How to mix thinset mortar the proper way,

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It might seem like a simple thing, how to mix thinset Mortar, just add some water to some powder and stir it a bit, wrong. Thinset mortar is composed of many things, and it needs to be blended and mixed with the appropriate amount of water, or other liquid, for the correct amount of time and then in many cases left to slake, and then mixed again. There is actually a lot of chemistry that goes into a bag of Mortar, and that chemistry needs to be activated the proper way to obtain all the properties it is designed to deliver. There is no guessing and no approximation possible to be sure to have the properties , workability, pot life open time and everything else that the thinset mortar is consistently every time. If you look at a bag of thinset mortar and read all the information on it, you will find a great deal of information, including the standards it is made to, the uses it is designed for and much more, including, how to mix the thinset mortar. Following the directions is important, in this video I detail exactly how to determine what the directions are and how to mix it to the proper consistency every time.
All tile installed by Sal DiBlasi, Elite-tile Company, in the Boston North Shore area. This video contains affiliate links, which means I will receive a small commission if you click on the product link.
#tile #transformthetrade #howtotile #installingtile #howtoinstalltile #Schlutersystems #TCNA #mixingthinstmortar #thisnet



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Love that vacuum bucket attachment. Brilliant and safe, thank you.
That trick alone may save lives. Concrete dust kills.

[thecrasian]

I was a helper for 2 years before becoming a full installer. 2 years of mixing thin set for the tile setters, I mastered it.

[D.A.karp]

Sal, your awesome and a legend.
As a fellow tile installer, with a lot of the same credentials and vision for the industry- your video's are a bible to anyone looking to learn

[benharrison]

I bought a digital fish scale I originally got for measuring fertilizer to put on my lawn. You just hang your bucket on the hook, tare it, then you can add your powder or whatever to make sure you have the right ratio. Useful tool.

[benjolaoso]

Before starting all my diy projects. I watch several Sal vids in front of my prepped jobs before I start.Thanks a million.even if you hire a contractor you should watch to recognize rite from wrong during their work days.

[buzzydj]

Never done this type of work, but currently in the process of planning a DIY job of mosaic tile for my kitchen backsplash and you have already taught me a great deal on how to do it properly. Thanks for the upload and your expertise Sal.

[aportman]

Sal, one of the top tile contractors that is excellent instructing and explaining any aspect of the process! Great video!

[ronswanson]

Sal - Thanks for all your great information! I did a backsplash this weekend, my first attempt at tiling. My thinset mix and application was terrible. Mixed it a few times, added water, etc. EVERYTHING you said not to do. The next day I followed the thinset instructions to the T and the mixture was much more manageable and the result was a lot better ( and my wife and I are now talking to each other again). Thanks, again.

[StephensCrown]

Whale tale and a measuring cup, that's how you already know you a pro. God bless you sir

[stephenoneill]

What's in the bag is alot of chemistry.never a truer word spoken.its not cement, add water done.read the instructions on the back of the bag.cheers sal excellent video as usual

[dietersdiy]

Thanks for tip. I laid tile last night and I read the instructions first.

[hammersaw]

You are absolutely right Sal, I recently realized this when I tried different mortar mixed the same way I usually mix my mortar, different products come out different thicknesses, whatever they say on the bag is a good starting point for sure, otherwise you end up mixing way too much mortar, I think a lot of the better quality thinset mortars are using water reducing agents, so the old mason's eye wont do you any favors because who knows how much of what each manufacturer puts in their different products.

[Ally-vpks]

My man said “follow the instructions on the bag” 😆...big facts Sal. I’m about to install some hexagon tile in my bathrooms (never laid tile before) so I’m watching your videos

[paulstephens]

Thanks for all the professional advice Sal

[davidmckinney]

Very well put! I have always said, when all else fails, let's read the instructions guys! The thinsets from most manufacturers will have specific times and like you said. I just had today used the large format & stone mix from same manufacturer and needed a 3 min mix then 5 min sleek then mix 1 more min then spread

[stephenryan]

Great video. One addition.... inspect and weigh the bag before mixing. I have purchased bags that are up to 10# light in material from lowes. The bags were likely broken and re-sealed but many times you cant tell because they use so e kind of melting device to re-seal the bag. I couldn’t figure out how occasionally i would mix a bag and it would be too loose. When I started weighing the bags before mixing it all became clear. The bags were occasionally short on mix.

[pharoahparks]

Man Sal, I wish I could work for you as an apprentice your knowledge is outstanding.

[terko]

That vacuum attachment you used when mixing thinset looks to be very handy, specially if you are working inside costumers houses. 👍

[sambolino]

Man, if I wanted to read and follow the manufacturer's instructions, I wouldn't be watching how to videos on YouTube! HA! It always kills me how people who aren't engineers think they can engineer something better than the engineer who engineered it! Great video!

[marklaffey]

Another fantastic video Sal Thanks for all your effort.