Do I need to clean slate tiles before installing?

[ALBERTA_LEXUS]

Hey guys, I am just wondering if I need to soak or clean my slate tiles before I install them and what do I clean them with? Thanks.

Alex

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[Davestone]

Some slates canhave saw wash on the back, or flakiness, just check to see if anything from the back rubs off on your hand, if it does plain water and a brush might do it...unless you want to preseal the top,with an enhancer to see the colors you're laying before hand, but if it's a large job it may not be worth it.

[ALBERTA_LEXUS]

Its not going to be a big job <500sq/ft. I will probably do a test board with a couple different sealers to see which one I like best. I am using Home Depot slate so I think just from what I heard I should probably wash each one before I install it Right? I am pretty picky so I want to do it right. Thanks again.

Alex

[Davestone]

Like i say if it's dusty, and dirty on the back, it helps adhesion to the thinset.

[doitright]

Hi Alex, Welcome! :)

Is any of this slate going in a wet area?

Is this an Indian slate?

Some alledged slates on the market aren't true slates. I would TEST them by washing the top with water. You could also soak them. Some of these "slates" just turn to mud while washing.

[ALBERTA_LEXUS]

I am not to sure if it is Indian slate to tell you the truth but I am going to soak the slate and test it out before I use it. It will be going inside a bathtub and shower so it will be constantly getting soaked. Thanks for any more info :dance:

Alex

[MasterGranite]

Hi Alex - Not to sound like I am supporting Home Depot or anything BUT what they do with purchasing tile (ceramic and porcelain) is that they purchase in quantity from the manufacturer of the tiles and have them packaged specifically for them. This tile is the same exact tile that many of the leading suppliers like American Olean/Daltile offer. Basically they cut out the middle man since they can buy in bulk. So it's likely they did the same with the slate and you should be able to check the box for printed info on whom the manufacturer is of the slate in question. Probably the slate is of decent quality, but I have not been in to HD lately to check their stone products. I do go and check from time to time and I know that HD does sell some decent quality tile. Just cus it's HD doesn't automatically mean they sell the cheapest stuff. Tile and stone are graded and you should be asking about the grade of the stone b-4 you purchase. If the sales guy can't find that info then move on to some place that will get that info for you. Ask questions about the stone before you purchase, like where is it from and whom is the manufacturer etc. You mentioned you were purchasing around 500 sf or less of slate. This is a decent sized order, probably 2 skids worth of tile so don't purchase unless you are satisfied with the results of your questions. Oh and be sure you are getting at least 10% extra for waste and breakage. One of the downs of purchasing from HD is that you need to get what you need to finish the job before you start as next week they may not have any left and that will be it, no more left. What I just mentioned you need to take heed of that, I'm speaking from some of our customers experience, some very excruciating experience! So get more than enough to do the job and they will take un-opened boxes back if you need to return some.

[sonnie]

I just went thru this HD slate thing and commented on what I thought of it in another thread. But anyway - I was not happy with the nearly 400 sf I bought at HD. I figured out of each box of 5, one was no good, one was too ugly and pitted, that I only could use 2 or 3 pieces from the box. Some slate would "sheet" off in layers and was useless. And was it dirty! I washed each piece as we put it down. Then washed it again after the grout dried. Then again with a stone cleaner. Then sealed it twice before grouting. What a lot of work. Looks great tho.

[DIY Momma]

I ordered Daltile slate in Autumn Mist from the Home Depot and it looks great. What I do is go on the Daltile website and print a list of all my favorites and go into the Daltile sales center here in my town and tell them what samples I want and they FEDEX them to me - no charge. I decide what I want and got to HD and order it. Did this for my flooring too - must have ordered at least 15 different field tiles to decide what looked best with my cabinets and countertops. Easy to do, IMO.