Mixing Thin-set Mortar and Your Mosaic Artwork
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 1 ก.พ. 2022
- 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.
You can purchase thin-set from home improvement stores and tile distributors There are many good brands on the market. It comes in grey or white, if you wish to color it see our video titled How to Color Grout and Thin-set • Coloring Grout and Thi...
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:
Italian spatula: witsendmosaic.com/mosaic-tool...
Small spatula is part of this set: witsendmosaic.com/mosaic-tool...
Table base seen in this Video: amzn.to/3H38GP2
Favorite Thin-set mortar ( you can purchase from tile distributors or online) LATICRETE 254 Platinum Thin-Set Mortar- amzn.to/3B48ZY5
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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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.
We all have to begin some place, our pleasure giving you a leg up!
I always learn from your videos. Keep ‘‘em coming. ❤️
Thank you for this video..
I always enjoy your calm explanations.
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!
This video was awesome!I use thinset, and the tips were very helpful. Thanks!
Fabulous as always. Thank you Kim
Thanks for being a fan.
Excellent and really helpful!
Thanks for being a fan.
Excellent tutorial!
Thank you.
That was super helpful, thank you!
Thanks for being a fan!
Excellent video.. I will share to my mosaic page.. :)
I’m new to mosaic and this vid was very helpful. Thank you
Happy to be of assistance! Enjoy the journey.
I really enjoy Kim's videos..
Thank you.
Glad you like them!
So helpful. Thank you!
Thanks for being a fan!
Thanks everybody watching the premier. Fun.
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! ❤
Keep creating!!
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.
Thank you for your informative videos.
Glad you like them!
Thank you so much for this tutorial
Happy to be of service.
Sending thanks from St. Louis 💓
Thanks for being a fan!
O.M.G. about passed myself at the end!!!!!
For exterior use in Nj but will take in on the winter
Thanks for this informative demo❣️ I found it very helpful. Can you use thinset when embedding glass pieces?
Yes. Our Birdbath video is made with glass "Sweetie" tiles and thin-set is the adhesive.
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.
Yes, absolutely
I like your glasses
GREAT info! What size formula bags do you use? Thank you.
They storage/freezer bags are approx. 6" x 6".
Wonderful tutorial, I appreciate that you took the time to do this! I have been hesitant about trying thinset and now I'm ready to roll up my sleeves! The one thing I still need is advice on cleanup. Since we can't wash the container in the sink, I suppose we wipe it out with paper towels... if the thinset dries on the container and/or spatulas, will I still be able to remove it somehow? Or do I have to be sure to wash it while it's wet?
I would love to know that, too! I am in a small apartment, so cleanup will be key (I've just started with mosaics and haven't used thinset or even done any grouting yet). I was thinking just setting it outside to dry, then scrape it out if possible into the trash.
There is a good video on the channel about clean up "No One Wants to Call the Plumber". th-cam.com/video/c3DRD1Ss9Lo/w-d-xo.html
How and where do you clean your tools up? How do you know how much to mix at a time? This is fascinating.
There is an entire playlist dedicated to working with thin-set: project examples, clean up, storage, etc. Here is link. Thanks for being a fan! th-cam.com/play/PLz2kuKCUhTHbm9PInpxHTif4_PiFDEMzZ.html
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?
DO NOT SEAL existing concrete,! Sealants create a barrier and we want the thin-set (a concrete product) to have a mechanical bond with the surface. Have you watched this video (and part 2), may provide some insights. GREAT QUESTION. Thanks.th-cam.com/video/P8K_50gY55c/w-d-xo.html
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 😊
You need some sort of armature to support the thin-set. Maybe a adaptation of a handmade substrate process, see videos on channel Make Your Own Substrates. Here is link to one of the videos: th-cam.com/video/cKZzNzHZMpo/w-d-xo.html
OMG thank you for sharing this! I no longer feel lost. Would regular piping bags work or are they too thin?
Sure why not? Maybe cut the hole a little lager.
Seeking advice on waterproofing my outdoor sundial mosaic pedestal! My first attempt after 6 years outdoors the mosaics started peeling off in chunks! What products would you recommend to prevent this from happening again 🙏❤️
So sorry I am behind in replies! Can not really speak to the issue of your sundial without knowing what it is made of. The best adhesives for exterior are thin-set mortar rated for your climate, or sometimes silicone. And I live with freeze/thaw and cover or move whatever mosaics I can under cover for winter. Best substrates are reviewed in our lightweight substrate video, or like in the birdbath video an existing exterior form.
Can I use regular grout on top of the thinset to fill in the gaps? Or does grout not stick well into thinset?
Sure, lots of installation happen with thin set as adhesive and then grouted.
Hi Kim - question for you. Do simply wipe your tools with a paper towel off and on to keep the residue thin set or grout from drying on?
Also, I’m concerns about plastic zip lock bags and adding them to land fills. Are there any alternative options?
Thank you!
