Hi everyone I am new to this forum and I have a question about sealing shale. I recently pressure washed a shale terrace about 1300 square ft, (gently of course with low pressure). Any how I will be replacing some of the grout and I need a recomendation for a good sealant. There is probably in excess of 2000 linear ft of grout and I really do not want to brush seal all of it. It would be great to spray or roll a sealant over the entire surface for two reasons. The first obviously is the time I would save. Secondly the shale has a 'washed out look'. Viewed from the side it has pretty good color but when viewed directly it is faded-a reflective property of the stone I am guessing. There are some truely beautiful stones in this terrace and I would love to restore the color and a little shine. One of my concerns is creating a slippery surface so if anyone knows of a suitable sealant that is somewhat penetrating and can bring back some life to the stones that would be brilliant. I don't have much experience with shale but it seems somewhat porus.

Thanks in advance for your help! I appreciate it.

Hmm... Cant recommend anything off the top of my head Im afraid. If you click on the LTP link (sponsors list on the left hand side) there will be plenty of info on there and if you cant find what you are after then give them a ring. Im sure they will sort you out


Oh and welcome to the forum!

Hi and welcome.

Do you have any pics of this project and has it been sealed previously..?

Thanks for the response. It has not been previously sealed, and no pics as of now.
Du Pont makes a product called Enhance, that might be what I am looking for. Its penetrating and enhances color,
any thoughts?,

Thanks!

There are loads of sealers that will suffice.. but a one that leaves a shiny finish will be IMO too slippy when wet.

Great thanks Dave and Rich. I won't sweat it then. I think I will just pick up a penetrating sealer and test it on one stone and go from there.

Thanks again you guys are a great resource!