How to Grout and Seal Slate Tiles

It is a good idea to allow slate tiles a good 24 hours to set before putting the grout into the joints; that way the tiles will not become dislodged.

Tools and materials that you will need to grout and seal slate tiles are:

1. Grout - I buy the pre-mixed in the color that I want, but you can get dry, and mix your own.

2. Sponge float

3. Hawk - looks a lot like an artists palette; is not a necessity, but it makes it easier to apply grout, especially in areas higher up.

4. Jointer - a rod shaped tool to finish joints. I have used the end of an old tooth brush. Anything to give the desired look will work.

5. Safety glasses

6. Bucket and warm water, sponge or soft cloth

7. Sealant

8. Small paint brush

Place some grout on the hawk, and with the float, take some grout on the float and force grout between the slate tiles with the float held at a 45° angle. Make arcing sweeps up, down and across the surface of the tiles. With the float held almost up and down, keep wiping away excess grout from the surface of the tiles. Alternate wiping off with damp sponge or soft cloth.

When finished grouting the joints, wait about 10 - 15 minutes, then take jointer and gently run along the soft grout to slightly recess it.

After about a half hour clean away all excess grout from the slate tiles. Make sure to keep the sponge or soft cloth clean by rinsing often.

If you have just layed the slate tile, you will want to let it cure for about 30 days before sealing it.

When sealing your slate tile and grout, you will want to make sure and read the instructions on the container, but most sealant has toxic fumes, so make sure and apply when you can well ventilate the area. With a small paint brush, apply a thin coat of sealant. Wait 2 hours, and apply a second coat. Try to have no traffic to this area for at least 4 - 5 hours. That way, there will be no smudges or foot prints.

In areas where moisture is expected, such as a bathroom, it is a good idea to caulk between the floor and the wall. You can get to match grout, and just in case there are crackes you don't see; this will prevent any moisture from creeping into seams.

You will find that your sealed, slate tile will be very easy to clean. And, depending on the traffic, you should only need to re-seal about once a year.