Mixing Thin-set Mortar and Your Mosaic Artwork

Working with thin-set mortar can be intimidating. Yet it is an essential adhesive in the mosaic world and the preferred adhesive for exterior mosaics. In this video we discuss easy storage solutions, give a detailed mixing demonstration, lay tips and discussion about safety.

Wikipedia: Thinset (also called thin-set mortar, thin-set cement, dry-set mortar, or dry-bond mortar) is an adhesive mortar made of cement, fine sand and a water-retaining agent such as an alkyl derivative of cellulose. It is usually used to attach tile or stone to surfaces such as cement or concrete. It is particularly popular among mosaicists for outdoor applications. We always use polymer fortified thin-set.

For more detailed demonstrations of mixing thin-set mortar check out the other videos on the playlist: “Working with Thin-set Mortar “

Favorite tools noted in this video are these two spatulas:

Safety First: WEAR A MASK. What is the difference between N95 mask and NK95 ?? The NK95 is the Chinese version. N95 is USA, Department of Health preference.

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[MakeitMosaics]

Thanks everybody watching the premier. Fun.

[Pedigree]

Thank you for taking the time to make this video. It's a huge help for people like me who have no idea how to properly make mosaics. How to stay safe too.

[MsSimpleTreasures]

I’m new to mosaic and this vid was very helpful. Thank you

[Lizzygal]

I really enjoy Kim's videos..
Thank you.

[Donner]

Thanks. I'm waiting for a vintage mosaic picture I bought on Ebay, and know I will have to add a few missing pieces. I'll follow your other videos.

[maryannreddell]

Such practical advice all throughout this video. Saves me from any intimidation and disappointing mistakes using thinset. Thanks once again for sharing your experienced tips! Makes the world of creating mosaics available to all of us to learn from- & to enjoy the mortar process calmly!

[kara-miasmosaics]

Excellent video.. I will share to my mosaic page.. :)

[judywheeler]

I always learn from your videos. Keep ‘‘em coming. ❤️

[Lizzygal]

Thank you for this video..
I always enjoy your calm explanations.

[cindycoleman]

Thank you for your informative videos.

[shanahiggins]

How and where do you clean your tools up? How do you know how much to mix at a time? This is fascinating.

[erfan]

This video was awesome!I use thinset, and the tips were very helpful. Thanks!

[damarisdiaz-gormley]

Thank you so very much for making this video. I am new to mosaic making and I appreciate your time and all the information you post for us newbies! 😁 This is my 3rd mosaic, and with your help (fingers crossed) it will be a success. Also, I purchased a few items from you, very happy with my purchase. Wish you were near me, no mosaic enthusiasts in my area, makes it easier to have you online.
Much appreciated! ❤

[christinemartin]

For exterior use in Nj but will take in on the winter

[deborahmatthews]

GREAT info! What size formula bags do you use? Thank you.

[krinjalbhuva]

Hi, a question for you - I am planning to make a 12in * 12in * 24in indoor decorative planter pot. I have some leftover thinset mortar (mapie keraflex SG) from other projects. So I am thinking to use thinset mortar to make the planter pot. Do you think thinset mortar will be strong enough to not crack if I use it ? Usuall cement is stronger than thinset mortar but from construction perspective. But if I just using it for decorative planters pot will it hold?

Ps - I loved your work so much so that it got me thinking to try it myself. This is definitely going to be my next project 😊

[bonful]

Thanks for this informative demo❣️ I found it very helpful. Can you use thinset when embedding glass pieces?

[shellygordon]

I am using an old concrete bird bath that was left in my yard when we bought the house. After cleaning the bowl, do I need to seal it before applying the thin set/tiles?

[sophiahutchence]

Can I use regular grout on top of the thinset to fill in the gaps? Or does grout not stick well into thinset?

[bonful]

Thanks for this informative demo. It was very helpful as I have never used thinset.
Can thinset be used to embed glass pieces? Thanks again.