How to achieve a wet or polished look on slate

Step-by-Step Guidance to Achieve a Wet or Polished Look on Slate:

1. Understand the Surface Finish You Have

• If the slate has a cleft (rough or layered) finish, polishing in the traditional sense is not practical.

• If the slate has been ground flat or is honed, some sheen can be achieved using mechanical polishing techniques and products.

🧪 Product Options Based on Your Desired Finish:

✅ For a Wet Look (Enhanced Color, Slight Sheen):

Use a color-enhancing penetrating sealer — sometimes called an enhancing impregnator. These do not sit on the surface but darken the stone and highlight the natural tones.

Recommended types (available from brands like StoneTech, Tenax, or Miracle Sealants):

• StoneTech Enhancer Pro

• Tenax Ager

• Miracle 511 Seal & Enhance

Application Tip: Apply to a clean, dry slate surface. Usually applied with a cloth or sponge, let it soak in, then wipe off the excess. Always test in a small area first.

✅ For a Glossy or Polished Look (Film-Forming Shine):

Use a topical coating or acrylic finish, which adds a layer on top of the slate and gives it that “wet-look shine.” These are often used on interior slate or covered porches but may require maintenance over time.

Suggested types:

• Glaze ‘N Seal Wet Look Lacquer

• Aqua Mix High-Gloss Sealer

• Stonetech High Gloss Finishing Sealer

⚠️ Note: Topical coatings can make the surface slippery and will need to be stripped and reapplied over time. Not recommended for high-traffic exterior areas exposed to rain or freeze-thaw conditions.

🛠 Important Preparation:

Before applying any sealer or coating:

• Strip off any old sealers or coatings with a stone-safe stripper.

• Clean thoroughly with a stone-safe alkaline cleaner.

• Let the surface dry completely — 24–48 hours is ideal, especially for exterior slate.

🚫 What Not to Do:

• Don’t attempt to mechanically polish cleft slate; it won’t yield a uniform shine.

• Avoid wax-based coatings unless you‘re prepared for frequent reapplication and possible buildup.

• Do not use vinegar, acidic cleaners, or standard tile glossers — they can damage the stone.

Conclusion:

To get that polished or wet look you’ll likely need a color-enhancing sealer or a glossy topical coating, depending on the tolerance for maintenance. 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Fred Hueston is the author of  Stone and Tile Restoration: The Manual, a comprehensive online manual for stone and tile restoration contractors. He is also Chief Technical Director for Surface Care PROS (www.backstage.surfacecarepros.com), and Stone Forensics (www.stoneforensics.com) [Learn more about Fred.]

Article ID: 745
Created: May 12, 2025
Last Updated: May 28, 2025
Author: Fred Hueston

Online URL: https://sr-manual.com/kb/article/how-to-achieve-a-wet-or-polished-look-on-slate-745.html