Slate is a gorgeous countertop material. It has a beautiful texture of stone and a nice spectrum of light to dark gray colors, and may also contain deep rich colors of blue, green, red, purple, brown and black. Slate countertops are hard countertops that are rarely seen in kitchens.
The durability and toughness of slate tiles is very much suitable for kitchen and bathroom counter tops. It can withstand heat and won't get scratched easily. Heat generating tools like hot pans, hair tools can't easily mar the surface of slate counter tops.
Slate countertops are naturally stain-resistant, but the gray and black tones require sealing. All colors of slate benefit from sealing to protect from staining and minor scratches. After sealing, mild soap is all that is required to keep the slate countertop looking good and performing well for years.
Slate is one of those stones that will always have a matte finish. However, you can add a "sheen" to a slate tile countertop using a special type of sealer or mineral oil for a more "natural" product. Mineral oil will darken the slate tile and provide a sheen like when the stone is wet, but again it won't by "glossy".
Slate may not be as popular as its marble and granite cousins, but it has many qualities that make it a great choice for kitchen and bath surfaces. More than just a “nice personality,” slate has some genuine attention-grabbing attributes. Just as strong as granite, slate is dependable, versatile, and low-maintenance.
Reasons to Consider Slate Countertops
While the differences in slate slabs is not as distinct as you'll find in granite or marble, each countertop is still unique. Unlike granite or marble, slate is non-porous. This means that it cleans up very easily and does not have a tendency to harbor bacteria.
Even though slate and soapstone are both popular options for kitchen or bathroom countertops, soapstone tends to be better because of its durability and long life span. Your choice between these materials depends on your design and maintenance preferences.
Apply a coat of mineral oil to the slate to hide chips and scratches. Paint the mineral oil on with a foam paintbrush. The oil can be applied to the entire stone or only to those sections that have problem areas.
ANSWER. ANSWER - It is not recommended to put an epoxy coating over the surface of any stone. First because it traps in moisture and stone needs to breath to avoid deterioration.
The hardness and durability of slate is also very appealing in the kitchen or bathroom. It won't easily chip or scratch, and it stands up very well to heat. Hot pans or hair tools won't mar the surface.
Never use acidic or abrasive cleaning products when mopping a slate floor or when spot-cleaning stains. Acidic cleaners, including ordinary vinegar, cause a chemical reaction that can etch the stone. Strong cleaning agents can strip the sealer on slate and grout.
The basic breakdown is as subtle as the selection of shades that each stone countertop. Slate is much more subtle in appearance than granite that is peppered with spots of black, silver, cream or gold. But granite is much more durable and easier to fix than slate.
In comparison to marble and granite, slate is much more affordable. Per square foot, you could get slate slabs from between $50 to $70 per sq ft. You might find this quite hard to believe, but slate, of all the countertop types, still remains the only material with minimal disadvantages.
Does slate absorb water? Slate has a very low water absorption index making it almost completely waterproof, one of the main reasons why slate is a preferred material for roof tiles, cladding and tiles in wet-rooms as well as for countertops in kitchens.
Your slate was probably coated with a sealer or color enhancer, and that's what's turning white or gray in response to heat. Sealers make stone less porous.
If you want your slate tiles to have a glossy, polished look, use a topical glossy sealer. You also have the option of a solvent-based or water-based sealer; however, a solvent-based one will last longer and be more durable.
Wipe down the slate with a damp cloth to remove any dust or debris before polishing. Allow the slate to air dry completely. 2. Squirt a few drops of teak oil, WD40 or olive oil onto a clean, dry cloth.
If you constantly find yourself placing hot materials on kitchen countertops, then a soapstone countertop is ideal for your space. Soapstone countertops are heat resistant. As such, you do not need to worry about discolorations or damage from heat. This makes soapstone countertops ideal in most kitchens.
Soapstone is fairly expensive— around $100 per square foot or more. Countertops longer than 6 feet will probably need to include seams.
You may be thinking that slate countertops may come with a hefty price tag, but they are surprisingly affordable, often even cheaper than granite or quartz. Cons: If you like grey or black countertops, slate may be perfect for you, but if that isn't the case, you may need to keep looking for other materials.
Slab sizes vary for each stone. Counter tops are generally 1 1/4” to 1 1/2”. However we can produce any thickness desired within the limitations of the stone. Our slate countertops are full thickness and do not have false laminated edges, making undermount sinks a popular design choice.
Slate tends to be more expensive than tiles. It is also double lapped to perform a watertight layer, which adds to the cost of installation. However, it's long-lasting properties usually mean that after the initial cost, you will have very few expenses on your roof for many years to come.
The pH levels of these products can make them too caustic or corrosive not only for the slate itself but also for the seal. For this reason, you should only use a slate and granite countertop cleaner. Abrasive cleaners such as scouring powder should be kept away from slate counters.