i have bought 400mmx400mm black galaxy granite floor tiles for area 13sqm in the kitchen. it has a concrete floor which has been sealed (think it is like a black bitumen type sealant) but there is no dust or loose bits etc.
1) i need some advise on what is the best manufacturer of adhesive and which type is best for me to get and colour

2) what is the best manufacturer of grout and colour to get with this tile

3) what is the procedure for cleaning and sealing these tiles pre and post grouting

thanks vince

Personally I think that Mapei are the best for adhesives and grouts, you can get it from any Tile Giant. The colour of the adhesive will depend on the colour of the grout. With dark tiles and dark grout you are going to want a grey adhesive. As for the colour of the grout, that is really down to your preference, Id prob either go with a black to blend in with the tiles or a grey to make the tiles stand out but it is difficult to say without seeing the tiles.

Thanks for the reply. I get the impression Mapei and BAL seem to be the best but wanted some pro advise!! The kitchen has quite a high flow of traffic, I assume a normal adhesive is ok, not a flexible one. I think we will go for black grout.

You will want to use a single part flexi adhesive. Iv used both BAL and Mapei and to be honest BAL doesnt come close and is more expensive. Your best bet would be to go into a Tile Giant and have a word with the guys in there, maybe take one of your tiles in as well so they will know exactly what you need.

You need to determine what this black sealant is...before you go ahead, it might need removing first..

Sorry, I missed that.

The black galaxy is not 100% granite its a composit tile, these tiles do not require sealing if you do seal them it will leave a greasy coat which is a pain to remove.

Originally Posted by boardy

The black galaxy is not 100% granite its a composit tile, these tiles do not require sealing if you do seal them it will leave a greasy coat which is a pain to remove.

I am sorry to tell you but you are wrong regarding the above statement. Furthermore, a lot of Granite does require sealing and if applied correctly a premium impregnating sealer will not leave any greasy residue on the surface. As always I advocate that you conduct a test prior to sealing. In the meantime here is some bedtime reading for you.


BLACK GALAXY & STAR GALAXY GRANITE
Black Galaxy granite is one of the world's most popular granite choices however this very success is now creating a problem, consequently, and it does not matter whether you are a trade or retail buyer, it is important to understand the fundamental differences between the various qualities you may be offered.
It is estimated that in excess of one million cubic metres of the granite has been quarried since extraction started.
The technical geological name for this granite is Gabbric Anorthosite. The material has a hardness of around 6.5 on the Moh's scale which can be termed as moderately hard.
Black Galaxy is from near Ongole, Andhra Pradesh, India. The original Galaxy material introduced in the early 1980's, with the densest black background and bright reflectors, is known as Star Galaxy. The Star Galaxy quarry is not a massive one therefore the volume of blocks produced could not supply all the dealers who purport to sell this material.
The gold specks are due to the presence of ferrous rich Enstatine (Bronzite). Black Galaxy can be broadly divided into three types based on the size of the gold coloured specks as:
1. Large specked Black Galaxy
2. Medium specked Black Galaxy
3. Small specked Black Galaxy
BLACK GALAXY, BLACK & WHITE LINE VEINS
Like all natural stones Black Galaxy can and does vary in appearance and physical structure with natural veins a common feature within the material. Once again, these can broadly be divided into four types as follows:
1. Slabs and tiles clean of any veining
2. Slabs and tiles with one vein line
3. Slabs and tiles with two vein lines
4. Slabs and tiles with three vein lines or more
It must be stated that the vein lines do not affect the integrity of the material. They are natural hence they cannot be removed.
The presence of natural veins exists in nearly all the quarries, and considering that the recovery rate of the material has been poor, this has pushed up the cost of quarrying quite considerably. However the past few years has seen the Chinese purchasing many of the smaller blocks, many with veining, since they are not so obssessed with the Western culture of a "perfect" natural material. The Chinese now account for 95% of the purchases of small blocks.
Some blocks when viewed closley actually have a green tinge and slightly open veining in the background. Once more this does not affect the integrity of the material however this quality is usually valued slightly less and this quality particularly may need sealing when used for kitchen counter tops.
SURFACE PITTING: Added 21st May 2007
All Black Galaxy has natural surface pitting owing to its petrographical composition and even after resining of the material small pits and natural fissures may be evident. It is generally accepted that the the deeper in the quarry the blocks are extracted, say 10-20 metres below ground level, that more pitting is found to exist in the blocks. Generally those quarries above ground level, 50-70 metres, have less pitting in the processed slabs.
This is a totally natural occurence and if one's preference is for an absolutely perfectly smooth, gloss finish with no natually evident features, then selection of this material is not recommended.
It is thought that the pitting is not caused by the Bronzite specks but by sand/mud holes formed when the magma flowed across the land and cooled down. The pits are generally very smooth and it is extremely difficult for resin to attach itself to the surface.
Taking all the above information into account, it is clear that for large contracts a considerable saving may be made by using pre-dimensioned materials with an acceptable colour and variable veining.
Update February 2005
There are now over 44 quarries spread over 400 acres of land. The sizes of quarries range between 2 and 20 acres each. Around 8,000 CBM (Cubic Metres) of Black Galaxy granite is produced every month. Only 40% of the volume make up big blocks and are commonly called gang-saw size blocks and these are blocks of sizes above 2.40m x 1.20m x 1.00m.
The remainder of the blocks are used for producing tiles, dimensioned slabs, vanity units etc.
Precisely because of the variation of block sizes, in colour quality and vein lining, the price of the raw Galaxy rough blocks from the quarry can have an enormous price variance. The price paid for the rough block will be reflected in the finished product and since Black Galaxy is actively traded as a commodity and owing to the large volume of quarrying, large blocks in First Choice material are becoming scarcer and much more expensive.
As with all natural materials it is very important to view Black Galaxy before buying and not to buy on price alone.
New Grading Standards
Taking into account all the above information we have decided to introduce our own grading standard for the qualities we shall supply so that the client may select their most preferred material, these will be:
1. Black Galaxy Q1 : No veining or one single vein
2. Black Galaxy Q2 : One or two veins
3. Black Galaxy Q3 : Two, three or more veins
Non-acceptance of these conditions will mean we cannot supply.


