Crispy Crumbly Slate-best Way To Seal

[dsign4you@mchsi.com]

HI, I AM TILING MY KITCHEN BACKSPLASH WITH 4X SLATE TILES. I HAVE FOUND THAT THEY WILL SPLIT AND CHIP PRETTY EASILY. AS I WAS INSTALLING A TILE AND NAILING IN A NAIL TO HOLD IT IN PLACE, THE FACE OF A DIFFERENT TILE FELL OFF, LEAVING A THIN PIECE OF SLATE WITH THE MORTAR. SO, I AM WONDERING , IS THERE A SEALANT I CAN PUT OVER THE SLATE BEFORE I GROUT IT THAT WILL HELP KEEP THE SLATE FROM CHIPPING OFF AND SUCH? THANKS! YOU GUYS ARE SUCH A HELP!
LYNN :clap1:

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[GraniteGirl]

Hi Lynn

WE'LL BE MUCH NICER IF YOU DON'T SHOUT!! :x:

I know you will not like this answer, but there is no sealer on this planet that will stop your "slate" from delaminating. You'll just have to put them up as best you can, seal before you grout (to help act as a grout release) and then seal your tile and grout again and again untill they will stop absorbing water.

Good luck

[Mike2]

Lynn, maybe that flaky tile is trying to tell you something. Something like: "I'm really not meant to be up here in the first place". The grout will help hold it together somewhat but.....now that you have experienced the soft properties of this stone, do you really want to continue using it? :scratch:

[dsign4you@mchsi.com]

Thanks Mike and Adriana, As I am committed to the job I will take Adriana's advice. Thank you.
Sorry about the caps--I didn't realize I had the caps lock on.

[DonB]

If you can locate the proper orientation, you can superglue it back together very easily and effectively. Sounds like you'll need the brush on type :)

Don.

[Stonehenge]

Hi Lynn,

Before you install your slate I suggest that you try to delaminate the weaker foliated areas. Next I suggest that you go with an acrylic based concrete sealant, this product will appear white and will have a high luster when three coats are applied. When using this form of sealant try to not let too much excess spill over the edges so as to allow the bonding of thinset and a grout.

Good Luck

Michael