Do I need to seal slate tiles if they're in a hearth ?

[LeeDowner]

I've bought some slates to tile my hearth with, the fire that will go in it is only electric and there won't be any water near it to leave water marks etc...

The guy in topps tiles said something about the grout and adhesive soaking into the slates though so it would need to be sealed. Is he right ? If so what should I use to seal ?

 

[Nevis37]

I have just bought the same 30 x 30 slate tiles and on the same advice from topps tiles bought a sealer in order to allow the grout to not stain the slate or in his words 'not be a bugger to get off'. He also offered a enhancer to darken the slate, which I may buy also.
Good deal on the slate mind 1.79 each and only one dodgy one in the four packs I purchased!

 

[jctilingservices]

yes you must seal your slate mate, otherwise its not just grout that could stain it. A colour enhancer works by bringing the colours of the slate through, no need for it on a hearth. If you are not very confident about tiling, personally i would seal the faces and edges of the tiles before you start laying them, too much adhesive and it could get onto the face of the tiles and stain them