Replies

1. 
   Scooter1 | Nov 25, 2003 03:14am | #1

   God Help You with Slate. Slate belongs only on blackboards. It will stain easily, pick up oils and grease in a heartbeat, is quite soft (it is Shale), and will chip. You can seal the c r a p out of it before you walk on it, and seal it 2-3 times a year. Have fun. How about a imitation slate tile? That is what I would recommend.

   I would buy a stone sealer especially made for stone which is an impregnator type. Expect to pay about $80 a gallon. I would apply a grout release, then grout, then seal.

   Unless your grout line is about half an inch, grout bags are worthless. Even if you decide to use one, you still have to pack that grout in as tight as you can get it.

   Regards,

   Boris

   "Sir, I may be drunk, but you're crazy, and I'll be sober tomorrow" -- WC Fields, "Its a Gift" 1934

1. 
   Treetalk | Nov 25, 2003 03:21am | #2

   We put some African slate down around a fireplace surround last year.The stuff was ruffer than a corn cob but we sealed it grouted it and used Banish and wasnt to bad to get clean. Stuff is awful soft and easy to gouge or mar.Perfect for these folks cuz theyre never there and theyll never use the fireplace...(too messy!!!).

2. 
   JeffBuck | Nov 25, 2003 06:22am | #3

   around a fireplace can't be too big an area ...

   seal it first ... I like to use a pump up garden sprayer and give more than a coupla coats ...

   then just grout away .... with plenty of sponges and water.

   works fine for floors and walls ... I'm sure a FP would be cake.

   Just keep wiping.

   Jeff

   Buck Construction   Pittsburgh,PA

        Artistry in Carpentry