We had our landscaper install slate tile on our outdoor BBQ island and bancos(seats)here in Arizona. We purchased the tile (origin unknown)on sale at a flooring store and it was immediately apparent why. We asked the contractor to seal the tiles which they did. I have no idea what they used but the first monsoon rain storm washed it right off and the tile rusted all over the stucco. We had them redo the sealant and it never did any good. Now a year+ later we want to seal it for good after cleaning up the rust stains. What product would you recommend for removing the rust on the stucco and slate? What product would you recommend for sealing the slate permanently? All references on line concern flooring applications and ours is not. Thank you in advance.

 

Dear Ginger:

 

“ We purchased the tile (origin unknown)on sale at a flooring store and it was immediately apparent why. ”

 

That's it – end of the debate. They sold you a dog, you bought a dog, you can't turn a dog into a thoroughbred. It's that simple.

And now you're looking for a “miracle-in-bottle”, a sealer of sorts, of course, hoping that it's going to solve the problem.

Dream on. Not to mention that stone outdoors should never be sealed to begin with.

There are only two types of stones for outdoors applications: the good ones and the bad ones. If they're bad, you can seal them until you drop and they will still be bad or worse. If they're good and you seal them, the best thing that you can hope for is that nothing is going to happen.

As for the rust stains I'm afraid that they're there for keeps, and the longer you will keep that garbage of a slate (which is obviously rich in iron mineral), the worse is going to get.

May I ask you now to please read and e-sign our Statement of Purpose at: http://www.marblecleaning.org/purpose.htm?

You're probably upset from my utterly honest response and you won't see the point of doing what I'm inviting you to do. On the   other hand, if marblecleaning.org could have its way with the support of consumers of stone, situations like yours wouldn't happen anymore. Or at least you'd have a case against the vendor.

Ciao and good luck,

Mauri zio Bertoli

 

www.marblecleaning.org – The Only Consumers' Portal to the Stone Industry Establishment!