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
I appreciate his teaching immensely. Basically to follow the directions and don’t think about experimenting with remixing to stretch your supply as it hardens. Thank you so much Sal!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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
Like to share my experience as a first time thinset mixer. Yes, follow the recommended amount of water on the bag as Sal says. If you don't have a large electric mixer don't attempt to mix a 50lb bag. Nearly burnt my drill doing that. Buy a paddle suited to mixing thinset also. Paint paddles don't work so well. I suggest mixing a smaller batch at first. I found that 2 gallons of thinset to 2 quarts of water worked for me. You get about 3 batches per 50lb Versabond bag that way. Don't hurry if you use Versabond, it does not harden for hours in the bucket. I know Versabond is cheap thinset but it's what HD sells. You have to shop Lowes if you want the better Mapei product. Took a tip from mixing pizza dough and added the dry to the water in two parts.
Having the correct tools is essential. however different types of dry set mortar require different amounts of water, by this I mean some require a higher ratio of powder to water than others, in some cases quite significant.
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
@@SalDiBlasi is it fine to split the bag in half and add half the water? I'm laying backer board in a small bathroom so I don't want to use a whole 50 lb bag
Good video. Today I installed Strata Mat over plywood. I followed many of your helpful tips in the How to install Strata Mat vid, like using the grey thinset which made it much easier to see how much coverage I was getting. Great tip. Thank you. I mixed it only slightly soupier than usual for my first cut piece. Worked fine, but for the second piece, I mixed it a lot looser than I would usually, and it did seem to be easier to key in and spread, less toil. Even less air trapped, if any, and good coverage. I did not use a a roller, but a wooden float, and stepped all over it like Donnie D shows in his vid.
Another informative video Sal! I admire your shop-vac attachment for getting rid of the thinset dust while mixing. Much better than holding your breath
Nice demo Sal .... that’s what ur looking for ... consistency. Here is a thought based on my experience. A lot of times I don’t need to mix a whole bag. This is what I do. I’ve found the using a ratio process. 1 to 3. I use a quart container and put in 1 cup / Qt. Of water to 3 cups / Qt of thin set. You can adjust the water if needed, but I’ve found this process works. It’s easy to work out the ratio from the bag. Arden is just a different ratio Later
Many of the bags will have the ratio of liquid to powder printed on the bag, if not it he powder should be weighed and then the correct amount of water added. Seems simple, most manufacturers recommend mixing the whole bag because the contents can settle during shipping, they will recommend blending the powder if partial bags are to be used.
Love the whale tail. Does work very well on the dust. And mixing mortar is more difficult than people think. The only other problem I have with mortar is taking in to account temp and humidity levels of the day using it on.
Man, if I wanted to read and follow the manufacturer's instructions, I wouldn't be watching how to videos on UA-cam! 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!
One thing that most people get wrong and then complain it doesn't work like it is supposed to is thinset, this is for those people that ref to read directions.
Thanks for the link. I'd already gone straight out to depot and and got a generic attachment I modified to sit on the bucket. Works great! Thanks again - you get a sub for that alone
Since I need to mix much smaller amounts of thinset to use at a time I convert the water to mortar ratio into a rate. For the Mapei lft it is something like 250-270 ml water per kg of mortar
Thanks Sal. Your videos set me straight. Unfortunately after ive already laid the floor but i think it will hold up for a few years atleast. Used way too small a notch😬. Im about to lay the subway tile (3x6) on the walls and thanks to you they will be properly installed and last a really long time. Thanks again
Sal! Huge thank you for all of your videos. I have learned so much, and am currently putting in my own kitchen floor tile using Ditra. Happy New Year, and big high five!
Hey man, New subscriber here. Just wanted to say thanks for making this video. Who would have thought to just read the directions. I did my first shower wall today and mixed my mortar the way you said in this video. Everything worked out nice with the help of a lot of your videos.
What I still find lacking for information on various package directions and in many how to videos is WHAT IF YOU ONLY NEED A SMALL AMOUNT of thinset or mortar for a small job? I don't always want to use a whole bag every time. More of the manufacturers should put ratios on their bags. It would also help if more how to vidoes addressed that. I'm slow at tiling - actually I'm just slow! LOL So it would be helpful for a real DIY type like me. This is what I like about Ardex.
