Some questions before I start with Natural Slate

[tommyzooom]

I also wouldn't seal before laying as you may find when laying, that the underside of the tile will fit better in relation to the tile next to it. ( I presume they are uncalibrated slate, ie double sided). However I usually use a slate seal, which is spirit based, and makes the grout much easier to clean off.

 

[mini670]

cheers guys,

though the tiles are rough and ungraded, some have the backsides linished/ground down or scutch hammered down. 90% if not more of the tiles have one side if you know what i mean.

 

[enduro]

I laid these a while ago for a customer and used sandstone grout.

 

[The Legend; Phil Hobson RIP]

Some slate I laid a few months ago 600x300.

 

[Daz]

Here's some 300 x 300 chinese slate laid in half bond (brickbond) that I did a couple of years ago......

 

[Homza]

This is some 12" x 12" (300 x 300) slate for an exterior entrance. Used grey grout.
I would seal after laying tile but before grout, then again after grouting. I like to use a color enhancing sealer. Brings out the color of the stone nicely.
Side note: We can get away with slate exterior, but not all slate is good for exterior use in freeze/thaw climates.

 

[mini670]

Cheer s guys,

There is some amazing looking tiling there.

Homza, the enhancer on that slate really does bring the colour out, I like it 🙂

should be starting the job this weekend

 

[Selina]

Wow, Homza, they look great!

I have tiles like that in my kitchen, professionally laid by a (now retired) friend of a friend about 8 years ago. I love 'em, uneven edges and all, but the colours on mine are nowhere near as bright. I recall the tiles were sealed with something or other straight after they were laid - could I get a result using colour enhancer now, or has my chance long gone?

 

[Ken Bruty]

Hi Selina, it would be best to get your tiles stripped first, then re-sealed and enhanced, so no it's not too late.

 

[Selina]

Cool, thanks for that, Ken. 🙂