Black Galaxy & Star Galaxy Granite : Technical Specifications
Description of Black Galaxy, Star Galaxy This material has a dark black background with golden specks in it. General Usage for Black Galaxy, Star Galaxy It is mainly used for flooring, cladding, kitchen counters and table tops. It looks best when it is glossy. Available in both slabs and tiles. Quarrying Area for Black Galaxy, Star Galaxy Cheemakurti, Bodawada, Prakasam District, Andhra Pradesh, Southern India Technical Specification Compressive Strength 2777 Kg/cm2 Comp. Strength after Gelivity 2696 Kg/cm2 Ultimate Tensile Strength 274 Kg/cm2 Coeff. Thermal expansion 0.0045mm/mcº Water Absorption 0.04% Impact Test-Min Fall Height 68 cm Specific Gravity 2.960 Kg/m3 Hardness (Moh's Scale) 6.5 Note These figures and details are given for guidance purposes only, no reliance should be taken as to their accuracy.

Tel

I would not use grey adhesive for natural stone (even if it is granite), it has got too much ferrum (Fe), bitumen floor needs polymer dispersion special primer before adhesive.

Depends which manufacturer's advice you follow but I think you'll find that if what's on the floor has any petroleum content then you need to stop that coming into contact with the cement because petroleum can atttack the cement.

There are SBR primers but there are also epoxy primers. I always think of epoxy as the top of the top and fortunately the primers are much much easier to use than the grouts!

Originally Posted by Terry Cottar

I am sorry to tell you but you are wrong regarding the above statement. Furthermore, a lot of Granite does require sealing and if applied correctly a premium impregnating sealer will not leave any greasy residue on the surface. As always I advocate that you conduct a test prior to sealing. In the meantime here is some bedtime reading for you.