Your clean in the way you use a vacuum, I use the same attachment , but always finger wipe the paddle. Just banging it off and spinning in the bucket creates a very nasty bucket at the end of the day. Now getting rid of that nasty slurry water is a problem and most guys just chuck it on the grass. I at least like that you take it out of the water bucket, because that's an accident waiting to happen. I dont use your particular drill and paddle , but after I mix , I then first release the paddle from drill , tap the mud off in the bucket, then finger all the mud from paddle before putting just the paddle in the water bucket. At the end of the day my paddle bucket has no nasty mud in the bottom....I know it's a small thing and most would think I'm nuts, but I cant stand a nasty water bucket at the end of the day that can ruin a lawn or that you have to scrape out.....love the direction video however, definitely should be flollowed
Glad to see you clean your paddle when your done, ardex school said basically what you're saying asked if I can fan dry ardex they about had a heart attack the answer is never
Ardex academy in Pittsburgh, was there a couple of years ago, very informative, you will always learn something any time you go to a training event, be it NTCA, Ardex, Mapei, Laticrete, Schluter, you name it
Sal you are a god sent thank you! So You mentioned even the paddle can affect the thin set and I see you are using the spiral type. I noticed that most of the thin set shows an egg beater on the package. What is the advantages/disadvantages of egg beater versus spiral?
I believe this is from old mason/tile guys using actual sand in their mix which would of changed proportions depending on how much moisture is in the sand.
Great sal,this is one of your best,informative videos,who makes the vacuumed attachment, for dust,who makes the dog bone uncoupling membrane, interesting about ardex wanting you to use they're paddle, I'm not familiar with that one,I've been recessing,the slab, for preslope,foam to linear drains,keep em comin, your the best,mom and I are subscribed,and enjoy learning
What's the best way to keep tiles level? First time tiling. Any tools or tricks to use? Also, how do I keep an even layer of thinset mortar when installing?
HI Sal, Have enjoyed and furthered my education with many of your videos. Quick question............, Occasionally I only need a partial batch of mortar. How do I get the right consistency if the directions are written for a full bag?
Each tile has different density. You can’t mix same amount of water to thinset if you install a travertine, Saltillo, porcelain or ceramic material. Also they have different weight per square inch. Porcelain tile is more heavy than ceramic, so you need adjust consistency of a thinset or added Perlite to avoid sagging. Manufacturers don’t know details until you contact with them. We don’t need to go to there, they need to listen installers who works every day with there products.
Have you ever heard of ANSI Standards, in particular ANSI A118.1, A118.4, A118.11, and A118.15, which can also have additional properties like "T" for thixotropic, "E" for extended open time, and "F" for fast setting. You never modify the chemistry of the Dry Set Mortar, you use the one designed for the application you need and mix within the range of the liquid to suit your need. Have you ever read the bag, it is all there. Watch this ua-cam.com/video/BJoPHGtukqo/v-deo.html plenty of free manufacturer training available to give you some insight into the products they make and the way they should be used. You can either continue to do what you do the way you do it, or get informed and see what the industry really is all about.
I would be interesting to know your thoughts or the though process when you look at tiles and how best to plan for working with the or if you have Customer's who ask your advise on what to choose and what not to choose.
I would like to install tile on my front porch, semi dry area, I have a bunch of portland cement, can I use this as a adhesive to put over concrete ? thank you
Our tile installer wants to use ProLite thinset mortar when he lays our 12x24 porcelain tiles on the concrete foundation of our 40-year old house. He said a cheaper thinset is Versabond, and it would work ok, but he like the ProLite better. We called the tile store and she said that ProLite is for WALLS. We have to tile 1154 square feet. We will be staying this house for years to come so we want to use the right product that will give us the best result. WHAT IS YOUR OPINION ON THE PROLITE thinset? THANK YOU IN ADVANCE.
Hi Sal, would you consider doing a video on how you decide upon which thinset mortar and trowel to use for a particular job? In particular, LFT verses regular thinset, and flexbond thinset. I've read the manufacturers guidance, but some of their guidance is confusing, like when Mapei says Ultraflex LFT is good for any size tile. So why do they make other kinds?
We got the cement whisperer don't do it by eye don't add water to make the concrete like butter I'm glad I don't do tile cuz I would do all the things he says don't do and actually I did a whole house this way and it's been 4 yrs as long as you back butter and keep ur trowel lines strate do it up... This info is for the perfectionists out there for other seriously 4 steps: Mix powders to water till it's like a constency that can spread your gonna have to eyeball it Clean the floor with broom ( the whole sponging/wiping with water is a lil over board) Back butter a tile Trowel the poweder/water concoction evenly strate lines Lay it down space it let it dry call it a day It's like 4 and 1/2 steps but whose counting it's tiling just wing it!
