I am an idiot, i think...

[shadyghost]

ok to make a very long ocd story short, i got some really nice slate, i got some really expensive nice sealer, Aqua something or another (too lazy to go downstairs to the basement and check but i doubt it matters anyway) and then I applied the sealer painstakingly to each and every crevice of each and every tile. This includes the sides and the bottom. Not once did it occur to me that maybe I shouldn't seal the surfaces that are supposed to bond to the grout. My question is, am I in trouble as far as the grout adhering to the slate goes? If so is there anyway I can sand the bottoms and sides or apply something to remove the sealer? Talk about bursting my project bubble....Thanks in advance for any help provided...

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[ob1kanobee]

Well your going to have to move the lazy but to the sealer and post what kind it is. What concerns me is apparently you sealed the backs too?

[shadyghost]

ok well its aqua mix and its the stone enhancer penetrating sealer. And yes i sealed the backs....thanks again.

[ob1kanobee]

-What size is the slate (helps in deterimining removal methods for sealer)
-how much slate are we talking about here?
-Is it water based sealer or solvent based? (should say on the front of bottle)

[pooky]

I bet the back of those tiles look terrific . . . just kidding

as I recall that enhancer is solvent based -- It's pretty noxious

anyway, check out this link at aquamix

http://www.aquamix.com/for_professionals/products/pg_detail.asp?pdid=2462&pgid=9833

they also have a support line number on the jug or online

good luck:yo:

[ob1kanobee]

Pooky, if I remember correctly, their enhancers are solvent or water based (material specific) so you get a choice. The solvent based is easier to remove than the water based.

the reality is they are both hard to remove but water based is next to impossible sometimes.

[pooky]

all I know is the stuff I use stinks to high heaven and customers are
very sensitive to it.

I'm pretty sure I can thank aqua mix for my
decreasing brain function at this stage of my tile sentence.

the two brain cells left in my head are still bangin' around in there lookin' for one and other:neesie:

You'd think the water based would be easier to remove -- but no?

won't the aqua mix remover take off just about anything?

[ob1kanobee]

I don't have any experience with the AquaMix Remover. Hopefully it will.

I hear ya about the brain cells. I tell ya, you might want to consider wearing a respirator mask even if you only have two left lol. I started to...............

[pooky]

is that the thread is titled "i'm an idiot I think":p

I fear I'll be forever haunted by those words

I don't know whether to laugh or cry:yo:

[shadyghost]

Ok thanks for the responses guys...As for the size, 12x12. The sealer product bottle doesn't say what its base is anywhere and I havent been able to find that info as of yet but I am still looking. As far as how many tiles, we are talking tops 50.

[Stone Dude]

its a solvent base either way.

they have enhancing sealer which is the economy enhancer and they have the premium Enrich n' Seal.

did you seal the backs of the tiels as well? you stated you sealed the surface where the grout goes, which would be the sides. if this is the case the grout will be fine.

if you sealed the backs then I dunno, you may or may not have problems.

I would start with mineral spirits and let it soak, see if you can scrub it out of there.

the sealing properties will remove before the color properties, at least in my experience.

if that doesnt work call AM. they have a "sealer and coatings remover" that is a stripper that does a good.

[The Kid]

wouldnt it be alot eaiser and faster to just hit the backs of the tiles with a diamond pad? Were worried about bond here right?

[pooky]

good one jer

of course you'll have to buy a diamond pad 60 grit? and sweat a bit
but at least there are no fumes or gooey mess

be sure and get 100% coverage when you set the slate:yo:

[shadyghost]

hey guys thanks for the input guys.....once again as embarrassing as this is to mention i did in fact paint the back with sealer. This is what I was wondering if I would be able to create a better bond by scouring the surface of the back. This diamond pad your talking about Im assuming is a grit for a sander?

[Stone Dude]

diamond pad, sandpaper, wire brush, anything to rough up the surface would be alright