what is best to use on a natural slate floor? sand & cement mix or a nomal flexi grout?
if grout is it best to use a grouting gun?

I've got the same dilemma tomorrow, Either to buy a grout gun or just grout as normal after sealing of course..
Help us slate virgins!!!

have you sealed the tiles ,do they need sealing or are they sealed already?You need to work really cleanly with slate when grouting.Its best toget the grout off the tiles IMMEDIATELY with fresh clean water.I would use a grey flexi grout and use a grout float.IMO

Cheers brian..

I've tiled it and worked spotless just need to seal and then grout, The grout is black.

Grout float it is then..

Originally Posted by monty

Cheers brian..

I've tiled it and worked spotless just need to seal and then grout, The grout is black.

Grout float it is then..

just work as cleanly as you can and keep changing the water(i know its a pain but it saves time in the long run).

Thanks for the tip Brian.
can I be a further pain and ask what size joint you would use. They are a brazilian 'modular' slate.

Cheers

You need to mix up your grout a little bit firmer than you would if you were grouting ceramics. I use a plastic spatula to push the grout into the joints keepind it off the face of the slate. Do about 2m2 at a time and allow it to firm up before you sponge down. Keep your sponge damp not wet and slowly cut the grout back until you get a nice full joint.

As far as the type of grout, use a flexable if this is the easiest option for you, although I can mix my own grouts from scratch if need be.

Ive just grouted a slate floor this evening with carcoal what a pain in the cream crackers Im thinking of investing in a grouting gun i has to be easier than a grout float after 16 metres im fubar time for a pint kebeb and bed lol

What about a grout bag, I've tried the grout gun, Great until you get a blockage

Originally Posted by MICK the Tiler

You need to mix up your grout a little bit firmer than you would if you were grouting ceramics. I use a plastic spatula to push the grout into the joints keepind it off the face of the slate. Do about 2m2 at a time and allow it to firm up before you sponge down. Keep your sponge damp not wet and slowly cut the grout back until you get a nice full joint.

As far as the type of grout, use a flexable if this is the easiest option for you, although I can mix my own grouts from scratch if need be.

Good tip about the grouting technique Mick,cheers.

Thanks Brian,

Most tilers make the mistake of making their grout far too wet when grouting stone, you should be able to make a ball of grout in your hands if you can't then it is too wet. Having your grout too wet can lead to the grout bleeding into the ends of the slate creating a smear right along the edge of the joint making the job look a bit "MUDDY" on the edges, another problem that happens is the grout will slump leaving it low in the joint then you need to reapply (Not much fun)you will also find yourself doing alot more washing off this can strip the colour from the grout leaving it looking washed out.

monty you have got to wash the grout of straight away if left you will get a grey colour and its hard work to get of mate.

Originally Posted by MICK the Tiler

Thanks Brian,

Most tilers make the mistake of making their grout far too wet when grouting stone, you should be able to make a ball of grout in your hands if you can't then it is too wet. Having your grout too wet can lead to the grout bleeding into the ends of the slate creating a smear right along the edge of the joint making the job look a bit "MUDDY" on the edges, another problem that happens is the grout will slump leaving it low in the joint then you need to reapply (Not much fun)you will also find yourself doing alot more washing off this can strip the colour from the grout leaving it looking washed out.

Not forgetting slurry grouting of unfilled and sone honed stones tho aye Mick..

Your right Tony, forgot to mention this technique is for slate,sandstone,basalt,marble,honed trav and the like. If grouting unfilled trav you need to wet the grout up a bit more, But that's another thread