Well I gave an estimate and the reply I got was that another tile company “big guy” was cheaper and they were supplying the kerdi board, thinset and the grout.
I mixed my adhesive for not long enough, just with a fork (cue laugh...), and probably added not enough water (for some reason I thought it should be quite thick but seeing your videos, I think mine was way too thick!)... It's just a very very small area (fireplace hearth) that won't really be walked on, just decorative on the floor... the tiles are stuck solid, but should I be concerned? Will it fail over time do you think? I used NX flexible standard set adhesive from Wickes in the UK. Definitely a botch DIY job here... but I just wanted to know if you'd rip it up and start again or just leave it and grout now?
I have to agree that is the best way to mix mortar... but what about if I only have an hour a day to tile my bathroom and has to mix a little at a time? What would be the best indication to determine that my mix is accurate?
@@SalDiBlasi thank you. first time doing any tile work and I was putting up my Schluter membrane and just ran out of time on the pot. I don't want to be wasting a whole bag when I can only get through a half bag's worth of thinset in the pot time. the additional mixing without adding water to extend the pot life was a good tip, but this tip about just making sure to use the same ratio is key for me because TEC didn't put ratios on the bag, they just said mix the whole thing. I'd seen other handyman UA-camrs say just make sure you get the ratios right and then follow the mixing procedure on the bag, but I wanted an expert like you to weigh in before I went ahead. thanks for all the videos, Sal! you're definitely the UA-cam tile oracle and I appreciate all the tips and advice. you helped me have the confidence to tackle my own project. thanks again!
I was mixing All set - schluter and my drill started heating up on lowest rpm..and battery died. Thinset came out peanut butter ..but not as creamy. So, have your tools and standby tools ready. Also, sal, what is your opinion on the premixed mortars?
@@SalDiBlasi Thanks. I just bought this Mapei Ultraflex-1 thinset for my porcelain tile over ditra mat. Will this work? It looks like its a modified thinset.
Hi Sal, big question: does thinset GO BAD, get stale, or whatnot? My boss bought some of the basic grey CustomBlend from HD that comes in the paper bags. (I personally only buy Mapei because it’s sold in impermeable plastic bags.) It’s been sitting in a garage for a few months, unopened. So, I mix it soupy, and nevertheless the stuff immediately starts to get dry and brittle BEFORE I’m even done buttering the tile. Is it possible that humidity has seeped into the bags and messed with it chemically?
Thinset has a shelf life of about a year, it will go bad, especially if it is left in a damp space. There should be a manufacturing date stamped on the b bag, look for it and see when it was made. Best to dump it if it is firing off that quick.
My mom just had some pavers replaced, and the people put Red Bull in the mix, then put the new pavers on (which by the way looked worse than the pavers before). So can someone please tell me if there is EVER a time when Red Bull is used in the process of setting thinset?
Hi Sal another great video. I'm from the UK where can I get these buckets you use I've seen orange ones with let's do it on the side Also. They are much different to the UK buckets I can get but yours look extremely popular on u tube. If like to buy a few and use on my tiling jobs. Thanks Sal your tiling knowledge is second to none. Matt
What happens if you use a 450rpm drill instead of the 300s? Does that compromise the product? I notice a lot of guys use the 450s. The rigid and the dewalt. Idk why they dont add the ability to change rpm.
It is a simple thing. You are adding water to a 1 part powder. It is either right consistency or not. Important thing is to putting water into the bucket first, than paddle and add powder. Mix, let it sit, mix again. Simple. No need a measuring cup unless you are a beginner or diy-er.
The chemistry in the bag has be designed to be activated with a certain range of water, too much or too little will not give you the properties and capabilities you are supposed to get. Same goes for mixing time. Try it you will be suppressed at the difference.
I am an old lady, mixer tool is too heavy for me. Can I mix 1/4 bag each time with my steel rod manually? I will control the water ratio very well, just no strength to mix big bucket of material per time. Please help
Hi Sal the fibreglass Weni board with foam in the centre. How do I fix wood to this so I can start my first course of tile. Also what size notched trowel do I use to fix 250mm x 500 mm 8 mm tiles to fibreglass board? Cheers Dave
Sal DiBlasi yes managed to do this. I placed my batten 2"X1" over the longest part of the wall then fixed into the stud work. As I'm new to all this I managed to get a slight variation going off 90 degrees to the next wall. I found my tile spacers were slightly out at the gap. I never knew tiling could be so tricky to do. I also learned that if you push slightly more on a tile than the previous, you start going into the wall and your levels starting going out. Also lightly scoring the tile on the machine helps with a cleaner cut too.
