If you have slate flooring or tiled recesses in or outside of your home, chances are that it has become faded, scratched or stained over time. This is because, unlike other tiles like porcelain, slate is a natural stone product that is sensitive to chemical cleaners and dirt. Using a slate sealing product can help to make maintaining your slate easier, and keep its natural beauty for longer.

So what exactly is a slate sealing product?

Well, as the name suggests, slate sealers create a barrier between your beautiful natural slate and the world around it. As slate is a general name that includes a lot of different types of rock from different regions of the world, its absorption, strength and colour can vary a great deal. Some slate has a very low absorption rate, while another might have a high absorbency. It’s important to know which side of this scale yours sits within, because once such slate absorbs liquids, it can create stains. While these stains can be reduced or removed with slate renovation, it is simpler and easier to prevent such stains in the first place by using a slate sealing product, which does not allow liquids, dirt and other contaminants into the stone in the first place.

There are a few key points to consider when choosing a slate sealing product. Firstly, it should have a high chemical resistance. Products used by Megasealed have been tested against petroleum based products, acidic solutions, liquid detergents and many other chemical solutions. Another important and practical concern is how much of the product you will need to apply. Some products will only require one coating, while others will need 2-3. Also important is the amount of time it takes for your area to become available to use again. Some products require 8 hours between coats, and another 24 hours before you can use the area, while others require one coat, and the area is available the following day.

Sealing your slate areas can prevent damage, as well as save you a lot of money in the long term.