Last Updated on Friday, 23 October 2009 14:16 Written by Dave McErvale Thursday, 22 October 2009 14:12

Before you lay any Slate, you will need to grade your Slate into 3 thicknesses: Thin, Medium and Thick.

This information is for soft slates such as indian multi coloured like the picture, you will need to use a cement base adhesive for harder slates that have a colder apperance .

. Most slate has a top edge and a bottom edge, the bottom edge has been chipped and the top edge is smooth, lay the slate with the smooth edge up.

Wash the slate to remove dust.

You can lay slate with a cement base adhesive and a notch trowel (For best results but the back of the slate with the adhesive and push down into place until flat with other pieces you have layed) or a sand and cement mix, 3 sand and 1 cement. We prefer sand and cement base on concrete and cement base adhesive for timber floors on tile underlay.

On concrete floors  starting with the thicker pieces of slate we set out the floor the same way for a ceramic floor, then laying to a line and straight edge. Mix sand and cement then using a gauging trowel spread the mix out the size of a piece of slate then push the slate down into the mix tap the top of the slate to get a bond with the mix, repeat the process spacing the slate with 20ml joints, sponge over the slate leaving it clean, depending on the size of the slate, lay two rows deep then measure the width of the two rows, mark the width and shoot a chalk line, this is a guide line, now put your straight edge to the line lay the slate to the straight first and then the middle row next this will compensate for size differences in the slate giving you a straight line to lay your next two rows, make sure you rake out the joints so your grout mix sticks.

Grouting mix should be 3 parts sharp washed sand 1 part cement and 1 part cloured grout, mix together with water not too wet or sloppy, grout the same way as ceramics then when the mix is firming in the joints smooth over the joints by holding the grouting tool or squeegee flat rubbing the joints to bring the grout mix up flush and smooth, spunge off the excess make sure the mix has firmed.

After two weeks the slate can be washed down, for best results remove cementitious grout haze, use Aqua Mix Phosphoric Acid Cleaner.
Sealing slate

• Sequence of avents.
• Wash slate with water
• Grade into 3 catagories thick medium thin.
• Start with thicker pieces and then medium, leave thin pieces for cutting and last.
• Lay slate to a straight edge.
• Use a 20ml joint.
• Rake out slate joints for grouting as you lay.
• Use a sand cement and grout mixture for grouting.
• Wash down after two weeks leaving clean and dry for sealing.
  

Remember, we do not recommend that Slate be used in "wet" areas. Allow 7-10 days after laying and grouting to ensure slate and adhesive is fully dry.

Clean the Slate with Aqua Mix Heavy Duty Tile & Grout Cleaner to remove dirt, dust or other impurities.

To remove cementitious grout haze use Aqua Mix Phosphoric Acid Cleaner.

To remove epoxy grout haze or adhesive residue, use Aqua Mix Sealer & Adhesive Remover.

Thoroughly rinse all cleaners from the surface and allow to dry.
For a Natural Finish

To achieve a no sheen, natural look, apply Aqua Mix Stone Sealers Choice for maximum resistance against oil & grease or Aqua Mix Stone Sealer for good stain resistance.

Apply as per directions on the bottle & always TEST A SMALL AREA to determine the ease of application & desired results.
For an Enhanced Look, No Sheen Finish

To achieve a no sheen, enhanced look, apply Aqua Mix Enrich'N'Seal.

It will provide maximum resistance against oil & grease & deliver the desired "wet look" without a high gloss finish.

Apply as per directions on the bottle & always TEST A SMALL AREA to determine the ease of application & desired results.
For a Low Sheen finish

To achieve a low sheen finish to your terracotta apply 3-4 coats of Aqua Mix Slate Sealer. Apply as per directions on the bottle & always TEST A SMALL AREA to determine the ease of application & desired results. Aqua Mix Slate Sealer provides both a stain resistant surface seal and a durable low-sheen finish
For a Gloss Finish (Interior only)

To achieve a high gloss finish to your slate, apply 2-3 coats of Aqua Mix Floor Shine & Hardener AFTER following the Low Sheen Finish directions above.