Sal, with Schluters All-set, they claim that you can install porcelain tile inside a shower on top of the Kerri. Was wondering if you had done this in the field yet. Even though schulter says you can do it, I have hesitated to do so. Can you shed any light
A question I wrestle with when tiling is knowing if I need a particular Thinset for a job, or is Thinset Thinset as long as its mixed according to instruction? I am a DIYer that mainly does tile floor and bathroom shower/tub surround tiling. If I am doing vertical tiling (wall) is there a Thinset that holds tile better in place when gravity is fighting it?
Love that vacuum bucket attachment. Brilliant and safe, thank you.
That trick alone may save lives. Concrete dust kills.
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
I appreciate his teaching immensely. Basically to follow the directions and don’t think about experimenting with remixing to stretch your supply as it hardens. Thank you so much Sal!
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.
I Believe you. Keep up the good work!
Did you use the measuring cup or eyeball everything?
Whale tale and a measuring cup, that's how you already know you a pro. God bless you sir
😊👍
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.
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.
Sal, one of the top tile contractors that is excellent instructing and explaining any aspect of the process! Great video!
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.
Maybe I should change the title to "Save your marriage: Mix mortar the correct way"😜
@@SalDiBlasi LOL
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.
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.
Awesome! Thank you!
Thanks for tip. I laid tile last night and I read the instructions first.
Smart move.
Thanks for all the professional advice Sal
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.
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
Thanks for watching my video.
After 40 plus years, I still read all directions, whether it's wood floors, laminate floors, or tile floors.
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
Get your tongue out of his ass weasel...
Like to share my experience as a first time thinset mixer. Yes, follow the recommended amount of water on the bag as Sal says. If you don't have a large electric mixer don't attempt to mix a 50lb bag. Nearly burnt my drill doing that. Buy a paddle suited to mixing thinset also. Paint paddles don't work so well. I suggest mixing a smaller batch at first. I found that 2 gallons of thinset to 2 quarts of water worked for me. You get about 3 batches per 50lb Versabond bag that way. Don't hurry if you use Versabond, it does not harden for hours in the bucket. I know Versabond is cheap thinset but it's what HD sells. You have to shop Lowes if you want the better Mapei product.
Took a tip from mixing pizza dough and added the dry to the water in two parts.
Having the correct tools is essential. however different types of dry set mortar require different amounts of water, by this I mean some require a higher ratio of powder to water than others, in some cases quite significant.
Man Sal, I wish I could work for you as an apprentice your knowledge is outstanding.
Another fantastic video Sal Thanks for all your effort.
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
Thanks, take your time and get as much info as you can before starting.
@@SalDiBlasi is it fine to split the bag in half and add half the water?
I'm laying backer board in a small bathroom so I don't want to use a whole 50 lb bag
Thanks Sal. Been watching your videos for a long long time. I have learned through the years. Thank you Sir
Thanks for watching😊
Good video. Today I installed Strata Mat over plywood. I followed many of your helpful tips in the How to install Strata Mat vid, like using the grey thinset which made it much easier to see how much coverage I was getting. Great tip. Thank you. I mixed it only slightly soupier than usual for my first cut piece. Worked fine, but for the second piece, I mixed it a lot looser than I would usually, and it did seem to be easier to key in and spread, less toil. Even less air trapped, if any, and good coverage. I did not use a a roller, but a wooden float, and stepped all over it like Donnie D shows in his vid.
Great, best to do a little research for your first attempt so you don't get surprised.
Another informative video Sal! I admire your shop-vac attachment for getting rid of the thinset dust while mixing. Much better than holding your breath
Nice demo Sal .... that’s what ur looking for ... consistency. Here is a thought based on my experience. A lot of times I don’t need to mix a whole bag. This is what I do. I’ve found the using a ratio process. 1 to 3. I use a quart container and put in 1 cup / Qt. Of water to 3 cups / Qt of thin set. You can adjust the water if needed, but I’ve found this process works. It’s easy to work out the ratio from the bag. Arden is just a different ratio Later
Many of the bags will have the ratio of liquid to powder printed on the bag, if not it he powder should be weighed and then the correct amount of water added. Seems simple, most manufacturers recommend mixing the whole bag because the contents can settle during shipping, they will recommend blending the powder if partial bags are to be used.
