How do I prepare thin-set mortar?

Find out everything you need to know to prepare your thin-set mortar!

00:06 Materials and tools required

00:12 Dosage and preparation

00:27 Cement-glue too hard | Correction

00:35 Cement-glue too liquid | Correction

00:42 Cement-glue of ideal consistency | Rest time

00:52 Second batch

01:01 Use and recommendations

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Materials and tools needed

• Cement
• Trowel
• Water
• Bucket
• Mixer

Dosage and preparation

Dosage: please follow the manufacturer's instructions for the ratio of water to cement.

Put the indicated quantity of water in the bucket and then pour in the bag of cement.

Mix until the paste is homogeneous and smooth (2 to 5 minutes, following the manufacturer's instructions).

Cement too hard | Correction

If the cement is too hard (difficult to work with, leading to poor adhesion), add water gradually, in small quantities, until the desired consistency is reached, then mix again.

Cement too liquid | Correction

If the cement is too liquid (a mixture that is too liquid reduces the strength of the cement once dry), add a little more cement to thicken the mixture and thus correct the consistency.

Ideal cement-glue consistency | Rest time

Ideal consistency: the mixture should be malleable, but not liquid.

It should be easy to handle with a trowel, yet retain its shape.

Leave the mixture aside for 2 to 10 minutes, to allow the cement to soak in (depending on the time indicated by the manufacturer).

Second batch

The first batch activates the compounds to trigger the reaction, and the resting time ensures even activation and mixing of the components. The second batch is used to reactivate the chemical elements for optimum performance. Never add water to a mixture that has begun to harden.

Use and recommendations

Use the mixture as soon as it is ready, as cement begins to harden after around 30-45 minutes.

The longer the mixture is left unused, the more difficult it will be to work with.

Prepare only as much as you can use in this time.

These steps will ensure that the cement is neither too liquid nor too hard, ready for use in your projects.

By carefully following these steps and respecting the recommended proportions, you'll obtain cement of optimum consistency, guaranteeing the quality and durability of your work.