Honiston Slate

**theyomper** · 10-05-2008

Hi, I have some slate flooring to do next week and I have a couple of questions.
I have approx 25 m2 of 200 x 300mm graded Honiston Slate to lay in a dining room. I have layed plenty of slate before but this lot retails at £180 a m2.
Firstly the client wants little or no space, I have suggested a 1mm joint would this be suitable as the slates are spot on for size or would 2 mm be better? Brick pattern BTW.

Secondly I want toget a decent sheen on them and so far trailed one slate with 3 coats of Fila coluor intensifier but I am still not quite happy with the result, can someone recommend any other product?

Thanks in anticipation. the Yomper

TilingLogistics · 10-05-2008

The problem with slate or any natural stone for that matter is when you are trying to intensify the colour the product will only accept so much penetrating sealer. When that point is reached you can apply another gallon of the stuff if you want and it will make no difference except to make the surface messier. As for 1-2mm Grout gaps I have never seen this tight a gap with slate but thats not to say it hasn't been done. The substrate you are laying onto will have to be rigid though som I hope its not wood or floorboards with those tolerances. £mm is minimum BS by the way.

Kev

**365drills** · 10-05-2008

Just a quicky to say if you want perfect holes in slate (for Radiator pipes etc) not to forget your drill kit...

If you are in London we are at Grand Designs all week where there is some very top-end stuff on show both for bathrooms & kitchens.

**Dave** · 10-05-2008

I wouldn't go too tight on those joints...3mm will look fine......as for the sealer then try

Lithofin MN Slate Seal .....
A solvent based acrylate sealant that produces a high sheen finish, whilst intensifying and protecting the colours and aids maintenance on riven / rough multi-coloured slate.

Lithofin products can be bought from CTD branches.........

good luck and let us know how you get on.......

**theyomper** · 10-05-2008

Thanks for replies so far. Slate going onto concrete sub floor which I intend to SLC on Monday. As for the grout space I will try and talk them into 3mm. I'll post some piccy's when finished.

**pjc** · 10-05-2008

if its honed which its sounds like 2mm is what most peps expect now days even as Dave says its a bit small technically :Pete

**theyomper** · 17-05-2008

Well just finished the Honister Slate. Used Fila colour intensifier with 3 mm joints. Bear in mind seal still drying. Also on this job I did all the painting and decorating.

Thanks for all the advice.