Love the whale tail. Does work very well on the dust. And mixing mortar is more difficult than people think. The only other problem I have with mortar is taking in to account temp and humidity levels of the day using it on.
Yes good point, ambient conditions can be a big factor, thanks for the reminder.
Best tiler I have seen on UA-cam 👍🏻
Man, if I wanted to read and follow the manufacturer's instructions, I wouldn't be watching how to videos on UA-cam! 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!
One thing that most people get wrong and then complain it doesn't work like it is supposed to is thinset, this is for those people that ref to read directions.
@@SalDiBlasi You had a bunch of other great tips in there, too, like don't add more water when it starts getting stiff.
That vacuum attachment you used when mixing thinset looks to be very handy, specially if you are working inside costumers houses. 👍
It also helps protect you from silica hazards
I use the wide head on my shopvac for dust control while mixing. Silicosis is an awful way to die.
Yes, ruining costumes could be very pricy in deed.
Thanks Sal I learn all the right stuff from you buddy
Thanks for watching my video.
Love the vacuum attachment for the mixing bucket!
Me too!! amzn.to/3wNglNg
Thanks for the link. I'd already gone straight out to depot and and got a generic attachment I modified to sit on the bucket. Works great! Thanks again - you get a sub for that alone
Thank you for this tutorial Jay Leno!
No worries!
I see you finally broke down and got this awesome drill.! I bought a Rubi 5 years ago and love it!
Thanks Sal!!! With your help, my projects are coming out great. Thanks for the guidance and information!!!
Since I need to mix much smaller amounts of thinset to use at a time I convert the water to mortar ratio into a rate. For the Mapei lft it is something like 250-270 ml water per kg of mortar
Thanks Sal. Your videos set me straight. Unfortunately after ive already laid the floor but i think it will hold up for a few years atleast. Used way too small a notch😬.
Im about to lay the subway tile (3x6) on the walls and thanks to you they will be properly installed and last a really long time. Thanks again
Well now you will know for future projects, hope your floor lasts longer than just a few years.
Sal! Huge thank you for all of your videos. I have learned so much, and am currently putting in my own kitchen floor tile using Ditra. Happy New Year, and big high five!
You are so welcome!
Hey man, New subscriber here. Just wanted to say thanks for making this video. Who would have thought to just read the directions. I did my first shower wall today and mixed my mortar the way you said in this video. Everything worked out nice with the help of a lot of your videos.
Good to hear 👍
I like the dust vacuum. Does the filter catch it. Mine just passes it through.
What I still find lacking for information on various package directions and in many how to videos is WHAT IF YOU ONLY NEED A SMALL AMOUNT of thinset or mortar for a small job? I don't always want to use a whole bag every time. More of the manufacturers should put ratios on their bags. It would also help if more how to vidoes addressed that. I'm slow at tiling - actually I'm just slow! LOL So it would be helpful for a real DIY type like me. This is what I like about Ardex.
Your clean in the way you use a vacuum, I use the same attachment , but always finger wipe the paddle. Just banging it off and spinning in the bucket creates a very nasty bucket at the end of the day. Now getting rid of that nasty slurry water is a problem and most guys just chuck it on the grass. I at least like that you take it out of the water bucket, because that's an accident waiting to happen. I dont use your particular drill and paddle , but after I mix , I then first release the paddle from drill , tap the mud off in the bucket, then finger all the mud from paddle before putting just the paddle in the water bucket. At the end of the day my paddle bucket has no nasty mud in the bottom....I know it's a small thing and most would think I'm nuts, but I cant stand a nasty water bucket at the end of the day that can ruin a lawn or that you have to scrape out.....love the direction video however, definitely should be flollowed
Can you do a closeup on the way you butter tiles so that the thinset doesn't squeeze up between each tile.
This is correct .. read the instructions and respect the science behind it. Don’t think that you know better than the manufacturer.
exactly.
What's the bucket attachment you have for the shopvac? That looks amazing!
amzn.to/3HfkvlC
Thanks Sal, wish I had watched your video before I started a project, good information, follow the instructions on the package. ;)
Glad it was helpful!
thank you for another great video!
