I am having a major home renovation done, including a new bathroom with slate flooring. The contractor’s flooring sub wanted a few hundred dollars to seal the slate prior to installation, so I offered to do it myself to save the money. They supplied the water-based sealer. Coating both sides of 200 SF of slate gave me time to think, which started me wondering about the wisdom of sealing (reducing the porosity of) the slate before installation. I am now convinced it could have neutral to negative impact on adhesion, and I plan to top coat after grouting, regardless. Any opinions?
ChebD
Edited 6/8/2003 10:32:00 PM ET by ChebD
Replies
Cheb,
Sealing the top before installing is a good idea. In my experience, the grout does not release from the slate (I've installed slate with small clefts in it) very well, certainly not like tile.
I would not seal the sides or bottom as you want the adhesion with the mortar.
John