Full Answer
When to use modified or unmodified thinset?
Unmodified Thinsets – A User’s Guide
- Laticrete: Laticrete 272 is considered the premium (best) – then Laticrete 317. ...
- Mapei: Kerabond: This is considered Mapei’s premium unmodified thinset. ...
- Tec: Sturdi-Set: Tec’s premium unmodified. ...
- Bostik (Hydroment): Ditra-Set: This is the best product with which to set anything over kerdi or ditra – it was specifically manufactured for that purpose.
Can you mix cement with thinset?
Portland cement is used in thinset to provide the bonding mechanism; sand is added to temper the cement; and a liquid latex mortar additive is added to give the thinset pliability, allowing the materials to expand and contract without cracking. You can make your own thinset by purchasing these items separately and combining them.
What's the difference between floor tile grout and thinset?
Grout vs Thinset: Differences
- Purpose. While grout serves both an aesthetic and functional purpose, thinset only serves a single functional purpose.
- Materials. Grout is usually made by mixing cement with sand or silica, and various bonding elements. ...
- Versatility of Use. ...
- Consistency. ...
Can I use thinset over the drywall?
Thinset bonds best with a porous surface, such as new drywall or backerboard, which needs no preparation, but you can apply it over painted walls or tiles that are flat and in good condition as long as the shiny finish is removed. Use the type of thinset mortar specified for your particular tile. Click to see full answer.
Is premixed mortar any good?
Even though it is heavy to carry and more expensive than dry mortar mix, the ease and convenience of premixed thinset mortar make it ideal for do-it-yourselfers. Use premixed mortar for spaces such as small bathrooms, mudrooms, or utility rooms.Sep 18, 2021
Does premixed thinset take longer to dry?
While traditional dry-mixed thinset only takes between 24 and 72 hours to cure on average, pre-mixed thinsets can take between four and six days in normal conditions, and up to two weeks to dry in humid and cold climates.
What is premixed mortar used for?
Ready-mix mortar is effective in concrete repairs. You can use it to repair patches and create a strong bond in the damaged regions. Also, rather than mixing part cement and part sand, you can use ready mix mortar in repointing a wall. After repair, it can take 24-48 hours for the mortar mix to dry.Jul 5, 2021
How do you use pre-mixed thinset?
1:202:17Choosing Simple Pre-Mixed Tile Setting Products - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipYou won't have to worry about mixing. Anything they're ready to use right out of the bucket. UseMoreYou won't have to worry about mixing. Anything they're ready to use right out of the bucket. Use simple prep floor patch to repair irregularities in both concrete.
How long does premixed mortar last?
3 daysReady mixed mortar stays workable up to 3 days, but once it's in the wall it sets like conventional job- mixed mortar.
Can you add water to premixed thinset?
Can I add water to premixed thinset? Do NOT retemper (retemper means add water and stir) the thinset if it gets stiff in the mixing bucket. If you add water to stiff thinset to make it workable, you break the microscopic Portland cement crystals and the thinset will NOT be as strong as it could be.Jun 26, 2020
Can I use premixed thinset with glass tile?
The lightweight composition offers easy troweling, non-slip wall performance, and non-slump floor performance. Ultimate Premixed Mortar may be used for glass tile up to 8” x 8".
Are thinset and mortar the same thing?
The word “thinset” is sometimes used interchangeably with “mortar,” because it's a type of modified mortar made specifically for tile. Thinset is made of sand, water, and cement, and can also contain additives for increased bonding, water resistance, and flexibility.
What is the strongest mortar mix?
Type M mortarThe highest-strength mortar (2,500 psi) is Type M mortar, which is only used where considerable compressive strength is needed. Type M mortar is generally used with stone, since it's very strong and won't fail before the stone does.
Can you use premixed thinset on floor?
Simply stated, we use the premixed when we're working vertically (shower tiles and backsplashes) and powder-based on horizontal surfaces (floor tile).Jul 22, 2016
How much premixed thinset do I need?
Amount of Thinset Needed Divide the square footage of your project by 95 (the maximum coverage of a 50-pound bag of thinset. For example, a 10-by-12-foot room is 120 square feet; divided by 95, the result is 1.26. Round the number up to the next whole number. You'll need two 50-pound bags for this project.
How long does premixed tile mortar take to dry?
Drying Time Minimum dry time for 8" x 8" (20 x 20 cm) tile is 24-72 hours before applying grout. Dry time will vary depending on tile size, substrate porosity and ambient conditions.
