Sealing approach for granit and slate

[jds580s]

I'm on my first tile project as a DIYer and have put down a granite counter and slate back splash in the kitchen.

I've been reading through some older posts on the forums and looking at the products at TYW but wanted a first hand recommendation before I go any further.

I'm basically looking for suggestions on what products would be best and in what order should I apply them in regards to each other and the unsanded grout I have yet to put in.

I am hoping that grouting the counters will be rather straight forward but I'm concerned that the back splash will be difficult to work on since the slate is uneven. What technique do pro's use for grouting naturally uneven surfaces?

Thanks very much!

Justin

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[Davestone]

What kind of slate, and granite you have could influence your choice, and whether you want to enhance the slate,and whether you want a special grout(like epoxy) also matters.

[Steven Hauser]

Hi Justin,

What we do is tape the transition to the backsplash carefully so that the joint between the material on the counter is not covered.

We then grout the counter with nonsanded grout.

From there we tape the counter and then apply the grout to the slate with a grout bag so that we don't get it into the cleft of the material. It usually is done with sanded grout.

Finally, we do the transition between the splash and counter with a silicone.

After that we decide how to seal the materials based on what we want the finished looked to be.

[jds580s]

What kind of slate, and granite you have could influence your choice, and whether you want to enhance the slate,and whether you want a special grout(like epoxy) also matters.

I wish I could give you proper names for the slate unfortunatly I don't have one. It was off the shelf from Lowes and called "Multi Color Slate 6x6 10MM, Gauged" and marked Made in India.

The granite is Montecruz Sonoma from China

I've seen some talk about enhancing products and I don't if I have a preference. Are there any before and after photos online that will show me the difference it makes? I am happy with how things look now so I suppose there is no need to enhance unless there are added benefits like stain resistance or durability.

The grout I have is Mapei Keracolor U Unsanded. If that is a poor choice for this project what would you recommend?

[jds580s]

Hi Justin,

What we do is tape the transition to the backsplash carefully so that the joint between the material on the counter is not covered.

We then grout the counter with nonsanded grout.

From there we tape the counter and then apply the grout to the slate with a grout back so that we don't get it into the cleft of the material. It usually is done with sanded grout. Does that sound correct?

Finally, we do the transition between the spalsh and counter with a silicone.

After that we decide how to seal the materials based on what we want the finished looked to be.

Thanks Steve,

That sounds like a good process. The gap on the backsplash is only 1/16" and I was told that an unsanded grout would be best for that.

Also what is a "grout back"

About the finish, the granite currently has a polished finish and the slate a natural dull/rough finish I would like to keep both.

Thanks!

Justin

[Davestone]

He meant to say "grout bag"..i think.If you don't want to enhance the slate you can use an impregnating sealer for both,check at the TYW store above for impregnator pro, or bulletproof,or get an aquamix from Lowes, and follow the instructions,make sure both stones suck up as much as they can. :goodluck:

[doitright]

Hi Justin :)

The transition between the backsplash and the countertop needs to be caulked.

The Indian slate is a relatively soft & porous material. If you want the best protection in this application (with the natural look), I suggest utilizing Stone Tech Bulletproof sealer. Stone Tech recommends applying their Grout Release prior to grouting, then sealing the slate & grout together.

I'm not familiar with the particular granite tiles you are using. Does it darken when water is allowed to stand on it after a few minutes? Does it have open crevices or visible fissures? If so it may need a sealer or at least a grout release.

[jds580s]

Davestone & doitright

First off thanks for all the friendly help offered here, what a wealth of knowledge!

I went with an aquamix impregnating sealer, I hope to address this over the weekend otherwise I think I would have gone with the Bulletproof sealer.

doitright, I didn't see your post until after I got back from the hardware store. I planned on pre-sealing to help with any grout release issues. Is a dedicated grout release a better idea? Does it go on after the sealer or before?

I have caulk for where the counter meets the backsplash.

Here is my plan of attack, does the order sound correct

1. Clean all surfaces
2. Seal both backsplash and counter
3. Second coat of sealer
4. Grout Counter with white grout
5. Clean any excess grout
6. Grout Backsplash with dark grout
7. Clean any excess grout
8. Seal over grout/counter/backsplash again
9. Caulk transition and around sink.

Am I missing anything?

Thanks again!

[doitright]

Hi Justin :)

Stone Tech is one of the few manufacturers that doesn't recommend using their sealers as a preseal. You'll be fine with Aqua Mix. It's also an excellent product.

Skip step 3.

The backsplash is going to be a sloppy proposition. I would cover the counter well and grout the spash first. I would grout the countertop with the white grout last. Mask off the vetical splash while grouting the top.

You can choose whatever method best suits you. Many of us get the same end results with our own personal style.