Slatestone Fireplace After Lacquer Stripping – Natural Surface Revealed
This slatestone fireplace had been coated with lacquer at some point, a common but problematic treatment that traps moisture and eventually causes the finish to bubble, peel, and deteriorate. Here the lacquer has been fully stripped from the slate surface, exposing the raw stone underneath.

The stripped surface shows the natural dark gray tone of the slate along with its characteristic matte texture and the subtle layered grain patterns unique to this stone. Residual discoloration from the old lacquer is visible in places, which is typical at this stage before final cleaning and treatment. These traces are addressed in subsequent cleaning steps.
Slate fireplaces are fairly common in older residential buildings, where the material was valued for its heat resistance and distinctive appearance. Lacquer was sometimes applied to darken the color or add a sheen, but over time the coating degrades and can become difficult to remove without damaging the stone surface. Professional chemical stripping allows the lacquer to be dissolved and lifted without abrasion.
Once the stripping is complete and the surface cleaned, the homeowner can choose how to proceed. The slate can be left with a natural matte finish, treated with a color-enhancing penetrating sealer, or polished depending on the desired look. The cleaned fireplace in this photo is ready for that next step.
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