What is thinset mastic?
Thinset is a portland cement based product and cannot be stored already mixed in a bucket. "Premixed thinset" is mastic with sand in it. Mastic is good for backsplashes and small format tile 8" or smaller. Mastic can actually stain some natural stones.
Is pre-mixed thin set adhesive thin set?
As already stated several times, pre-mixed "thin set" is NOT thin set at all. For an adhesive to be thin set it has to be made with Portland Cement. All you've got there is mastic which is inferior and costs 3-4 times more. It does have its uses though. Kitchen backsplash or any vertical dry area using certain types of tiles.
Can mastic be used on tile?
Try as I may, I cannot anywhere find any real evidence of tile failure when mastic is used as directed by the manufacturer. With that said, if I were a tile guy I would not use mastic because of the cure time. However, as a homeowner/DIYer I think it's an excellent option. .
Can you use mastic on 18" tiles?
I would not use mastic on 18" tiles. The stuff takes a long time to set up under larger tiles. I have done a half dozen floors using mastic to set 12" tiles. I have never had a failure. Get the subfloor/underlayment/structure right and you won't have a problem.
Can you wait for mastic to cure?
And yes, as you point out, a pro could never wait for mastic to cure to finish a job and make money. Manufacturers of setting materials put there products thru vigorous testing and in general when they say there product will do something, it probably will. That doesnt mean its the best product for the job. Upvote.
Similarities between Premixed Thinset and Mix-It-Yourself
The most common similarity is that you can use both on your shower or bath wall. It’s not difficult to work with thinset made from powder.
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Can you make a real thinset?
So it's impossible to make a real premixed thinset. What is labelled "premixed thinset" is really sanded mastic. Ideally, such labelling would not be permitted. Mastic is suitable for use on walls, in dry areas, for ceramic tiles (not natural stone) that are no larger than 8" x 8". Anywhere else, use real thinset.
Does mastic stay wet in a pail?
I heard it put really well somewhere on this forum. The mastic stays wet in the pail when the lid is closed so likewise, it is going to stay wet (at least for a long time) when sandwiched between a backerboard/substrate and the grouted tile. The tile acts as the lid, essentially.
Is thinset the same as bagged?
Beware premixed thinset. It is not the same as bagged thinset mortar that you mix yourself. Real thinset mortar contains portland cement, which chemically reacts with water to harden. Sealing it in an airtight buckek will not stop the chemical reaction from proceeding. So it's impossible to make a real premixed thinset.
What adhesive should I use for glass tile?
They make specific glass tile thinset’s which I recommend you use. My favorite is Laticrete’s Glass Tile Adhesive.
What is LFT tile?
Large Tiles:This includes the ever-popular wood grain plank tiles. This category went from being called Medium Bed Mortar, to LFT (Large Format Tile), and is now officially called Large and Heavy Tiles (LHT). So when you go to the store you may see any of these terms.
What is the ANSI rating for plywood?
Plywood: For going over plywood with products like Ditra or any other membrane the thinset will have to have an ANSI 118.11 rating on it. This is a requirement. This rating means that it’s been tested to bond to plywood. Don’t stick tile directly to the plywood subfloor no matter which thinset you use.
What size is a 12x24 tile?
One size is 15 inches or longer. 12×24’s are large tiles. 6×24’s are large tile. 18×18’s are large tiles. You need to get the best thinset for these and it needs to say something about “Large Tiles” on it. Additionally, you’ll want to make sure to use the correct tile notch trowelfor these large tiles.
Can you use thinset on large tiles?
For large tiles, you are going to want to use an unmodified thi nset that specifically says it’s ok for large tiles.
Can you use ditra on plywood?
Ditra and Kerdi:For Schluterproducts like Ditraand Kerdithey want you to use an unmodified mortar. The exception is when you are installing Ditra on plywood (see above). This also would apply to Ditra Heat. I’ve listed specific products in the chart above. Some of these can be found at big box stores.
What is premixed cement?
Premixed stuff is basically sand mixed with adhesive (glue). The stuff in the bags is call thinset mortar. It is real cement. Premixed depends solely on the water based adhesive drying out in order to harden. If the tile is going over a waterproof surface then it could take weeks for it to cure.
Can you mix 12x12 tiles with powdered tiles?
There is no need to mix the powdered version outside. You just have to put down a drop cloth under your mixing area and can do it indoors near your work area.#N#Eitherway, 12x12 tiles are not recommended to be used with premix. You can read the manufacturer's spec if you want.
