jenm
11-06-2005, 04:35 PM
I just installed 72 square feet of 12x12 honed copper slate with 3/16" spacing in my entryway. I haven't grouted or sealed yet as I'm trying to decide what to use. I found this forum and have read many helpful threads to lead me in the right direction.
The honed copper slate has a satiny/pearly finish that I would like to retain. A slight darkening might be desireable, but I definitely don't want a "wet" or shiny look. Two local tile stores carry the Stone Tech products; one recommended Stone Tech's solvent-based Enhancer; the other recommended Impregnator Pro, also solvent-based. Several threads that talk about penetrating sealers mention Stone Tech's Bulletproof Sealer and recommend it over the Impregnator Pro product. It seems like this might be a good choice for me. Some threads have mentioned that Stone Tech provides free samples. Should I be able to get a sample from my local tile store or do I need to contact Stone Tech directly?
My next question is regarding Stone Tech's Grout Release product. I read one thread that highly recommended using it. However, I think it's only available in the gallon size, which is much, much more than I need. Can I use a first coat of sealer prior to grouting to help make cleanup easier, or should I spend a little extra for the Grout Release product? Whichever I use, do I need to apply it to each tile individually and avoid getting it in the grout seams so that I don't affect how well the grout "sticks"?
My last question: I tested another (much cheaper) sealer - "Glaze 'n Seal" multi-purpose sealer - to a few of the cut edge pieces before deciding not to use it. I think it's a topical sealer. Do I need to remove it from those few partial tiles before applying a penetrating sealer to the entire surface? Will those tiles simply not accept another sealer or will something worse happen? These few tiles are in a very inconspicuous area.
Thanks for your help.
-Jen
The honed copper slate has a satiny/pearly finish that I would like to retain. A slight darkening might be desireable, but I definitely don't want a "wet" or shiny look. Two local tile stores carry the Stone Tech products; one recommended Stone Tech's solvent-based Enhancer; the other recommended Impregnator Pro, also solvent-based. Several threads that talk about penetrating sealers mention Stone Tech's Bulletproof Sealer and recommend it over the Impregnator Pro product. It seems like this might be a good choice for me. Some threads have mentioned that Stone Tech provides free samples. Should I be able to get a sample from my local tile store or do I need to contact Stone Tech directly?
My next question is regarding Stone Tech's Grout Release product. I read one thread that highly recommended using it. However, I think it's only available in the gallon size, which is much, much more than I need. Can I use a first coat of sealer prior to grouting to help make cleanup easier, or should I spend a little extra for the Grout Release product? Whichever I use, do I need to apply it to each tile individually and avoid getting it in the grout seams so that I don't affect how well the grout "sticks"?
My last question: I tested another (much cheaper) sealer - "Glaze 'n Seal" multi-purpose sealer - to a few of the cut edge pieces before deciding not to use it. I think it's a topical sealer. Do I need to remove it from those few partial tiles before applying a penetrating sealer to the entire surface? Will those tiles simply not accept another sealer or will something worse happen? These few tiles are in a very inconspicuous area.
Thanks for your help.
-Jen