Hi. I'm writing to ask about how to clean a black slate kitchen floor that has specs of paint sprinkled over it. From reading some posts, I realize you think slate is not good for kitchen floors, but I simply moved to this house and did not install them. I do not know the type of slate, or whether it was ever sealed. I believe the paint is latex-based. Finally, I tried to remove the paint with water and dish-washing detergent and a scotch brite pad. This did remove the specs, but also wound up lightening the stone in the spots where I rubbed with the pad. Can you recommend a product to get the color back to a uniform black? I live in Jersey City, and would be happy to drive to your store to talk further, if you have the time. Many thanks, and hope to hear from you. Adam

 

Dear Adam:

“dish-washing detergent and a scotch brite pad”

That was a bad move, alas! :-(

To remove paint drops you have to use a paint stripper (available at any paint store) and a clean rag or Bounty paper towel. No mineral solvent will ever affect any stone.

This will work providing that there is not a urethane coating or something on those tiles, because if that's the case, then the paint stripper would most likely damage it.

As for “putting the original color back” on your damaged tile, if the damage “disappears” (temporarily) when you wet it, then the application of a good-quality stone color enhancer like MB-6 will do the trick for you in a permanent way.

And… don't even think of coming to my office: Not only don't I come cheap for one-on-one consultation, but I'm also hardly ever there! Besides, I would have to see your floor to make a final assessment, not your face!... LOL

Ciao and good luck,

Mauri z io Bertoli