About Ron Unger Expertise Floor and wall preparation and layout for the installation of ceramic, porcelain and natural stone tiles. Tile repairs, waterproofing of shower seats, pans, walls, steamers and floors. Floating and setting shower pans, walls and floors. grouting, cleaning and sealing sanded, unsanded and epoxy grouts. General knowledge of tile products and the application of products.
Experience I've been in the ceramic tile trade for 21 years, the first 10 years as a tile finisher and the last 11 years as a journeyman tile layer. I've worked in the residential and commercial fields. I've served as Forman as well as layed tile on jobs such as; Car Dealerships, Grocery Stores, Movie Theaters, Hotels, Office Bldgs. ect... As well as; Multi Million Dollar Homes and Condominiums.
Education/Credentials I've attended a tile finishers course and a tile layers course. I am also trained in blueprint reading as well as OSHA certified.
Awards and Honors The company I work for won an award for their ceramic tile work done on the Mexican Consulate in Chicago from the "Tile Contractors Association of America", which I was the forman on.
We have a spec house we purchased from the builder. For some reason he painted the slate around the gas fireplace a shiny black. He told us it was slate, but could really be anything underneath, we've found out he wasn't the most honest person. Anyway, I just can't do the shiny black, a little too trendy for me. I was hoping I could strip off the paint and see what it looks like underneath. If the raised hearth section looks ok, leave it as is. If not then tile it with slate tiles from HD or Lowes. I plan to tile the surround section regardless of what it looks like. I've done a little tiling in our old house but I didn't have these unknowns.
What I don't know about is how to deal with the paint. Can I use a chemical stripper or do I need to sand or some other mechanical removal? If I use a chemical stripper will I have problems with the thinset not adhering to the stone after that? Could I just tile right on top of the black paint and not worry about stripping? Do I need to use a particular type of thinset?
Thanks for any advice you may have on this!
Answer Hi Cody,
If you just want to retile it you can rough it up with a heavy grit sand paper and go over it using a thinset with a straight latex additive (no water)not a latex modified thinset. Are sure this is in fact paint or a stone enhancer/sealer. These are sealers that put a sheen on unpolished stone to give it a wet look.
If you are going to tile over it anyway but are curious as to what the slate does look like under the paint, then try a test area with a little paint striper. Slate is a durable stone and a striper should not harm it.
I hope this answer is of some help to you please feel free to write back with any other questions you may have.
Thank You,
Ron
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