Good video. Just what I needed to know.
Glad to see you clean your paddle when your done, ardex school said basically what you're saying asked if I can fan dry ardex they about had a heart attack the answer is never
Ardex academy in Pittsburgh, was there a couple of years ago, very informative, you will always learn something any time you go to a training event, be it NTCA, Ardex, Mapei, Laticrete, Schluter, you name it
@@SalDiBlasi thank you for all your hard work and info
Sal how about feeding the thin set slowly while you're fixing it??
I find the thin set gets mixed better that way..
Now I understand (and accept) why pre-mixed is 5x more expensive!
Pre mixed thinset is just mastic and has very limited uses.
Sal you are a god sent thank you! So You mentioned even the paddle can affect the thin set and I see you are using the spiral type. I noticed that most of the thin set shows an egg beater on the package. What is the advantages/disadvantages of egg beater versus spiral?
The spiral is specifically designed for thinset, the egg beater is an all purpose mixer.
What’s the best thin set to use if you just need to make smaller batches?
Very important information, great video Sal.
Very good information.
Thanks for watching my video.
Hey Sal, love the videos! What is that shopvac attachment you have that attaches to the top of the bucket to remove dust?
You can find it here amzn.to/2xjnerJ
I believe this is from old mason/tile guys using actual sand in their mix which would of changed proportions depending on how much moisture is in the sand.
Another brilliant video Sal.
0:28 we gonna mix this according to directions. Roll credits
Ardex thinset by far as the best of them all after I started using that I hated using anything else
Great video. Just what I needed to hear. Thanks
Great sal,this is one of your best,informative videos,who makes the vacuumed attachment, for dust,who makes the dog bone uncoupling membrane, interesting about ardex wanting you to use they're paddle, I'm not familiar with that one,I've been recessing,the slab, for preslope,foam to linear drains,keep em comin, your the best,mom and I are subscribed,and enjoy learning
What's the best way to keep tiles level? First time tiling. Any tools or tricks to use? Also, how do I keep an even layer of thinset mortar when installing?
Get leveling clips.
Sal, love the videos. Can thinset go bad? I have had a full bag for a year and a half. Never wet, is it wise to use it?
Thinset has a self life of one year. If it is expired, then toss it. Does not make sense to risk an entire job for the cost of a bag of thinset.
Sal you would make a good cake baker too.
HI Sal,
Have enjoyed and furthered my education with many of your videos. Quick question............,
Occasionally I only need a partial batch of mortar. How do I get the right consistency if the directions are written for a full bag?
Nevermind............should've trusted you and watched the rest of the video first :)
Each tile has different density. You can’t mix same amount of water to thinset if you install a travertine, Saltillo, porcelain or ceramic material. Also they have different weight per square inch. Porcelain tile is more heavy than ceramic, so you need adjust consistency of a thinset or added Perlite to avoid sagging. Manufacturers don’t know details until you contact with them. We don’t need to go to there, they need to listen installers who works every day with there products.
Have you ever heard of ANSI Standards, in particular ANSI A118.1, A118.4, A118.11, and A118.15, which can also have additional properties like "T" for thixotropic, "E" for extended open time, and "F" for fast setting. You never modify the chemistry of the Dry Set Mortar, you use the one designed for the application you need and mix within the range of the liquid to suit your need. Have you ever read the bag, it is all there. Watch this ua-cam.com/video/BJoPHGtukqo/v-deo.html plenty of free manufacturer training available to give you some insight into the products they make and the way they should be used. You can either continue to do what you do the way you do it, or get informed and see what the industry really is all about.
I would be interesting to know your thoughts or the though process when you look at tiles and how best to plan for working with the or if you have Customer's who ask your advise on what to choose and what not to choose.
That's comes with lots of experience sal would be a great person to answer this
I would like to install tile on my front porch, semi dry area, I have a bunch of portland cement, can I use this as a adhesive to put over concrete ? thank you
no
Our tile installer wants to use ProLite thinset mortar when he lays our 12x24 porcelain tiles on the concrete foundation of our 40-year old house. He said a cheaper thinset is Versabond, and it would work ok, but he like the ProLite better. We called the tile store and she said that ProLite is for WALLS. We have to tile 1154 square feet. We will be staying this house for years to come so we want to use the right product that will give us the best result. WHAT IS YOUR OPINION ON THE PROLITE thinset? THANK YOU IN ADVANCE.
