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Help!! backsplash enhancer too dark

6 years ago

Hi all, thanks in advance for any advice. I bought a beautiful multicolored slate stone backsplash. And then I made the mistake of using a sealer/enhancer. What was beautiful stone is now dark and dreary. Any advice on how to reverse the process and get the stone lighter? Thank you so much

Featured Answer

Robert Bartley
Original Author

6 years ago

Thank you everybody you have a been helpful I ended up using acetone and it's stripped it all off and it looks great now. I appreciate it Joseph you were right I needed a fire extinguisher and a gas mask But most of it came off and it looks much much lighter.

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Comments (16)

just_janni
6 years ago
That slate is so porous, I think you are stuck with it until it fades out.
Robert Bartley thanked just_janni
PRO
Dragonfly Tile & Stone Works, Inc.
6 years ago
Unfortunately, because it's not a flat surface, you are pretty much out of luck. I won't even describe the process as it won't help you (as it isn't a flat surface). Hate to say it, but if this is just freshly set, and you can't live with it, tear it out immediately. Sooner the better.
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PRO
Joseph Corlett, LLC
6 years ago
Grab a fire extinguisher just in case, then give it a bath in lacquer thinner.
suzanne_sl
6 years ago
Photo? Really, something caught on fire?
PRO
Joseph Corlett, LLC
6 years ago
suzanne_sl:

Anytime you're spreading large amounts of flammable liquid indoors, you'd better have proper ventilation and a fire extinguisher on hand.
Robert Bartley
Original Author
6 years ago
Nothing caught fire just highly flammable fumes so being careful
User
6 years ago
Robert - would you please post photo of your successfully stripped backsplash? I'd love to see it.
PRO
Dragonfly Tile & Stone Works, Inc.
6 years ago
last modified: 6 years ago
THAT was the process we couldn't recommend, but glad you got the result you wanted.
nosoccermom
6 years ago
Next question: What happens when grease, etc splashes on that backsplash?
eam44
6 years ago
Better question: what happens when you light the stove?
nosoccermom
6 years ago
Hopefully, it has evaporated...

I meant, whether grease will be absorbed by the slate.
silken1
6 years ago
Will all sealers make it dark or is there one he could seal it with that wouldn't do that?
eam44
6 years ago
last modified: 6 years ago
Like all porous stones, slate will absorb grease, it will stain, and it may also chip if banged by a pan accidentally - although this slate has been installed above a 4" laminate bs so the latter is less of an issue.
cindyrenn
6 years ago
last modified: 6 years ago
Help,, I have the same problem,, slate from Home Depot , the mosaic satin copper Jeffrey Court and tile guy put Laticrete enhanced sealer on it today 9-8-2017 and too dark . Lost the grays and more natural colors. Want to get it back to the lighter shade and regain some color. Is there a solution or product? The above picture is after sealer and the ones below are prior to sealing. Is time an issue to doing anything also ? Thanks for any help.
cindyrenn
6 years ago
Yes,, but didn't know if it can be done a week after it was sealed.

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