How to mix cement mortar by hand DIY

A short video showing how to mix sand and cement mortar by hand on a board. The video shows the whole process and how to make a smooth, workable mix. It also covers one very important ingredient which is plasticiser!

[flyingfortressrc]

Thanks for the video.
I'm looking into using cement for an RC car crawler course and this will definitely help since I've never done this before..

[MarcusT]

You just knew I’d watch this a few more times before doing my mix 😆

[cazmataz]

Hi, thanks for this, it's just what I needed😊 two questions: how long did it actually take you to mix that small amount? Also, would that consistency be good enough for patio slabs?

[brianherbert]

I'm a beginner - going to replace about 8 bricks where the mortar has crumbled, so this video is perfect. Should I use a 4-1 mix for that or something stronger? They are just decorative bricks on the top of a gate post - so no load. Great Channel by the way - I'm learning loads!

[AlexEllis]

Thanks for the video. If you're putting coarse mortar in between crazy paving slabs, could you use sharp sand instead of builder's sand?

[amcmanus]

Great video. Beginners question if I may…building sand or sharp sand? And can you use SBR as the plasticiser?

[MarcusT]

Amazing buddy. Just what I need!

I think my issue has been not mixing it well enough. But that will happen when you try and mix 4 times the amount of material in this video in a bucket with your forearms hanging off 😆

Going to watch this a good few times before building back that chimney!

[MarcusT]

Rewatching this, I can see you’ve got the same brand cement, but I can’t work out why my mortar has been so dark grey. Almost like too much cement.

But, I’ve been doing 4:1 as well. So now I realise it’s because my Travis Perkins sand, which is so dark, is what’s causing it. Yours in this video is much nicer sand, and looks less gritty.

I’m buying from the local builder’s merchant today, as the Travis Perkins stuff has been like sharp sand, and even has tiny stones and seashells in it.

[itsallbullox]

Good content n well illustrated Sam.. would you recommend using plasticiser for all type of mix.. or job specific.. good channel mate👍

[MarcusT]

Haha you just knew I’d be back to watching this. Still amazed how it goes from seemingly bone dry to a nice perfect consistency with no more added water!

I think Monday is the day I’ll be knocking up my first batch.

Just hope I can get the Feb amount right. 125ml-250ml per 25kg bag of cement, so need to work out roughly what kg of cement I’m using, then go for the low end of the recommended Feb and I should be alright!

How long do you have to use the mortar? About 2 hours isn’t it buddy?

[stevevv]

Will that mix look less grey and more sand coloured once dry?

[Ivysaurss]

What ratio would you recommend for laying building stone down? (2 courses).

[AbhishekArun]

Can this mixture be used for roof tiles repair? If few tiles have popped out?

[Wayne-pbzx]

Great video. What type of sand do you use?

[bladez]

2 parts sand to 1part cement if you want a stronger mix

[MarcusT]

Nearly up to 1k views already on this buddy! I think I’m 100 of them 😆