I just bought a GCI, it came out of a old bowling alley, the slate has some stains on it, I was wondering if the stains would have an adverse affect on the cloth after I install it?
Stained Slate
- Thread starter noMoreSchon
- Start date
Being that it came from a bowling alley, I would guess that the stains are from soda or beer..
They shouldn't have any adverse effects on the cloth, but it may be a good idea to lightly scrape the stained areas of the slate with a razor blade (much like you'd scrape beeswax on repaired areas), as beer and soda tend to leave a crusty residue on the surface of the slate when they dry. You could also wipe the slate down with a damp cloth. This likely won't remove the stains, but it will remove any nastiness on the surface of the slate. About the only way those stains would show up in the new cloth, is if you get the table wet after installation.
Without making a big sloppy mess, give the slate a sponge bath, with some hot, very mildly soapy water, and then rinse with water only, or, you can also use alcohol and water. You might even use a scotchbright pad or steel wool for the scrub down.
Make sure its rinsed well and then let it dry for a few days before you re cloth. You can also use a fan or space heater to encourage drying.
Beer, soda, and other unknown liquids can leave the slate "sticky" which can cause all kinds of funky issues under the cloth. The cloth itself can get stuck to the slate, chalk dust will stick and build up( rather than being vacuumed away) , humidity will dampen the sticky spot which can in turn dampen the cloth, if its real bad the stickyness can even wick up to the surface of the cloth which is like a nightmare on elm street.
* cue scary music*
You might not remove the stain itself but at least clean up any possible residue on the surface.
Make sure its rinsed well and then let it dry for a few days before you re cloth. You can also use a fan or space heater to encourage drying.
Beer, soda, and other unknown liquids can leave the slate "sticky" which can cause all kinds of funky issues under the cloth. The cloth itself can get stuck to the slate, chalk dust will stick and build up( rather than being vacuumed away) , humidity will dampen the sticky spot which can in turn dampen the cloth, if its real bad the stickyness can even wick up to the surface of the cloth which is like a nightmare on elm street.
* cue scary music*
You might not remove the stain itself but at least clean up any possible residue on the surface.
Start with the least invasive first. Water. Then work your way up. Abrasives are the last resort and used very sparingly/carefully. Its very easy to remove slate with abrasive products.
Just think of what you would do if there was a spill on your concrete basement floor. Wouldn't you first just try mopping it up with hot water and a mop or rag? If the table wasn't set up I'd take the slates outside and flush the crap out of them with a hose scrubbing with a soft brush or rag. Then let dry in the sun if possible.
Remember. Solvents will soak into the slate. it will take a really long time for it all to evaporate.
Just think of what you would do if there was a spill on your concrete basement floor. Wouldn't you first just try mopping it up with hot water and a mop or rag? If the table wasn't set up I'd take the slates outside and flush the crap out of them with a hose scrubbing with a soft brush or rag. Then let dry in the sun if possible.
Remember. Solvents will soak into the slate. it will take a really long time for it all to evaporate.