DIY Home Improvement Guide | Sealing a Slate Floor

Sealing a Slate Floor

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There is one simple answer to this question. It will not hurt your slate flooring if you seal it. In fact it will only make it stronger and less susceptible to future damages. The best time to seal slate floor tiles is before you install them, but it is still okay to seal them after installation, in fact it’s a very common process. The following article has been designed to answer any questions you might have about the sealing process.

The first thing to ask yourself is if you want your floor to have a shiny of natural finish. If shiny is what you are looking for than proceed to seal. If you want the floor to continue having an aged and natural look than I wouldn’t suggest sealing. It is not a must, and your floor will still continue to be beautiful.

Secondly, try to avoid high levels of Volatile Organic Compounds when applying your sealant. VOCs are present in nature but they can be harmful and toxic if you are working in a closed off area. Be sure to open the windows and get fresh air often. I would recommend using a water-based polyurethane sealer. They’re low in VOCs, dry quickly and can be cleaned up with warm water.

If you’ve already installed your floor than be sure to clean all the tiles and let them dry before adding any sealant. Also fix any mortar or grout problems, and let them dry before beginning the process. This can sometimes take three to four days to dry. Once everything is dried and clean, you can proceed to seal the tiles. For the best results follow the grains of the tile when applying the sealant. Let the first coat dry for a few hours before starting the second coat. Once the second coat is finished and dry you should be all set to walk on the floor and return the furniture.

If you are installing and sealing a slate floor then I would recommend coating the Slate Tiles with one coat of sealant before setting them in the mortar. You can simply let them dry and install them just as you would if they were new. I would wait for the mortar to dry after the tiles have been set in place. Once that is finished drying then you will be all set to grout the tiles. To improve the water resistance of the floor and strengthen the bond between the tiles and the grout, mix some sealant with the grout instead of water.

Once the tile has been set and grouted you must clean the surface very well. I would suggest cleaning the tiles at least two different times, before adding a second coat of sealant. Once the slate tile flooring is ready to be sealed follow the same instructions you would if you were sealing an installed floor.

For more tips about floors please visit www.floors-web.com

We’ll help you make the right choice.

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