Guide to Grouting Slate Tiles

This simple to follow guide will reveal some techniques to apply when grouting slate tiles.

Most tile stores now will supply you with either Chinese, Indian or Brazilian Slate, if you have purchased Chinese or Indian Slate then what I have to say next may save you a lot of disappointment.

Before you begin grouting make 110% sure that the tiles are dry before you apply a sealer.

Why you say?
Because these types of slate tiles, especially black slate tiles have a high mineral & salt content, once the tiles become wet, efflorescence (an unpleasant, cloudy/white blooming affect) will cause crystallization to occur which you will find virtually impossible to remove. So It is recommend leaving Chinese or Indian slate tiles for at least 24 - 48hrs at room temperature. This will ensure that all of the moisture will be fully removed from within the tiles.

All natural slate will need to have a surface coat of sealer before you can begin grouting, it is not worth saving a few pounds/dollars by cutting corners by not sealing your slate tiles, you will be left with horrible hazy mist on the surface & you will find it practically impossible to remove unless you scrub the whole floor with a grout removing product & that is hard work.

If you are a beginner at installing Slate Tiles then I suggest you only grout a small area at one time, such as 6 - 8m2.

“Why? I want grout the whole lot in one go”, you say.
Well if you are grouting a slate floor by yourself, you will need to clean off as you go, you can't grout the whole floor area in one go, because by the time you get to the end, your starting area will be drying out & grout is a nightmare to remove if it starts to go off & you leave it on the slate tiles for to long.

When cleaning the tiles, wipe over the grout joints on a diagonal, do not follow the grout lines with your sponge, you will remove grout from within your grout joints, lightly wiping the slate tiles on a diagonal causes you to keep almost level with the top of the tile.

For a more in depth guide
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