It's Bonnie answering this one. Yes I wipe my tools before they get funky, I use paper towels or newspaper/print, if you forget, we have some videos about cleaning and scraping. Really don't have an option for the baggie - it is just a trick for convenience. Could be interesting to save them in a pile somewhere in your studio - they will cure solid, maybe a new-fangled door stop. I get it, we all need to be reducing our waste. Good reminder.
Thank you for this video! Can I ask ... can the thin set mortar replace sanded grout on smaller projects ? Like 12" x 12" mosaics? is the mortar stronger ? Also can it be tinted or colored? And what do you recommend? Much appreciated :) new at this ! :)
Great question. Grout and thinset are made of the same ingredients, just different rations - which is why grout has no adhesive properties. Yes you can use thin-set like grout but know that it is much more challenging to remove and more likely to cause a haze that will require elbow grease (and vinegar/water or grout haze remover. Both grout and thin-set can be colored, see this video titled Coloring Grout and Thinset: th-cam.com/video/KB9sGBZyA7s/w-d-xo.html
@@MakeitMosaics excellent thank you !!
@@MakeitMosaics before putting thin set mortar on wood, should the wood be sealed in your opinion? Thanks again 🙂
@@marys8884 I prepare wood or MDF by first scoring with a box cutter (to give it some tooth) then apply a scratch-coat of thin-set. Let that cure then use thin-set as my adhesive, by doing this we create a mechanical bond. Remember wood can only be interior! And for interior, you can use pre-mixed thin-set if more convenient.
Do you use the thinset for the glue and grout?
You can use thinset like grout , but thinset can be very difficult to remove.
Since thinset can't go down the drain, how to dispose of the water you use to wash your hands and clean your palette knife and other tools?
This video will provide some insights, no one wants to call the plumber! th-cam.com/video/c3DRD1Ss9Lo/w-d-xo.html
Hi. I am making planter pot I think is clay. I dont believe it is terracotta because it is pretty thick and heavy . I have been researching and getting conflicting advice. Some say thinset other say silicone. Do you seal yours? With what? It is all so confusing because everyone says something different. Any help would be appreciated.
Did you test the pot itself for freeze-thaw? Is the clay body exposed somewhere that you can spray water on it? If the water rolls off, then it is high-fired. If the water soaks in then not high-fired, and over time (a few years), the pot will fall apart in your climate if not high-fired. Just because it is glazed does not mean it is high-fired. Once you have that answer, let's assume high-fired and glazed, then you could use silicone, which is what I would probably do if the glaze is smooth. But if the glaze is bumpy then I might use thin-set mortar because it is my go to for exterior work and the mortar will grab the bumps. If the pot is terracotta look at this video, Kim explains WHY the method she recommends is best from a technical perspective. th-cam.com/video/UDgGXWbOGH8/w-d-xo.html. Great question, NO ONE SIZE FITS ALL ANSWER, so all the advice you received may be valid. Kim and I really want folks to have their artwork last forever. Good luck. PS its Bonnie writing
Hello, I am new to mosaic and I would like to know which additive for the thin set is best for outdoor use.
Thank you!
For the most part additives are no longer required for thinsets anymore, the additives are part of the thinset. Just check that they note that they are ploimer fortified and read the bag for mixing instruction for the brand you purchase. Laticrete, Custome Building product, TEC and Mapei are all good brands.
@@kimwozniak5663 thank you
I have been looking all over for a waterproof thin set and can’t seem to find it. Did you by chance purchase it at a pool supply store? Most seem only rated for indoor use.
@@lizhamer3219 Hi,
you can try to use
ProLite 30 lb. White Tile and Stone Mortar, or
Rapid Set
50 lbs. Waterproofing Mortar
Both can be found at Home Depot.
@@rosaliazayas2646 I will look at that one again. I went to Home Depot and read all the labels all were not waterproof. I am going to try a tile store or a pool and spa place and a masonry place. I talked to the guys at Home Depot and they couldn’t find one either. Same at lowes.
Isn’t there another kind of bag you could use to apply thinset that isn’t plastic? I hate to see so much plastic.
You don't need to use a bag at all. It is just my preferred method for managing the thinset while I am working. If you come up with a more eco friendly solution please feel free to share.
They make disposable piping bags out of parchment paper... they might work.
@@EricaGamet But if you put thin set in a disposable piping bag you still can’t put it in a recycle bin because it has thin set in it. Unless you are going to wash out the bag which you can’t do in a sink since thin set can not go down your drains. Also I am sure you can not reuse a disposable piping bag because it is probably not very strong. Regardless of the bag you use it will most likely have to be thrown out in the trash.
@@lizhamer3219 But I'd rather use and trash paper than plastic. I didn't expect to recycle it, just not add any single-use plastic. I've also been looking at using the silicone ones... either the silicone mortar bags (which seem huge because they're for masonry) or even those silicone food storage bags... so use them the same as baggies, but the mortar peels off the silicone.
@@EricaGamet Oh got ya. Do you think the silicone ones can be squished down enough to use like a baggy? Could be a good solution. Thanks for the idea. :-)