How to Polish Slate

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Slate is a fine-grained material used on roofs, as tile, or in furniture. Because it is composed of tiny minerals, such as quartz and hematite, slate often gives off an attractive sparkle. While you can polish slate, the result can be slippery and more difficult to clean. Consider regular cleaning and buffing as a simpler alternative.

Part 1
Part 1 of 3:

Cleaning the Slate

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    Strip away dirty wax if necessary . If the slate is covered in a layer of discolored or cracking wax, this needs to go before you can clean and polish it. Select a commercial floor stripper appropriate for stone and dilute with water according to label. Mop this over the floor and let dry, then rinse if directed by the label.
    • Floor strippers are powerful chemicals. Protect yourself with goggles, rubber gloves, and excellent ventilation.
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    Sweep the slate using a soft broom. [1] If you are handling slate tiles, make sure you remove all debris from the grout.
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    If your slate looks dirty or streaky, clean it before you start polishing. In most cases, mopping with warm water and plenty of soap will be enough to remove the dirt. [4] Rinse thoroughly to remove soap suds, then let dry until the slate looks dull and uniform.
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    If you clean the slate twice and still see grime, move on to stronger cleaners. An alkaline (high pH) cleaner such as ammonia-based glass cleaner or natural stone cleaner is your best bet for slate. If that doesn't work, rinse it off and try a mild acidic cleaner.
    • Your best option is an alkaline commercial cleaner from a home improvement store, specifically for slate or at least for natural stone.
    • Test all cleaners on a corner first. Acid can discolor some types of slate. [5] Alkaline cleaners are less likely to cause damage, but this is not guaranteed.
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Part 2
Part 2 of 3:

Buffing to a Smooth Surface

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    Wet the slate thoroughly. Buffing while dry may cause further scratches.
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    Buy 200 grit diamond pad or wet & dry sandpaper from a hardware store. Wet the abrasive, then rub it gently over scratched areas until the scratches are less visible.
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    Rinse off the slate and the abrasive to ensure that no dust remains to cause further scratches.
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    Move on to a 400 grit sanding surface. Once again, wet the slate and the abrasive, then start buffing. Rub it over a wider area this time to ensure a more uniform look.
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    Wash the dust off thoroughly from all materials.
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    Wet the slate and the 600 grit abrasive. Buff over the entire slate surface. Continue rubbing until the scratches are no longer visible. Rinse thoroughly when finished.
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Part 3
Part 3 of 3:

Creating a Glossy Surface

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    A small amount of linseed oil will create a dark shine on the stone without causing damage. However, oil attracts dirt and makes the slate harder to clean. [6] For this reason, oil is not recommended for floors or outdoor surfaces.
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    Stone sealer can create as glossy a surface as you like, but can make it very slippery, especially when wet. If the slate is outdoors or in an unheated room, water can seep under the sealer and crack off the sealer when it freezes and thaws.
    • Slate can be honed (smooth) or rough (with small jagged edges). Sealer is more effective on honed slate.
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    If you do decide to apply a sealer, find one specifically designed for slate or at least natural stone, preferably a penetrating sealer for long-lasting protection. Apply a thin layer with a paintbrush, following the grain of the slate. Let dry for two hours (or as the label recommends), and reapply as necessary.
    • Test the sealer on a corner to ensure it results in the desired gloss/matte, slip resistance, and color.
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    Wait for at least 24 hours before walking over the fresh sealer.
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Expert Q&A

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  • Question
    What are the things I can use to clean slate?
    Jon Gholian
    Cleaning Specialist
    Jon Gholian is a Cleaning Specialist and the Founder of Cleany, a home and office cleaning concierge service based in New York City, New Jersey & Miami. Cleany specializes in providing quality cleaning and handyman services to all their customers. All Cleany employees are insured, bonded, and professionally trained. Cleany has been featured in the New York Times, Bravo & Redfin.
    Jon Gholian
    Cleaning Specialist
    Expert Answer
    You can use a soft broom, a vacuum cleaner with a soft brush attachment, dish soap, and warm water.
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  • Question
    How can I laminate slate?
    Community Answer
    You should consult a flooring expert to ensure that it is done properly.
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  • Question
    Can I use a penetrating enhancing sealer over the linseed oil?
    Community Answer
    No, the oil will prevent it sticking to the slate, you will have to degrease it first.
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    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
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      Tips

      • To keep your slate floor in good condition, do not place rubber mats on it. The rubber can stick to the slate and damage its surface. [7]
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      • Slate floors also can be dry-mopped daily in between polishing. Use a good quality dust mop that is not oil based. Oil will saturate the slate and dull its surface.
        Thanks
      • Do not use abrasive cleaners on your slate.
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      Things You'll Need

      • Soft-bristled brush or broom
      • Vacuum
      • Mild dishwashing liquid
      • Water
      • Bucket
      • Mop
      • Alkaline cleaner
      • Wet & dry sandpaper, or diamond pad (200, 400, and 600 grit)
      • Natural stone sealer

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      References

      1. ↑ Jon Gholian. Cleaning Specialist. Expert Interview. 15 December 2020.
      2. ↑ Jon Gholian. Cleaning Specialist. Expert Interview. 15 December 2020.
      3. ↑ http://www.howtocleanstuff.net/how-to-clean-slate-floors/
      4. ↑ Jon Gholian. Cleaning Specialist. Expert Interview. 15 December 2020.
      5. ↑ http://www.slate-stone.com/slate-cleaning.html
      6. ↑ http://www.stoneworld.com/articles/82868-solving-slate-flooring-problems
      7. ↑ http://www.howtocleanstuff.net/how-to-clean-slate-floors/
      8. Buffing method adapted from http://www.rusticstone.net/how-to-polish-slate-and-stone/

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      To polish slate, start by wetting it thoroughly, which will help prevent scratches while you're buffing it. Then, gently buff the slate using 200-grit sandpaper until the scratches are less visible. Next, rinse the slate off with water and repeat the process, this time using 400-grit sandpaper. Finally, rinse the slate off with water again and buff it one more time with 600-grit sandpaper. If you want the slate to have a glossy finish, apply some linseed oil or a stone stealer. To learn how to clean slate before polishing it, including how to remove old wax, read on!

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