The Secret to Grouting Slate Tile

[superwhiz88]

problem wt that is that if you seal it first.. the grout would produce an weak bound and tend to come back out later.. i would clean it after and seal ..

[slchandl]

I found that my slate floor was SO textured that even sealing the tile beforehand wasn't enough to keep the grout from being 'left behind' in all the pores and crevices...even after thorough wiping with a damp sponge. I actually had better luck using a grout bag (think of something you would use to decorate a cake, only larger and tougher). The bag applicator is much more controlled and puts the grout exactly where you want it and nowhere else.

[MightyZarkon]

Thanks for the most important information about laying a slate floor and thanks to the other helpful comments here as well. I'm putting one down for my parents and to date I've only used ceramics.

[buckstoneboy]

Seal tiles twice, they are highly absorbent, seal let dry for an HOUR in normal weather conditions,seal again, another HOUR, grout let set, next day wash off let dry and polish with cloth getting rid off cement grout leftovers and seal a third time to include grout. And once every year or so reseal cause slate, tumbled marble,travertine drys out. Louie the ceramic artisan. (scotland)

[buckstoneboy]

Ok diy tilers here is how to do it properly. You need to wash the slate tiles or any natural stone tile before you put the sealer on and let it dry properly, cause if you seal it before it dry out right you will lock the moisture in to the tile..and thats bad. If you seal the tile and dont wash it first the powder residue reacts with the sealer and the surface willstain like fake gold when it comes into contact with seawater, green residue etc.

[TwoTallGuys]

@KentDoub - Excellent point as well. Sealing the entire surface as well as the joints before grouting saves the job and makes all the difference in the world!

[ChesterRockwellEsq]

After grouting do i use the same sealer for seling the grout or do i use a different sealer?

[alexjmtl]

Thanks Alex you just saved me a lot of work as well. Going to seal and grout today. Thanks again.

[badinc1969]

Thanks Dude!!!!!

[eddWyrd]

Sweet. Glad I watched your video before grouting my slate. You might have just saved my job.

[dufflebagrecords]

thanks!!

[thisisrandy81]

n68la, why would you not want to get any in the joints? Dont seem like that would matter too much since the only thing in the joints is thin-set and concrete... Please explain...

[lanjian45]

thanks for the information!

[KentDoub]

I did a slate job and grouted without sealing first. The grout left a haze on the slate. I had to use hydrochloric acid to remove haze. I wiped on acrylic sealer with sponge and it looks great. The sealer brings out all the color of the slate.

[cleberinthearea]

What's the name of that sprayer? where can i get it? i need to buy it...

[jason84109]

much appreciated

[rellimz]

You just saved me a from making a big mess. Thanks.

[NBEVAN]

Not really a secret though!

You should always seal natural materials before & after grouting.

[n68la]

unnessersary.but if you use a sealent it should be applied with a sponge so as not to get any in the joints.

[MelAnywho]

Thanks dude, never knew that

[realwd]

thanks for the great information about grouting!