Slate Questions

[iliketotile]

Okay- So I know there are tons of posts on slate- ut I still have some questions and I am hoping someone can help me. I just purchased 16 x 16" slate tile from home depot. I think it is pretty nice considering the price, but I know it is not top quality slate as some broke out of the box and others varied in thickness. After setting all 254 sq ft of the hand picked ones on a concrete slab on a thinset yesterday they are now dry and getting ready for my next steps. Tonight I cleaned the slate of the dirt and debris that had been on it straight out of the boxes- didn't bother to clean it before laying since I thought it would just get dirty again from the mud. It still seems to not be 100% clean- so I am going to give it antoher go tonight and see if I can't get it clean..

question #1 can i seal it even if it still has a hazy look on it- or should all the tiles be squeeky clean?

question #2 I am presealing it so the grouting job will go a little easier, but I am unsure of what to use. What is the difference between a sealer and an enhanser. I don't want to tiles to get darker, but bringing out some of the beautiful greens, golds and reds would be nice.

question #3 once I seal I am on to the grout, can I use the same sealer to seal the entire floor once the grout has dried, or is there a difference here?

question #4 I am looking for an end result of satin, so it is easier to clean (rather thatn matte, which I think would be a little harder to clean), yet not too shiny so it loses it's rustic slate like appeance. Also, does the final sealing job fill in some of the clefts and prefent from any future flaking that could occur?

Thanks so much in advance for anyone can lend me, I am really excited to finish this project, but don't want to use the wrong products!!!

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[doitright]

Hi liketotile, Welcome! :)

Please share a first name, as I'm sure you'll be back with more questions, and it's good to be on a first name basis. :nod:

You have a heck of a project ahead of you. I would rather not pull any punches, and have you lower your expectations right away!

1. The cleaner the better. Since your particular slate tiles are extremely porous, a few clean buckets of water and the use of a microfiber towel will help. If you don't properly prepare in this critical step, you may wind up with larger problems down the road, that will require more work to achieve desired results.

2. In this case I would suggest starting with a regular impregnating sealer, and after grouting top coat with a enhancing sealer. The enhancer is also a sealer, but brings out more depth of color, while the impregnator will usually remain natural. The method I propose is opposite the norm, but may give you desired results.

3. See Item 2.

4. I suggest you apply Sparks Stone Glamor for the top coat. Nothing will prevent some of the clefting from seperating.

When grouting the key is to do small areas, and try not to smear the grout all over the tile. ;)

[iliketotile]

Thank you for answering so quickly John! I know that this is quite an undertaking, but I am hoping if I take this one step at a time it wont seem so overwhelming. I will continue to use my microfiber rag and clean away until the water isn't so dark, any idea how many times that may be?? One question I have is, where so I purchase the Sparks Stone Glamour? I am located in the North East and it seems as if it is only available in Texas. I use this as an added step after I apply the enhanser and that is completely dry correct? Also, any recommendations on a brand of impregnator and enhanser? I think Home Depot sells the Tile Lab brand and Lowes sells AquaMix. Thanks again for your help! I have tried to attach a photo of where I am at right now, hopefully it will work and you can see my progress~

Ann Marie :p

[doitright]

Hi Ann Marie :)

Your project is looking great! :tup2:

You are going to have to be the judge of if the slate is clean enough. It appears that you have a good head on your shoulders, just by looking at the results of your project.

You could use a product such as Stone Tech's Heavy Duty Sealer, or their Grout Release, prior to grouting. If you use the HD Sealer, allow it to dry overnight before grouting.

After the grout cures, your next step (providing all the grout and film is removed) would be an enhancing sealer orSparks Stone Glamour. I always suggest TESTing first to make sure you will attain desired results. Contact Sparks to see if they have a local distributor.

[iliketotile]

Thanks John for your words of encouragement!! I will continue to update you on my progress, as I am hoping to wrap this up by Thanksgiving so we can install the wood burning stove!! One final question I have is, if I use the grout releaser vs the Heavy Duty Sealer, is there a difference in the finish it will leave? (glossy vs matte) also, which is a better product to make the grouting a little easier to remove (should I need too, but I am planing on doing a very neat grout job!). Can I apply the sealers with a foam/sponge brush? I think I would have more control with that rather than a roller or a regular brush.

Thanks again for all of your help!! :)

[doitright]

Hi Ann Marie :)

Stone Tech recommends the use of their Grout Release vs. one of their impregnators. Most all other sealer manufacturers allow you to use one of their impregnators or enhancers as a grout release agent. Of the method I propose, neither one will affect the final sheen. As stated earlier, I strongly suggest TESTing prior to final application of any product.

The stone really needs to be saturated with any specific sealer to give best results. With some of the new water based fluoro products on the market, a brush, spray, or paint pad seem to work the best. The manufactures claim the use of a sponge does not release certain critical componets into the surface in which you are trying to seal.

[iliketotile]

Hello John,

Thanks again for all of your help- I cleaned the floor again and it really looks clean now- tomorrow I will apply the grout releaser.. will keep everyone posted on how it all goes and update with pictures regularly at the end of each step.

Thanks again!!!

:tup2:

[doitright]

Hi Ann Marie :)

Looking forward to those photo's of the completed job! ;)

[iliketotile]

Hello,

I just finished applying the StoneTech Grout releaser to the slate with a paint brush, being careful not to get it on the edges of the slate, this step went real smooth, and I am happy with the results so far. I was amazed by how instantly it sealed the stone! It was a really nice product to work with. Tomorrow I am starting the grouting. I have decided to use a grouting (pastry) bag in attempt to stay very close to my 1/2 grout joints. I must admit, I am a little nervous for this step.. but I think I can handle it. I am going to do a test area on a tile that falls under the stair and won't be seen. Hopefully things will go well again tomorrow night! Keep you posted!

