slate refinish

[sagriver]

Hi All:
I have never posted in this forum, just the tool forum. I hope this is the right forum for my question: The pilot on the propane log fireplace died and I removed the front glass to light the pilot by hand. In the process, I scratched in a big way the gray-black slate in front of the fireplace. Didn't know it till I was done. Is there a refinish kit somewhere I can purchase to either fill in the scratches or refinish the whole thing. Thanks.

 

[rlitman]

Slate is like a chalkboard. Does most of the scratch come off with a wet rag?

 

[sagriver]

Scratches are too deep, also the finish is scraped. I had the front window off laying on the slate, got a leg cramp and pushed the window with my knee. The hinges to the window really did a job on the slate!

 

[Garage Flooring]

I'm sure I am not telling you anything you don't know, but BE CAREFUL with that gas log fireplace and see if you can locate the model number. It sounds like it might be a B Vent unit OR it could be a fireplace with an insert in which case they usually want doors open when burning.

I am checking a few things on the slate for you as well

 

[rlitman]

Do you have a picture of the slate, and of the damage?
There are dozens of finishes that could be on the slate, and each would require a different method to restore it.
You say the finish is scratched. Is it a gloss finish?

Yes, my parent's gas log requires doors open when burning. But the doors can be closed with just the pilot on.

 

[sagriver]

I'll see if I can take some pics tonite and post tomorrow. I would describe the finish as a semi-glossy black or dark gray. I am a bit confused by the two comments about having the door open when the logs are on. Nowhere in the manual does it mention that. In fact, the unit has a lower panel that is accessible to shut off the gas and ignite the pilot electrically. The electric lighter died and I lit the pilot manually. This required that a front glass panel be removed. This job was somewhat involved, as five screws needed to be removed to take off the panel. If it were required to have the glass front removed to use the logs, nobody would ever use the logs. Alternatively, I guess you could leave the front glass panel removed all winter. The unit is older (15 years) and I understand the manufacturer is no longer in business. Frankly, we only use the unit if the electricity goes out in an ice storm, so I like to make sure it is functional before the season hits. But, at this point my focus is on repairing the cosmetic damage to the slate.

 

[Garage Flooring]

I'll see if I can take some pics tonite and post tomorrow. I would describe the finish as a semi-glossy black or dark gray. I am a bit confused by the two comments about having the door open when the logs are on. Nowhere in the manual does it mention that. In fact, the unit has a lower panel that is accessible to shut off the gas and ignite the pilot electrically. The electric lighter died and I lit the pilot manually. This required that a front glass panel be removed. This job was somewhat involved, as five screws needed to be removed to take off the panel. If it were required to have the glass front removed to use the logs, nobody would ever use the logs. Alternatively, I guess you could leave the front glass panel removed all winter. The unit is older (15 years) and I understand the manufacturer is no longer in business. Frankly, we only use the unit if the electricity goes out in an ice storm, so I like to make sure it is functional before the season hits. But, at this point my focus is on repairing the cosmetic damage to the slate.

There are three basic types.

Gas Log Sets: Put into an existing 'Real' fireplace and operated with the doors open

B Vent: Not a sealed system. Operated with a glass panel in place.

Direct Vent: Sealed System. Takes cold air down the outside of the pipe for combustion and sends the 'bad air' back up

My guess here is that you have a B vent type unit. Based on the age and the issue you are having I HIGHLY RECOMMEND having an NFI Certified technician having a look at it.

Gas fireplaces of all types should be serviced annually, but B Vent and log sets have a highly increased risk of issues that can hurt or kill you. In your case its very likely just a pilot that blew out or a bad thermocouple. BUT you could be in a situation where it is not getting the air it needs. A GOOD service call should cost 55-75 dollars and should include cleaning out the unit and all components, checking for gas leaks and for carbon monoxide.