Things You'll Need
Vacuum
Oxygen bleach
Scouring pad
Mop
Bucket
Acetone stripper
Floor scrubber machine
Neutral-pH stone cleanser
Nylon brush
Distilled water
Water-based acrylic stain
Sponge brushes
Penetrating sealer
Slate tile is a natural stone tile that can take years of foot traffic but will eventually fade. Once it begins to fade, it looks lackluster and looses its natural shine. Routine deep cleaning may temporarily revive the natural shine but the slate tile will dull again after absorbing more use. To keep the shine glowing, you can stain your slate tile. This is not a complicated process but does require a substantial amount of time and some labor.
Step 1
Vacuum your slate tile to remove all surface dust and dirt.
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Step 2
Clean your slate tile with oxygen bleach, using a scouring pad, and then rinse clean with a mop and bucket.
Step 3
Pour acetone stripper over your slate tile and use a floor scrubber machine to deep clean the entire slate tile floor. This will remove any old sealant as well as remove any film on the slate tile.
Step 4
Clean over the slate tile with a neutral-pH stone cleanser using a nylon brush and then rinse the slate tile thoroughly with distilled water to prepare it for the stain. Let the slate tiles air dry for about an hour or until no moisture appears.
Step 5
Apply a coat of water-based acrylic stain using a sponge brush. Start in the corner of the room and work your way to the door or archway, applying an even layer of water-based acrylic stain. Allow the stain to dry 30 to 60 minutes or as long as suggested by the manufacturer.
Step 6
Apply two to three coats of penetrating sealer with a clean sponge brush, allowing each coat to dry for an hour or as long as directed by the manufacturer. Start in the corner again and brush on the sealer from the corner to the entryway. Let the last coat of sealer set overnight before walking on your slate tile.
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