Two Easy Methods And Tips For Stripping The Slate Floors
The slate floors are known for their beauty as well as durability, but the use of the sealers and waxes can darken their appearance. The two easy & best methods for stripping the slate floors are mentioned as follows:
Method 1: Urethane Stripping
- Cover all the baseboards, cabinets as well as any other items that cannot be removed from the room using the plastic sheeting. Fix the covers in place with the help of masking tape, it is important to ensure that none of the surfaces that are touching the floor are exposed.
- Wear the protective gear like clothing, gloves as well as a respirator mask. Open all of the windows and doors in the room for good ventilation. If possible also turn on the ceiling or exhaust fan as this will help to pull fumes out of the room.
- Apply urethane stripper gently on three to four tiles with the help of a paintbrush and then wait for it to bubble. Read the manufacturer’s instructions for timing as well as the signs indicating the stripper has done the job. Do not allow the stripper to dry on the slate floor. In case it is drying out, then apply more stripper to keep it well moist.
- Scrub-off the tiles using a stiff-bristled brush, after that scrape away all the stripper slurry. Discard all the scrapings into a metal bucket. Properly check the surface of the tiles closely, if there is any sealer, then repeat the stripping process. Remove all the hazardous waste removal of the scrapings as well as any of the leftover strippers that the user did not use.
Method 2: Acrylic Stripping
- The first step under this method is to mix all the acrylic stripping solution according to the manufacturer’s directions, the different manufacturer has different mixing approach, in a clean bucket. Apply the solution on a small section of the floor at a time using a string mop. Leave the solution to sit for 2 minutes or until the solution becomes cloudy.
- Secure the nylon brush pad with the floor scrubber and then turn on the machine. Until the sealer has completely broken up, the user needs to work the scrubber over the area.
- Suck up all of the sealer as well as the stripping solution with the help of wet vac. Rinse all the floor immediately using a clean mop and the freshwater.
- Closely examine the floor to check if any sealer remains. If remains then repeat the stripping process until all the sealer is fully removed from the slate floor.
- Now prepare a solution by mixing a neutral tile-cleaning solution with the water per package. Mop down all the floor once again with the solution after all the stripping has been completed. This will help to remove any of the films that are left behind by the stripper solution. Let the slate floor to dry for 24 hours before applying any colorant as well as a sealer to the tiles.
Important Tips
It is important to note that urethane strippers contain chemicals that are flammable as well as hazardous to health. While in contact use extreme caution and also consult the doctor before using them if you have any heart-related health issues.