes near the surface as the water evaporates. A high-quality exterior-grade sealer, such as GOLD, applied properly, can prevent salt spalling. This deep-penetrating sealer fills voids below the surface, preventing water migration and salt buildup without altering the color or texture of the slatestone.

Some types of slatestone may contain high levels of salts. When water passes through the pores of the stone, it dissolves these salts, creating empty spaces and weakening the stone. Salt leaching can occur in any wet environment.

makes caring for your slatestone much easier!

Provides durable protection against stains, superior oil and water repellency, maintains the natural surface appearance, is non-film forming, breathable, and easy to clean and maintain, preserving the beauty of your slatestone.

Choose an experienced company with specialized equipment and expertise to correctly seal and maintain your slatestone once installed.

It is also important to keep your sealed slatestone clean, wipe up spills quickly, and clean periodically.

Professional cleaning will not only remove surface dirt but also draw out dirt deep embedded within the pores of slatestone.

Contact a professional stone floor maintenance company equipped with the necessary expertise and equipment to ensure your valuable slatestone surfaces look exactly as you desire.

Tile Cleaners and StoneMaster are part of the network of certified Accredited Applicators. They possess comprehensive training in the precise application of slate care products, ensuring a complete service. This includes meticulous cleaning of the slate surface, expert product application, and ongoing aftercare support.

• Tile Cleaners Australia is Australia's stands as the premier tile care provider in Australia, offering services such as tile and grout cleaning, tile sealing, tile stripping and sealing, tile regrouting, grout color sealing, and minor tile repairs.
• StoneMaster adopts a diagnostic approach to each unique situation, conducting a comprehensive analysis and selecting the best restoration method followed by appropriate maintenance procedures to ensure exceptional results.

Ensuring your slatestone is thoroughly cleaned before sealing is important as you may seal in old stains or dust and debris embedded in the stone, resulting in the sealer needing to be stripped and resealed.

Applying a sealer that is not suitable or of sufficient quality will result in slatestone surfaces you aren't completely satisfied with.