BLACK GALAXY & STAR GALAXY GRANITE
Black Galaxy granite is one of the world's most popular granite choices however this very success is now creating a problem, consequently, and it does not matter whether you are a trade or retail buyer, it is important to understand the fundamental differences between the various qualities you may be offered.
It is estimated that in excess of one million cubic metres of the granite has been quarried since extraction started.
The technical geological name for this granite is Gabbric Anorthosite. The material has a hardness of around 6.5 on the Moh's scale which can be termed as moderately hard.
Black Galaxy is from near Ongole, Andhra Pradesh, India. The original Galaxy material introduced in the early 1980's, with the densest black background and bright reflectors, is known as Star Galaxy. The Star Galaxy quarry is not a massive one therefore the volume of blocks produced could not supply all the dealers who purport to sell this material.
The gold specks are due to the presence of ferrous rich Enstatine (Bronzite). Black Galaxy can be broadly divided into three types based on the size of the gold coloured specks as:
1. Large specked Black Galaxy
2. Medium specked Black Galaxy
3. Small specked Black Galaxy
BLACK GALAXY, BLACK & WHITE LINE VEINS
Like all natural stones Black Galaxy can and does vary in appearance and physical structure with natural veins a common feature within the material. Once again, these can broadly be divided into four types as follows:
1. Slabs and tiles clean of any veining
2. Slabs and tiles with one vein line
3. Slabs and tiles with two vein lines
4. Slabs and tiles with three vein lines or more
It must be stated that the vein lines do not affect the integrity of the material. They are natural hence they cannot be removed.
The presence of natural veins exists in nearly all the quarries, and considering that the recovery rate of the material has been poor, this has pushed up the cost of quarrying quite considerably. However the past few years has seen the Chinese purchasing many of the smaller blocks, many with veining, since they are not so obssessed with the Western culture of a "perfect" natural material. The Chinese now account for 95% of the purchases of small blocks.
Some blocks when viewed closley actually have a green tinge and slightly open veining in the background. Once more this does not affect the integrity of the material however this quality is usually valued slightly less and this quality particularly may need sealing when used for kitchen counter tops.
SURFACE PITTING: Added 21st May 2007
All Black Galaxy has natural surface pitting owing to its petrographical composition and even after resining of the material small pits and natural fissures may be evident. It is generally accepted that the the deeper in the quarry the blocks are extracted, say 10-20 metres below ground level, that more pitting is found to exist in the blocks. Generally those quarries above ground level, 50-70 metres, have less pitting in the processed slabs.
This is a totally natural occurence and if one's preference is for an absolutely perfectly smooth, gloss finish with no natually evident features, then selection of this material is not recommended.
It is thought that the pitting is not caused by the Bronzite specks but by sand/mud holes formed when the magma flowed across the land and cooled down. The pits are generally very smooth and it is extremely difficult for resin to attach itself to the surface.
Taking all the above information into account, it is clear that for large contracts a considerable saving may be made by using pre-dimensioned materials with an acceptable colour and variable veining.
Update February 2005
There are now over 44 quarries spread over 400 acres of land. The sizes of quarries range between 2 and 20 acres each. Around 8,000 CBM (Cubic Metres) of Black Galaxy granite is produced every month. Only 40% of the volume make up big blocks and are commonly called gang-saw size blocks and these are blocks of sizes above 2.40m x 1.20m x 1.00m.
The remainder of the blocks are used for producing tiles, dimensioned slabs, vanity units etc.
Precisely because of the variation of block sizes, in colour quality and vein lining, the price of the raw Galaxy rough blocks from the quarry can have an enormous price variance. The price paid for the rough block will be reflected in the finished product and since Black Galaxy is actively traded as a commodity and owing to the large volume of quarrying, large blocks in First Choice material are becoming scarcer and much more expensive.
As with all natural materials it is very important to view Black Galaxy before buying and not to buy on price alone.
New Grading Standards
Taking into account all the above information we have decided to introduce our own grading standard for the qualities we shall supply so that the client may select their most preferred material, these will be:
1. Black Galaxy Q1 : No veining or one single vein
2. Black Galaxy Q2 : One or two veins
3. Black Galaxy Q3 : Two, three or more veins
Non-acceptance of these conditions will mean we cannot supply.


Black Galaxy & Star Galaxy Granite : Technical Specifications
Description of Black Galaxy, Star Galaxy This material has a dark black background with golden specks in it. General Usage for Black Galaxy, Star Galaxy It is mainly used for flooring, cladding, kitchen counters and table tops. It looks best when it is glossy. Available in both slabs and tiles. Quarrying Area for Black Galaxy, Star Galaxy Cheemakurti, Bodawada, Prakasam District, Andhra Pradesh, Southern India Technical Specification Compressive Strength 2777 Kg/cm2 Comp. Strength after Gelivity 2696 Kg/cm2 Ultimate Tensile Strength 274 Kg/cm2 Coeff. Thermal expansion 0.0045mm/mcº Water Absorption 0.04% Impact Test-Min Fall Height 68 cm Specific Gravity 2.960 Kg/m3 Hardness (Moh's Scale) 6.5 Note These figures and details are given for guidance purposes only, no reliance should be taken as to their accuracy.

Tel

Tel..

Some comps are selling composite/resin mixtures and naming them star galaxy granite etc and don't need sealing.... so it is best to always check first....

Originally Posted by Dave

Tel..

Some comps are selling composite/resin mixtures and naming them star galaxy granite etc and don't need sealing.... so it is best to always check first....

Dave

That's exactly why I always say do a test first. I recently went into a restoration job that had been architect specified and the company had paid for black granite at £85M2+ What was fixed on the floor was black basalt and lo and behold both the company that had fixed it and the company that supplied it had both gone out of business but it took this company 6 months and a visit from us to find out they didn't have granite. So what chance has a private guy got?

tel

if the bitumin is the like of synfruprofe dpm is said can take a cement based cover when tacky , but sbr can tend to pool on a surface like this if this is your floor give a go but for a customer who wants a guarantee i would probily decline job or insist on cop out in receipt

so this composite/resin star galaxy is not granite but if it looks good whats the problem

Originally Posted by albyshellshear

so this composite/resin star galaxy is not granite but if it looks good whats the problem

There isn't a problem as long as it is not sold to the customer as a True Granite.

tel

Originally Posted by Terry Cottar

There isn't a problem as long as it is not sold to the customer as a True Granite.

tel

I only asked because i had bought 25m2 for me and my mum to do both are kitchens, i was tiling my mums today and it looks good i have nearly butted it together with about a 1mm gap and will grout it with black grout, i am trying to get it to basicaly look like 1 slab. buffed up its gonna look splendid.