Ann Marie :lol2:

[doitright]

Hi Ann Marie :)

Using a grout bag is the way to go. The tough part is getting the mix just right to make the bag work for you. :tup2:

[iliketotile]

So After doing a test area Thursday night on the grout and sealer (not so sure about the sealer yet...) I went ahead with grouting the whole floor. I can't say good enough things about using the grout release AND the grout bag. The whole job went so smooth. Attached are some pictures of the grout going in with the bag and then the over all result. I must say the grout release made the tiles easy to clean and the grout bag made it unnecessary to clean more than 2 inches in on the tile. As you can see from the photo, the floor didn't get messy at all. Thanks again John for all of your help, going to take a few days off to allow the grout to set (I am going to mist it for 3 days to avoid cracking) and then test some more sealers under the stair area and see what works. I purchased the Miracle enhanser and sealer, and it isn't what I wanted really. It is more of an oil than a sealer. I may just go with one (or two) coats of a finishing sealer to just keep it clean. The enhanser sealer seemed to love to attract foot prints.... Any thoughts?

Talk to you soon!

Ann Marie :wave:

[iliketotile]

See Attached

[doitright]

Hi Ann Marie :)

What a beautiful job! :bow:

Have you ever thought of starting a new profession? That looks nicer that most pro jobs that I have seen! :tup2:

It's good to hear that you are TESTing the various sealers etc. In the beginning of this thread you stated that you wanted a "satin" sheen so that it would be easier to clean.

This is a tough area, because if you lean toward a topical finish, traffic patterns could develop. As I mentioned earlier Sparks Stone Glamor has given my clients excellent results. Another product is Prosoco's Gloss n Guard. I usually apply a 1st coat of Prosoco SLX 100 to seal the slate and grout. After that cures, I follow up with at least one coat of their Gloss n Guard. This method allows the slate to maintain more of it's natural colors, while adding a slight sheen (the more coats, the more the sheen) that facilitates maintenance, as well as slightly bringing out some of the natural color of the slate.

Most enhancers alone will usually give the slate a "dead" or "flat" look. I personally don't care for that appearance, but some people do.

Did I mention to TEST first? :shades: :D

[iliketotile]

Hi John,

Thanks so much for your encouragement! I just finished sealing the floor- it looks great- pictures to follow tomorrow after it is all dry. I couldn't have done this project with out this forum!! What great help! I went with the tile lab finish and sealer in a gloss finish (i know, i know.... i originally did think that I wanted satin- but now looking back a low gloss was the way to go) I only did one coat (after doing a test under the steps) and was very happy.. it basically is a satin finish that I think will be much easier to mop up any dirt or snow or wood from the stove. without it sealing it was getting dusty and dirty real easy, and with the enhanser/sealer it was very dull and boring. The one coat of sealer really brought out the color of the tiles and makes the whole floor look very clean!! Thanks so much for all your help John!! Hope you had a HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!! next project to tackle is sealing the grout on the bathroom walls that i so shamefully neglected after installing last year :(

Ann Marie :dance:

[doitright]

Hi Ann Marie :)

Great news! Looking forward to the photo's! :nod:

Let us know how the Tile Lab Sealer & Finish holds up. I've got a prospective client who has slate and the Tile Lab product on the entire first floor. It's two years old and looks great (believe it or not).

[iliketotile]

Jobs done- stove is installed- looks great I am really happy with it!! Thanks again for the tips and advice- couldn't have done it without this forum!! On to the molding and furniture now!! Be in touch regarding the bathroom grout in a few weeks!

Enjoy!

[doitright]

Hi Ann Marie :)

What a beautiful install! :bow:

You could always do a slate base, if you get bored! :D

[friborg11]

Ann Marie,

I read this thread carefully as I'm going to be doing the same thing just after Christmas. BTW, your floor looks great and it has gotten me more excited to do my kitchen floor.

Do you think you can outline the steps and materials that you used? I think I will just go with with whatever Home Depot sells. Thanks in advance.

George

[doitright]

I think I will just go with with whatever Home Depot sells.

Hi George :)

Before you take that drastic step, I suggest you get one piece of the slate you're interested in, and test it. Bring it home and soak it in a bucket of water, and see if it turns to mud. Some of the slates on the market are not fully metamorphosed, therefore leaving them very soft. Every time you wash, you will be removing a layer of mud. :eek:

[friborg11]

Thanks for your suggestion. That is what I'll be doing tonight. I'll let you know tomorrow.

g

[iliketotile]

Hi George,


Welcome!

I wouldn't mind outlining the steps for you at all- let me know how your slate test goes and which slate you decided to go with..

Good Luck,

Ann Marie

:)

[aggies92]

Ann Marie,

Fantastic job on your floor. What did you use on the grout lines after you laid them with the grout bag?

Thanks,
Todd

[iliketotile]

Hi Todd,

After the grout was squeezed into the seams with the grout bag, I would let it sit for 10 minutes and then go back in with a wooden spoon and pack it into the joints. After I did that I would wipe down the outer portions of the tile to keep the mess to a minimum. Once the grout dried over three days- misting it with water twice a day (morning and night) to advoid cracks (which i did) I sealed the entire tile with the tile labs gloss sealer from home depot. (one coat) I applied that with a roller and then went over the roller marks with a brush to make sure it sealed all of the nooks and cranies of the slate and the grout. It then dried over the weekend before we moved in the furniture. It looks great a month later and I haven't even washed the floor- just vaccuumed it. I am waiting to purchase the sealed slate cleaner until I wash it, since other cleaners are not good for the sealer.

Hope this helps!

Ann Marie