Can I install ceramic over an existing slate floor. The slate may have some protective coating on it, so I have 4 questions things:

1. How do I remove that coating / sealer if there is one there. This is an existing home that I hope to puchase so knowing if there is a sealer on it or not is anyones guess.

2. Do I need to apply an embossing leveler to be safe in making the new thinset, with latex additive, really adhere well?

3. Can I install the electric floor warming (pads) system in that thinset before installing the new ceramic. Not sure why that would be a problem.

4. Or should I eliminate all threee of the above steps and just rip out the enitre floor and start over. Thanks