HOW TO GUIDE: SEALING SLATE

INSTALLATION

Tile adhesive is always recommended for tile installations. Adhesive should be applied at a minimum 5mm to the floor using a notched trowel. A thin layer of tile adhesive should be applied to the back of the tile prior to placing. The tile should be twisted into the wet tile adhesive to remove trapped air prior to tapping with a rubber mallet. Only the use of a white rubber mallet is recommended.  Black rubber may cause permanent marking on porous tiles.

GROUTING

It is advisable and recommended that only clean yellow plaster sand and cement in a 50/50 ratio be used for grouting of slate tiles if conventional tile grouting is not used. Bonding liquids should only be added to the grout mixture if immediate and proper clean-up is possible. Pre-packaged grouts are correctly formulated with plasticisers, latex resins and pigments, which allow for better movement and flexibility, but need to be cleaned up immediately after grouting to avoid possible staining and marking.

Only small areas at a time should be grouted as cleaning up of the excess grout on the tile surface should be done before the grout has dried. STONESHIELD GROUT-LIFT^™ should be added to the water to aid with cleaning. Dried grout on the tile surface may lead to severe cleaning difficulties and possible staining or surface damage.

CLEANING AFTER GROUTING

In the case of slate tiles acid-based cleaners like STONESHIELD GROUT-LIFT^™ can be used for the removal of grout and cement residues.

STONESHIELD DEEP-CLEAN^™ should be used to neutralise the surface after cleaning with an acid based cleaner. Neutralising helps prevent sealer failure.

WHY POROUS TILES NEED SEALING?

Natural stone, slate, cement and clay tiles are natural materials which have been quarried or formed or pressed.  Their natural form cannot be modified and therefore require sealing to protect against the following:

1. Sealing reduces the porosity of the tile or stone, reducing the chance of permanent staining.
2. Sealing protects against chemical attack from acids. (eg. wine, coffee, vinegar, sugar, soft drinks.)
3. Sealing strengthens the surface, providing increased abrasion resistance and surface protection
4. Sealing often improves the aesthetic finish of natural stone, terracotta, etc.

SEALER RECOMMENDATIONS

Recommended sealer for slate floors             : QUARRI-SEAL^®                 (domestic & commercial use)

and internal wall tiles                                     : QUARRI-SEAL^® MATT     (domestic & commercial use)

:  PREMIUM -PLUS™           (industrial & commercial use)

Recommended sealer for slate wall cladding : WALL-CLADDING-SEALER^™    (domestic & commercial use)

: COLOUR-ENHANCER^™           (domestic & commercial use)

SEALER SELECTION

The intended purpose of a sealer is to protect the tile or surface. Different types of protection are required based on the type of floor or tile.

1. Certain surfaces only require protection against staining. Certain areas might have moisture issues.       In this case a penetrating sealer or repellent would be the correct choice.

Wall Cladding – STONESHIELD WALL-CLADDING-SEALER^™  

STONESHIELD COLOUR-ENHANCER™

1. Certain surfaces require protection against surface wear and tear as well as staining. In this case a resin type sealer is required. The final surface finish, colour enhancement, or natural look is purely of personal choice.

Slate Tiles – STONESHIELD QUARRI-SEAL^®

Slate Tiles – STONESHIELD QUARRI-SEAL^® MATT

Slate Tiles – STONESHIELD PREMIUM-PLUS™

STONESHIELD QUARRI-SEAL^®

Description: A premium quality, non-yellowing solvent-based resin sealer that provides a satin finish, superior stain resistance and surface protection. A penetrating sealer that colour enhances and provides a “wet look” finish. For interior and exterior use.

Uses: Suitable on concrete, cement screeds, natural slate and similar natural stone.

STONESHIELD QUARRI-SEAL^® MATT

Description: A premium quality, non-yellowing solvent-based resin sealer that provides a low satin finish, superior stain resistance and surface protection. A penetrating sealer that colour enhances and provides a light “wet look” finish. For interior and exterior use.

Uses: Suitable on concrete, cement screeds, natural slate and similar natural stone.

STONESHIELD PREMIUM-PLUS^™

Description: A premium quality, non-yellowing solvent-based two-part polyurethane resin sealer that provides a high gloss finish, premium stain resistance and surface protection. A penetrating sealer that colour enhances and provides a “wet look” finish. For interior and exterior use.

Uses: Suitable on concrete, cement screeds, natural slate and similar natural stone.

STONESHIELD WALL-CLADDING-SEALER^™

Description: A superior quality natural look, no sheen, no surface film, water-based penetrating water repellent, designed to provide protection against rain, moisture, general airborne dirt, pollution, mould and mildew. Allows water vapour transmission. Suitable for interior and exterior use.

Uses: Suitable on concrete, face bricks, slate, and similar natural stone.

STONESHIELD COLOUR-ENHANCER^™

Description: A superior colour enhancing natural look, no sheen, no surface film, water-based penetrating water repellent, designed to provide protection against rain, moisture, general airborne dirt, pollution, mould and mildew. Allows water vapour transmission. Suitable for interior and exterior use.

Uses: Suitable on concrete, face bricks, slate, and similar natural stone.

LIMITATIONS:

Do not apply to damp tiles or surfaces.

Allow sufficient time for the grout and tile adhesive to dry out completely before sealing. Consult the STONESHIELD sealer label for the correct drying times for the sealer selected.

Do not wet tiles or surfaces for at least 24 hours after sealing.

Allow at least 4 – 8 hours drying time before foot traffic depending on the sealer selected.

Do not apply sealer externally if rain is expected within 12 hours.

Store and use between 16°c and 32°c only.