8. I have a slate floor that years ago was waxed many times with a product called Mop n’ Glo. I have tried every thing I can think of to remove this. Some of it has worn off, but around the edges of the room, it is dark and dirty. Any clue as to how I can remove this would be greatly appreciated.
Unfortunately, you will need to get a commercial wax stripper to remove the build up. Check in your local Yellow Pages under “janitorial supplies.”

9. A friend, with the help of a hired laborer, recently completed laying a slate patio on a cement slab. The laborer is recommending a 3% muriatic acid wash before sealing. The supplier of the slate recommends a different bottled product to wash the slate and then neutralizing the acid with another product, all before sealing. What is the correct way to proceed? Is there a particular type of sealer you would recommend?
You need to be very careful using an acid to wash slate. If you think an acid is needed, use a mild acid such as sulfamic acid. I would not use hydrochloric acid. The only reason to use an acid would be if there is a grout or mortar film on the slate. If there is no film, an acid wash is not needed. In this case, simply clean the slate with a neutral cleaner and allow it to dry for at least 24 hours. Apply a sealer designed for use on slate.

10. I am going to put 600 square feet of slate on my new floor. I was wondering if there really is a quality difference in the tile you get for $2.00/square foot at the giant home centers versus the tile you get for $5.00-$7.00 from the local tile store. I don’t want to be cheap, but I also don’t want to just spend money to spend money.
Slate is a natural stone product. Depending on where the slate is quarried, you can have major differences in how it will hold up. Examine the slate carefully and make sure it is sound and does not easily flake. Ask where the slate is from and compare it to the more expensive slate. Don’t be afraid to ask the salesperson, “What is the difference?” You might be able to make a decision based on his answer.

11. I am trying to clean an old slate floor. The slate has some type of sealer or wax, which is very dirty and discolored. I have tried many types of cleaners and strippers. I have found one solvent product (xylene), which removes the wax or sealer, but leaves the slate dull. I have two concerns: Will the xylene solvent damage the slate, and how do I restore the shine to the slate?
The xylene is a solvent that can be dangerous to work with. It will not harm the slate. My suggestion would be to use one of the safe strippers available. To restore the shine, you will need to coat it with an acrylic-based finish.