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A while ago we installed a man-made slate for counter top around our kitchen and bathroom sinks. The product is called FIRE SLATE. It could be ordered sealed/unsealed. We ordered sealed and treated as the manufacturer suggested by applying coats of tug oil. Soon after installation we realized that the counters were so porous that regular bath soap was “staining” it-not a good situation for the bathroom. I did no further tug oil on the counters as I was afraid of trapping these stains. The counters at this point lacked luster, soap dish rings, etc.-not too inviting. Recently we had a carpenter wet sand these counters down, which removed much of the stain . Then we applied 10 coats of Enviroseal which brought back much of the luster. The counters are still porous, though , and in need of a sealant. The sealant needs to water repellant. I have talked to a representative from Chemcoat. He is recommending a acrylic water base sealant “493”. Sounds like it could fit the bill but it makes me nervous that the re says once you get it on you probably won’t be able to remove it. That’s a little scary.
I also have been challenged with the sealant on our concrete floor which we acid etched. It looks like tile. The company that produces the stain for the acid etching recommended “Cemetone” which we applied several coats of. Initially we applied an industrial wax. Over time both of these coatings were wearing through without my being on top of it. Some of the acid etched stain was actually wearing off which is bad as it can not be touched up. So, we removed the wax as best we could. Applied more Cement one. Now we need to put a stronger sealant on . Mr. Chemco recommends the same “493” as he recommends for the counter. Anyone having experience with these products-“493”, Fireslate, etched slab-I am in need of your experience and advice. Thanks.
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A while ago we installed a man-made slate for counter top around our kitchen and bathroom sinks. The product is called FIRE SLATE. It could be ordered sealed/unsealed. We ordered sealed and treated as the manufacturer suggested by applying coats of tug oil. Soon after installation we realized that the counters were so porous that regular bath soap was "staining" it-not a good situation for the bathroom. I did no further tug oil on the counters as I was afraid of trapping these stains. The counters at this point lacked luster, soap dish rings, etc.-not too inviting. Recently we had a carpenter wet sand these counters down, which removed much of the stain . Then we applied 10 coats of Enviroseal which brought back much of the luster. The counters are still porous, though , and in need of a sealant. The sealant needs to water repellant. I have talked to a representative from Chemcoat. He is recommending a acrylic water base sealant "493". Sounds like it could fit the bill but it makes me nervous that the re says once you get it on you probably won't be able to remove it. That's a little scary.
I also have been challenged with the sealant on our concrete floor which we acid etched. It looks like tile. The company that produces the stain for the acid etching recommended "Cemetone" which we applied several coats of. Initially we applied an industrial wax. Over time both of these coatings were wearing through without my being on top of it. Some of the acid etched stain was actually wearing off which is bad as it can not be touched up. So, we removed the wax as best we could. Applied more Cement one. Now we need to put a stronger sealant on . Mr. Chemco recommends the same "493" as he recommends for the counter. Anyone having experience with these products-"493", Fireslate, etched slab-I am in need of your experience and advice. Thanks.