Prolite is a great thinset for walls or floors, a sales person is not the person to get installation advice from.
Sal DiBlasi Our tile installer seems very knowledgable and I trust him over the sales person. Thanks so much for answering my question.
Hi Sal, would you consider doing a video on how you decide upon which thinset mortar and trowel to use for a particular job? In particular, LFT verses regular thinset, and flexbond thinset. I've read the manufacturers guidance, but some of their guidance is confusing, like when Mapei says Ultraflex LFT is good for any size tile. So why do they make other kinds?
This might help ua-cam.com/video/BJoPHGtukqo/v-deo.html
We got the cement whisperer don't do it by eye don't add water to make the concrete like butter I'm glad I don't do tile cuz I would do all the things he says don't do and actually I did a whole house this way and it's been 4 yrs as long as you back butter and keep ur trowel lines strate do it up... This info is for the perfectionists out there for other seriously 4 steps:
Mix powders to water till it's like a constency that can spread your gonna have to eyeball it
Clean the floor with broom ( the whole sponging/wiping with water is a lil over board)
Back butter a tile
Trowel the poweder/water concoction evenly strate lines
Lay it down space it let it dry call it a day
It's like 4 and 1/2 steps but whose counting it's tiling just wing it!
You say all this because you are an expert in the field and know better than an entire industry, I think not.
Thank you sir!
Hi Sal,
when you make spaghetti aglio olio e peperoncino
do you add first the garlic or hot pepper to the oil ?..
Let me ask my wife, she does the cooking.
Awesome video! But I’ve a question. How about if you going to use half of the bag or less, how do we should measure the water etc? Thanks
Mix the correct ratio of water to powder.
Sal how do you know what Paddle to use to mix up thinset - Does the mfg suggest a paddle type on the directions for the different types?
Very handy vacuum attachment. I always do the same when mixing indoors.
You can find it here amzn.to/2xjnerJ
Well I gave an estimate and the reply I got was that another tile company “big guy” was cheaper and they were supplying the kerdi board, thinset and the grout.
welcome to home improvement
Well you tell them good luck and go with them
Ardex is what I use. Good stuff.
Sal if your using polymers do you use the same amount as water.
how do you like that Rubi mixer? Looks sweet. Bet it sure beats my 3/8 drill. Can you select the speeds? what are the rpms of the different speeds?
Love it, here is a link to a video, m.ua-cam.com/video/pvS920usoFk/v-deo.html
Sal, the vacuum attachment is it available online? I have never seen one but now I know what to look for next. Thank you for sharing your knowledge
amzn.to/36NMRSW
HI Sal, How long is the thin set good for before it starts to harden after the slate process?
I mixed my adhesive for not long enough, just with a fork (cue laugh...), and probably added not enough water (for some reason I thought it should be quite thick but seeing your videos, I think mine was way too thick!)... It's just a very very small area (fireplace hearth) that won't really be walked on, just decorative on the floor... the tiles are stuck solid, but should I be concerned? Will it fail over time do you think? I used NX flexible standard set adhesive from Wickes in the UK. Definitely a botch DIY job here... but I just wanted to know if you'd rip it up and start again or just leave it and grout now?
I would wait and see, especially if it only decorative.
I have to agree that is the best way to mix mortar... but what about if I only have an hour a day to tile my bathroom and has to mix a little at a time? What would be the best indication to determine that my mix is accurate?
As long as you get the ratio of powder to water right, you will be good.
@@SalDiBlasi thank you. first time doing any tile work and I was putting up my Schluter membrane and just ran out of time on the pot. I don't want to be wasting a whole bag when I can only get through a half bag's worth of thinset in the pot time. the additional mixing without adding water to extend the pot life was a good tip, but this tip about just making sure to use the same ratio is key for me because TEC didn't put ratios on the bag, they just said mix the whole thing. I'd seen other handyman UA-camrs say just make sure you get the ratios right and then follow the mixing procedure on the bag, but I wanted an expert like you to weigh in before I went ahead. thanks for all the videos, Sal! you're definitely the UA-cam tile oracle and I appreciate all the tips and advice. you helped me have the confidence to tackle my own project. thanks again!
What's the ratio of water to powder? I don't want to mix the whole bag.
I was mixing All set - schluter and my drill started heating up on lowest rpm..and battery died. Thinset came out peanut butter ..but not as creamy. So, have your tools and standby tools ready.
Also, sal, what is your opinion on the premixed mortars?
