Learn How to Revive Your Slate Floor with Professional-Looking Polish
Polishing a slate floor is not a complicated process when some basic steps are followed. While it is important to use the right tools and materials, taking some preventive steps to minimize damage to your slate floor is the key step to the whole process. Below are some tips to help you get started on the process of polishing your slate floor.
1. Sweeping and Vacuuming – Sweep and vacuum the area before you polish it. Removing dirt and debris from the surface of your slate floor will be the first and most important step in preparing it for polishing.
2. Cleaning – Use a mild, pH-neutral cleaner made for natural stone to clean and remove stains on your slate floor. This will help to eliminate any dirt, grease, soiling, and other debris from the surface of your floor.
3. Sealing – After you finish cleaning, apply a sealer to your slate floor. The sealer will provide extra protection and help to reduce damage to the floor from spills, foot traffic, and general wear and tear.
4. Polishing and Buffing – To get started with polishing your slate floor, you will need a commercial-grade, industrial floor buffing machine with a high-grade diamond encrusted polishing pad. Make sure to use a low-speed setting whenworking with polished stone, as a higher speed can cause the stone to heat up and potentially damage it.
5. Repairing Damage – If your floor is already showing signs of scratches, chips, and etching from improper cleaning or normal wear and tear, you may need to fix these damages before you begin polishing. This is best done by a specialist with specialized tools as a DIY fix could damage your stone further.
6. Maintenance – Most importantly, a regular maintenance routine of both sweeping and washing your slate floor regularly will minimize the frequency of more elaborate polishing, repair or honing. This will help your floor to maintain its natural beauty and last for many years to come.
Having a polished slate floor can help to enhance the beauty and natural color of your home. By following these tips, you can keep your slate floor looking pristine and clean, while making sure it lasts for years to come. area around the stone could very well be the result of a natural phenomenon called calcareous deposits. The white powdery crystal will form around the edges of the pavements due to this type of reaction, given enough exposure to natural weather conditions.\nThe key is having a professional polish on your slate floors in order to maintain their original beauty and remove any type of wear and tear from daily use. \nStart by using a buffer to clean the floor of any dirt, sand, and other debris to bring back the slate’s natural color and sheen. Choose a buffer appropriate for the stone; high speed buffers can cause damage due to their fast working ability. \nAdd wax to the buffer to speed up the cleaning process and use gentle, long strokes. Move the buffer up and down the length of the stone for a thorough cleaning, changing directions as you work your way along. \nMove the buffer at slow and steady pace, but increase speed with wax-filled hoppers to remove soil from pitted and grooved surfaces. Change the wax when it appears dry, smeary, and scattered. \nIn addition to the buffer, cleaning with a soft mop is advised at least once a week; more often in areas of high traffic. While dusting, use a vacuum designed for stone floors and use the brush attachment to avoid scratching its surface. \nAlways clean up any spills quickly to avoid staining. Do not use harsh detergents, bleach, or other acid products, as it might affect the color of the stone. Use a mild detergent diluted in lukewarm water with a soft cloth and gently dab until the stain is removed. \nIt is recommended to polish and maintain your slate floor with professional advice to ensure your floor remains in pristine condition.
