Slate

Set up preparation and working out quantities is the same for Slate as Ceramic Floor Tiles

Laying slate

Before you lay any Slate, you will need to grade your Slate into 3 thicknesses: Thin, Medium and Thick. You will need to select which side of the Slate will be the face and remove any loose particles, dirt and dust by washing.

We recommend that Slate is laid with premium adhesive like Beaumont Barrierflex. If you choose a more economical adhesive, then extra preparation is needed.

For example a thin mix of ABAcrete and Super Tile Set must be prepared. This slurry is then painted on the back of each tile and allowed to dry. This promoted setter bonding. If this is done ABA Super Tile Set is suitable. Lay the thickest tiles first.

Cutting slate

Generally, you will need a masonry fibre disc or diamond edged blade in an angle grinder to cut Slate. For just a few cuts, a hacksaw with a carborundum blade is fine.

Grouting

Refer to our grouting section. Use ABA Quarry Grout. This is specifically designed for the wider grout joints between Slate. We recommend that Quarry Grout is mixed with BA Flexible Grout additive.

To prevent grout haze residue, add Aqua Mix Grout Haze Clean Up during the grout clean up process.

Sealing slate

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.

NOTE:

Cleaning & Maintenance

Regularly sweep or vacuum.

For routine cleaning use Aqua Mix Concentrated Tile Cleaner.

For periodic cleaning use Aqua Mix Heavy Duty Tile & Grout Cleaner.

Apply as per directions on the bottle & thoroughly rinse all cleaners from the surface