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Slate fireplace surround

homeownersue Homeownersue

17 years ago

I have what I believe to be black slate surrounding my fireplace in the usual horizontal top piece and two vertical legs, as well as a hearth piece. It is in ok shape, but there are a few stains (don't know what they are since they were here when I bought the house) and faded-out sections. I believe the slate surround to be original to the house so it is about 20 years old. Another problem: Due to poor taping during painting the small wood trim around the slate, there is a little paint on the edges of the two "legs" of slate.

1. How do I remove the paint? I read somewhere that turpentine is the thing to use, but I am wary about using it on stone. The paint, by the way, is indoor latex-based.

2. I'd like to "liven up" the slate, which looks dull in spots, and also try to alleviate the stain (which looks like a faded-out spot--perhaps it is water mark or something like that). I have heard of stone color enhancers/sealers -- would they be appropriate products to try?

Not sure if this makes any difference to these questions, but it is a working fireplace (though I have yet to summon up the nerve to light a fire in it!) and it is a galvanized metal insert-type of fireplace, not a brick chimney/hearth.

Thanks for any suggestions....

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Comments (4)

nhb22
17 years ago
Not sure about slate, but my granite man said that a very light steel wool can be used to get scratches and stains out of granite, so it seems it would be safe to get paint off with. Can you try a spot or two?
hamptonmeadow
17 years ago
I can't answer your question abut slate stains, but try the kitchen forum as they know quite a bit about stone.
You can use a sealant on the slate which may darken and even it up. I might even try and oil it, but don't take that as good advice. I can't tell you if it would work or be good for the stone.
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dickross
17 years ago
sometimes we get blinders on and can't see the obviuos. Wash it with some soap and hot water!!!!! If there is anything left on it, then you can try solvents. Its a ROCK. you are not going to hurt it with a scrub brush and soap or any common solvent short of muriatic acid. Some stones you might get the stain further into the pores, but slate is non-porous.
treboys
17 years ago
At my favorite tile store in our little town, there is a display fireplace with slate. They sealed it with a sealer (I don't know the brand) that brings out the BEAUTIFUL colors and really enhances it. It is super gorgeous! I have slate on one of my bathroom floors and I can tell you, a bit of steel wool and some warm soapy water will not hurt slate. I would recommend a sealer/enhancer after a thorough cleaning. I bet it will be gorgeous!

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