Things You Will Need
Slate roofing tiles make a wonderful canvas on which to paint. Portraits or signs painted on weathered slate look lovely as wall hangings, and slate trivets or coasters do an effective job of protecting furniture while looking elegant.
Trivets or Coasters
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Clean the slate well with mild detergent and water.
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Let the tile dry completely. This might take a day or so.
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Apply four rubber self-stick pads to the four corners of the bottom of the tile. The rubber pads will prevent slate from scratching furniture. You can find the pads at hardware stores.
Wall Hangings
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Drill a hole in the middle top or at two ends at the top of the slate, using an electric drill or drill press with a masonry bit installed. Keep the slate wet so it will not crack or break.
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Clean the slate well with mild detergent and water. Let dry completely.
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Insert leather strapping or twine into the holes in the slate and tie in a loop or from one hole to another, tying each end with a knot at the back, to create a hanger; or insert wire into the holes and secure by twisting the ends in a knot.
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Cover your work area with newspaper to catch spills.
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Draw a picture on the slate, using a pencil. Paint over the pencil, using an artist’s brush and acrylic paint, and let the paint dry completely. Spray with with clear acrylic sealer, if you want a glossy finish.