In a world where perfect stainless steal is the backdrop to our futuristic madness, slate stands out as the rustic natural alternative, a little bit of the wild to give life to our robotic lives. That is why it has become such a popular material for a variety of home furnishings, especially beverage coasters [http://coasters.pebblez.com/slate-coasters.html]. In fact, many types of slate have natural properties that make them especially useful and functional when used in the creation of beverage coasters.
First of all, slate absorbs moisture. Like sandstone, slate has many tiny little pores which exist in its surface. These pores allow the water from a sweaty glass to absorb into the body of the stone itself. Once absorbed, the moisture remains trapped in the stone until it can evaporate away into the air. This is great because it can protect your possessions from nasty water rings and stains.
The problem with many absorbent coasters, such as sandstone pieces, is that when a colored liquid, such as fruit juice, is absorbed into the stone, it can stain the material from the inside.
Slate, having a slightly smaller absorption rate is more resistant to this effect than its sandstone counterparts. In general, slate coasters will absorb enough moisture to keep it off the table, but won't absorb it deep enough to stain, as long as the coaster is wiped clean in a prompt manner.
Multicolored refers to slate that has a variety of unique patterns and colors in its surface. These colors can also help to hide stains or damage that may occur to slate coasters from colored liquids. The surface of many of these stones is so mottled with unique expressions of natural color, that a few more colors will actually enhance it.
Another great feature of multicolored slate coasters is that each one is a one of a kind. The colors and features which occur in the stone are formed naturally, during its development. The colors are different in every piece of stone, meaning that every individual coaster is different and special.
The finish on the surface of the slate will also have a dramatic effect on the look of the coaster that is made. If the stone is left natural, and clefted, it will have a more rustic feel, and will look more like a rock, straight out of the woods. If a polished or honed slate is used, the surface will be perfectly flat and smooth, and will appear more formal.
First of all, slate absorbs moisture. Like sandstone, slate has many tiny little pores which exist in its surface. These pores allow the water from a sweaty glass to absorb into the body of the stone itself. Once absorbed, the moisture remains trapped in the stone until it can evaporate away into the air. This is great because it can protect your possessions from nasty water rings and stains.
The problem with many absorbent coasters, such as sandstone pieces, is that when a colored liquid, such as fruit juice, is absorbed into the stone, it can stain the material from the inside.
Slate, having a slightly smaller absorption rate is more resistant to this effect than its sandstone counterparts. In general, slate coasters will absorb enough moisture to keep it off the table, but won't absorb it deep enough to stain, as long as the coaster is wiped clean in a prompt manner.
Multicolored refers to slate that has a variety of unique patterns and colors in its surface. These colors can also help to hide stains or damage that may occur to slate coasters from colored liquids. The surface of many of these stones is so mottled with unique expressions of natural color, that a few more colors will actually enhance it.
Another great feature of multicolored slate coasters is that each one is a one of a kind. The colors and features which occur in the stone are formed naturally, during its development. The colors are different in every piece of stone, meaning that every individual coaster is different and special.
The finish on the surface of the slate will also have a dramatic effect on the look of the coaster that is made. If the stone is left natural, and clefted, it will have a more rustic feel, and will look more like a rock, straight out of the woods. If a polished or honed slate is used, the surface will be perfectly flat and smooth, and will appear more formal.