Slate

TSSPRO SEALANT PRODUCTS FOR SLATE

SLATE: is a metamorphic rock. It is derived from shale or mudstone that has experienced intense heat or pressure. Slate is made up of parallel foliated plates. Most slates are gray in color and range in a continuum of shades from light to dark gray although it also occurs in shades of green, red, black, purple, and brown.  Slate is known to flake and is considered to be medium to high porosity. Sealing can extend the life of slate while retaining its natural beauty.

Considerations for choosing a sealer: The following are all factors for selecting a sealer.  The sealer descriptions below will mention which attributes they have to help in your selection; color enhancing/color change, adding a wet look, minimizing cooking area stains, salt-water erosion resistance, efflorescence resistance, preventing oil (cooking/motor) stains, preventing discoloring mold/algae, preventing deterioration/flaking, adding slip resistance, VOC compliance for requiring states (water base sealers are VOC compliant), moisture content of the substrate, general stain resistance and general protection.

Coverage, Number of Coats:   Generally one medium to saturation coat of a penetrating sealer should be applied, normally one application if a film forming sealer is used.  Coverage will vary with the sealer selected but will be about 200 sq ft / gallon.  If a second coat is used il generally will get greater coverage.  Testing first is always recommended.

All of the sealers listed below can be used. Because slate is porous and tends to flake many sealant features/sealers can apply, from general protection to color enhancement (it is often considered to look better with a wet look) to densifying and making it stronger resisting flaking.  Film forming sealers can also help in preventing flaking with their continues surface envelope coating.

  • TSS100-Salt Water-Proof; solvent based, penetrating, repels water, prevents salt water erosion, strong beading, may slightly darken
  • TSS110-Natural Stone Seal, water based, penetrating; repels water, prevents efflorescence, strong beading, natural look, may slightly darken, good general protection.
  • TSS150-New-StoneSeal Pro, water based, both surface film and penetrating sealer, can be applied to high moisture content substrates, repels water, resists many stains, protects and weatherproofs, ideal for high traffic flow areas.
  • TSS200-Porus Pro; solvent based, penetrating, repels water, high performance, strong beading, will slightly darken/enhance, prevents salt-water erosion, self-cleaning; leaves, grass etc., tend blow/wash off, formulated for porous substrates.
  • TSS600-Stabilizng Sealer, water base, penetrating, high performance, strong beading, strengthens substrates, may slightly darken/enhance, prevents salt-water erosion, best for porous stone.
  • TSS300-Wetlook Low Sheen, solvent based, surface film with penetrating silicone; repels water, oil, wine, many stain types, darkens, enhances colors, wet look, low sheen.  Can add slip grip to reduce slippage.
  • TSS360-Wetlook Gloss to Low Sheen, water based, surface film with penetrating silicone; repels water, oil, wine, most stains, medium darkening, enhances colors, low to medium wet look, gloss to low sheen depending on the number of coats.
  • TSS500-Enhancer, water based, matte finish,  penetrating; repels water, strong beading, prevents efflorescence, enhancing wet look – slight to moderate darkening.
  • TSS650-Densifier, solvent based, penetrating, repels water, strong consolidation and densification, resists efflorescence, strong beading, slight darkening

You may also want to consider:

  • TSS400-Wetlook Gloss, Solvent based, film forming, high performance, high solids, darkens – enhances, gloss, wet look, repels water, oil, wine, etc.,
  • TSS550-Stain Safe, solvent based, penetrating, repels water, oil, powerful, premium stain resistance for long periods including red wine, strong beading, slight darkening
  • TSS750-Algae Cure, water based, surface film; repels water, prevents most forms/colors of algae, up to 2-3 year effectiveness
  • TSSG100-Anti Slip Grip, textured, polypropylene particles added to film forming sealants (TSS300 & 400) that reduce slippage especially when surfaces are wet.