Replies

1. 
   Sphere | Jan 29, 2004 01:13am | #1

   after it's up , and grouted..slobber it up good with mineral oil. Do that a time or two a year..that's all.

   Go Stab yourself Ya Putz! Ya think I Parked here?
2. 
   Jamie_Buxton | Jan 29, 2004 01:46am | #2

   Unsealed slate absorbs oil, and that changes the color. Oil splatters from the stove would leave you with a mess. You can, as the other poster suggested, oil the entire piece of slate, so added oil from the stove is concealed. However, you should try oiling a test piece so you can see what will happen. There are also sealers sold to protect the slate. Sealers may change the color of gloss of your slate, so again you should try a test piece. While you're testing the color, you should also try spattering some hot oil on it to see if it protects the way you want.

3. 
   WayneL5 | Jan 29, 2004 02:19am | #3

   Slate will definitely take the heat.  Both slate and grout stain easily, but with the casual look of slate, that may not be so bad.  This company makes excellent sealants for any application.

   http://www.tecspecialty.com/product_list.asp?catId=7&subCatId=2

4. 
   Scooter1 | Jan 29, 2004 04:15am | #4

   In my judgment, the only useful purpose for slate is on school blackboards. It stains horribly, and if you seal it, must be constantly re-sealed to repel dirt and grease.

   The worst possible place one could put it would be in a shower. I think behind a greasy stove would be a close second.

   That having been said, I have installed slate for homeowners and tell them the above issues. I have more comfort having it be on a floor in a mud room, than any place else.

   Regards,

   Boris

   "Sir, I may be drunk, but you're crazy, and I'll be sober tomorrow" -- WC Fields, "Its a Gift" 1934

5. 
   Shawn | Jan 29, 2004 05:52am | #5

   Thanks for the info guys. I have a sample slate and I think I am going to give it the work over.

   Shawn