Durable Subtle Shine Achieved on Riven Oyster Slate Floor with Tile Doctor Seal & Go in Grasmere Cumbria

This Oyster Slate tiled floor installed at a property in Grasmere had become dull and uneven in appearance due to ground-in dirt. The floor was subject to heavy foot traffic from a large family and over time the sealer had worn down allowing dirt into the pores of the stone and leaving it looking permanently dull. Unhappy with its appearance the owner requested a thorough clean to restore the natural colour and texture of the slate and then seal the surface to protect it long-term while retaining a natural finish.

Before quoting I paid a visit to the property and conducted an initial inspection of the floor to assess porosity and condition. I also used the opportunity to measure the floor area which was quite large as it extended from the living room into the kitchen and adjacent utility.

From the inspection I was able to work out a renovation plan which fed into a detailed quote that included all the products needed to do the work. The quote was emailed over the client who was happy for the work to go ahead and a date was scheduled.

Cleaning an Oyster Slate Tiled Kitchen Floor

To get the floor clean and free of any remaining sealer a strong dilution of Tile Doctor Pro-Clean was sprayed onto the tiles and left to soak in for ten minutes. This gives the product time to work its way into the pores of the stone to digest the soiling and breakdown old sealers. The floor was then scrubbed using a rotary machine fitted with a coarse silicone brush that gets into the stone and grout to lift embedded grime from the riven surface and grout.

The soiling was then rinsed off the floor and extracted with a wet vacuum. The Slate tile and grout were then inspected and any stubborn stains re-treated using the same process. Due to the size of the floor I worked in sections and once complete rinsed and extracted again to remove the remaining residues. A fan was deployed around the floor to increase drying times.

Sealing an Oyster Slate Tiled Kitchen Floor

After leaving the floors to dry out fully overnight I returned the next day to apply a sealer which would add colour and an appealing finish to the slate. For slate I recommend using Tile Doctor Seal & Go which adds an appealing subtle satin finish to the stone. Four coats were needed to fully seal the stone and protect it from ingrained dirt and staining.

The floor now has a clean, even appearance with the natural character of the Oyster Slate fully revealed. The new seal provides durable protection, easier maintenance, and improved resistance to moisture and everyday wear.

The slate floor looked so much better once complete, and the clients were very happy with the improvement. The new sealer will also keep dirt on the surface where it can be easily cleaned away for which I recommended using Tile Doctor Neutral Tile Cleaner and a two-chamber mop.

Source: Oyster Slate Renovation Products and Services in Grasmere Cumbria