Premix is Mastic, mastic is junk.
@@SalDiBlasi Thanks. I just bought this Mapei Ultraflex-1 thinset for my porcelain tile over ditra mat. Will this work? It looks like its a modified thinset.
Is that an uncoupling membrane you're setting on? If so what brand is that?
Good info Sal...details...details
Here are all the details ua-cam.com/video/s9lpR6_TRB4/v-deo.html
Hi Sal, big question: does thinset GO BAD, get stale, or whatnot? My boss bought some of the basic grey CustomBlend from HD that comes in the paper bags. (I personally only buy Mapei because it’s sold in impermeable plastic bags.) It’s been sitting in a garage for a few months, unopened.
So, I mix it soupy, and nevertheless the stuff immediately starts to get dry and brittle BEFORE I’m even done buttering the tile.
Is it possible that humidity has seeped into the bags and messed with it chemically?
Thinset has a shelf life of about a year, it will go bad, especially if it is left in a damp space. There should be a manufacturing date stamped on the b bag, look for it and see when it was made. Best to dump it if it is firing off that quick.
My mom just had some pavers replaced, and the people put Red Bull in the mix, then put the new pavers on (which by the way looked worse than the pavers before). So can someone please tell me if there is EVER a time when Red Bull is used in the process of setting thinset?
Hi Sal another great video. I'm from the UK where can I get these buckets you use I've seen orange ones with let's do it on the side Also. They are much different to the UK buckets I can get but yours look extremely popular on u tube. If like to buy a few and use on my tiling jobs. Thanks Sal your tiling knowledge is second to none. Matt
Most will get them at the Big box stores, usually just a few $
Home depot sells that bucket
Great video! Where did you get the attachment for the shop vac for the dust when you it the powder in ?
amzn.to/2YrNMUE
What happens if you use a 450rpm drill instead of the 300s? Does that compromise the product?
I notice a lot of guys use the 450s. The rigid and the dewalt. Idk why they dont add the ability to change rpm.
It is a simple thing. You are adding water to a 1 part powder. It is either right consistency or not. Important thing is to putting water into the bucket first, than paddle and add powder. Mix, let it sit, mix again. Simple. No need a measuring cup unless you are a beginner or diy-er.
The chemistry in the bag has be designed to be activated with a certain range of water, too much or too little will not give you the properties and capabilities you are supposed to get. Same goes for mixing time. Try it you will be suppressed at the difference.
Dude, most people here are a beginner or DIY-er
Have you ever used the collomax mixers? If so whay do you think of them are they worth the money?
Sorry, I have not
I am an old lady, mixer tool is too heavy for me. Can I mix 1/4 bag each time with my steel rod manually? I will control the water ratio very well, just no strength to mix big bucket of material per time. Please help
Hi Sal the fibreglass Weni board with foam in the centre. How do I fix wood to this so I can start my first course of tile. Also what size notched trowel do I use to fix 250mm x 500 mm 8 mm tiles to fibreglass board? Cheers Dave
Screw through the board into a stud, then seal the hole when you remove the ledge board
Sal DiBlasi yes managed to do this. I placed my batten 2"X1" over the longest part of the wall then fixed into the stud work. As I'm new to all this I managed to get a slight variation going off 90 degrees to the next wall. I found my tile spacers were slightly out at the gap. I never knew tiling could be so tricky to do. I also learned that if you push slightly more on a tile than the previous, you start going into the wall and your levels starting going out. Also lightly scoring the tile on the machine helps with a cleaner cut too.
Sal, with Schluters All-set, they claim that you can install porcelain tile inside a shower on top of the Kerri. Was wondering if you had done this in the field yet. Even though schulter says you can do it, I have hesitated to do so. Can you shed any light
Yes many times, they make their thinset to work with their product, so you can use it with confidence to set your tile over Schluter products..
How long will it take for that bucket to set up on me though? I’m always worried about that and I’ve definitely never mixed a whole bag at once
Keep a damp rag on top of your bucket helps alot
Great video!
Great video and great information
A question I wrestle with when tiling is knowing if I need a particular Thinset for a job, or is Thinset Thinset as long as its mixed according to instruction? I am a DIYer that mainly does tile floor and bathroom shower/tub surround tiling. If I am doing vertical tiling (wall) is there a Thinset that holds tile better in place when gravity is fighting it?
ua-cam.com/video/S80GVg4Y4MU/v-deo.html