How to Handle & Care for Your Slate Products
Slate is a natural stone that requires careful handling. Please follow the guidance below to maintain the quality and longevity of your items.
Handling
- Treat slate like glass: it is fragile and easily breakable.
- Do not knock, drop, bang, or stack pieces without protection.
- Use felt or soft cloth between coasters when stacking.
- Keep out of reach of children and young people.
- Dispose of broken slate safely to avoid injury.
Daily Care
- Clean using a damp cloth after use.
- Do not allow spills or liquids to sit on the surface.
- Dry fully before storing.
Cleaning
- Avoid abrasive scrubbers or harsh cleaning products.
- Never soak slate in water and do not place it in the dishwasher.
- For stubborn marks, use a small amount of rubbing alcohol on a soft cloth (test on a corner first).
Storage & Protection
- Store slate in a cool, dry place, away from moisture or extreme temperatures.
- If placing on delicate furniture, use protective pads or felt underneath.
- Always separate pieces with cloth or felt when stacking.
Maintenance
- Some products may be lightly sealed to support stain resistance, but slate remains fragile and requires careful handling at all times.
- Gold detailing, where used, is hand-applied. Slight variations in colour or density are normal.
Outdoor Use, Weathering & Customer Responsibility
Slate is a natural stone and is not designed to withstand harsh weather conditions without proper protection and secure installation. If used outdoors, customers accept full responsibility for the placement, safety and upkeep of their items.
Please read the following carefully:
Weather Exposure
- Slate may naturally weather, lighten, fade or develop surface markings when exposed to outdoor elements — particularly wind, rain, frost and prolonged damp conditions.
- Ireland’s high-wind climate is especially unsuitable for unsecured slate pieces.
- These natural changes are not defects and are not grounds for refund or replacement.
Wind, Impact & Stability
- Slate can break, crack, fall or shatter when exposed to strong winds or unstable positioning.
- Outdoor surfaces such as soil, gravel, grass or uneven ground significantly increase the risk of breakage.
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Foyle Engraving Co. accepts no liability for any damage caused by:
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- Wind
- Weather
- Unstable placement
- Accidental falls
- Impact from other objects
- Improper outdoor use
Customers are fully responsible for ensuring their slate is protected and securely positioned at all times.
Protection During Severe Weather
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Slate must be brought indoors or suitably protected during:
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- High winds
- Storms
- Heavy rain
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Frost or freezing temperatures
- We cannot replace or refund items damaged due to lack of protection or adverse weather.
Fixtures, Stands & Installation Guidance
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Any stands, holders or supports sold or provided by Foyle Engraving Co. are intended for indoor display only.
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We are not installation professionals and cannot provide advice or guidance on:
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- Fixing slate outdoors
- Securing slate to walls, fences or memorials
- Long-term outdoor mounting
- Preventing wind damage
Customers must seek their own specialist advice if they intend to install slate outdoors.
Full Customer Responsibility
By choosing to place a slate item outdoors, the customer accepts:
- Full responsibility for the item’s placement, security and protection
- Full responsibility for any damage caused by weather, wind or instability
- That Foyle Engraving Co. is not liable for repairs, replacements or refunds under any outdoor circumstances
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That natural changes in colour, texture and surface markings are expected and not considered faults