Help: Sealing and Grouting Slate

[Schmidty]

I'll be sealing the cement board for the slate with redgard. I'm making a wet wall/waterfall in my basement. My goal is to ensure everything is as waterproof as possible.

1. Should I seal the tops and sides of the slate in advance? Will that affect the grouting, if I'm told that I need to grout?

2. What is the best sealer and enhancer for my project? Here is what Daltile (my slate is from Daltile) says about sealer: "Penetrating/impregnating stone sealers is a no-sheen, natural look sealer that can be water-based or solvent-based, good for interior and exterior applications. Most quality sealers of this type are rated to protect the stone a minimum of 10 years."

3. Do I have to put grout in b/w each piece of slate? I would prefer not to have a grout line. Would it be OK to place a small beed of clear silicone on the edges of each piece before I bump them up to eachother in order to provide a permanent seal?

4. Is there a certain kind of grout I should use?

Thanks again for all the help,

Gregg

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[Davestone]

Gregg, i assume this is a regular shower, and you said Redgard waterproofing,you don't have to grout at al, the waterproofing will, well, waterproof it.I wouldn't do the silicone thing it's look bad with mildew shortly.511 sealer is fine.No sealers will waterproof the job. :bow:

[Schmidty]

I looked at the sealer and enhancer that I can purchase locally, and here are the options/brands:

TEC (Menards)
Miracle (HomeDepot)
Dupont (Lowes)

Which one for my slate?

Thanks,

Gregg

[Davestone]

Frankly i think they are about equal,i've tried Dupont,and like it, some really like Miracle, though,but if the slate is weak they won't protect it. :bow: