How to Make Smooth Mortar

Making smooth mortar requires that all ingredients be free of debris and without lumps. Normally, a few small bits of debris are of no consequence when using mortar to install large brick or blocks. However, mortar needs to be completely smooth when you use it for installing small bricks, tile, stucco or plaster. The do-it-yourselfer can mix smooth mortar in 10 to 20 minutes, depending on the size and scope of the project.

Things You'll Need

• 1/4-inch screen wire
• Plastic tarp
• Shovel
• Hoe
• Type N mortar
• Wheelbarrow
• Paint mixing bit
• Drill

Instructions

1. Tap the pan of your wheelbarrow with a hammer gently to remove stuck-on mortar and dirt. Wash out the debris with a garden hose, paying special attention to the edges and bottom of the pan. Scrape the inside of the pan with a putty knife to remove small debris, as the smooth mortar mixture will need to be completely void of particles.

2. Place a 1/4-inch metal wire screen over the wheelbarrow and have a helper hold it in place. Add eight shovels of sand onto the wire. Shake the wire to sift the sand through. Discard any rocks or debris that remain on the surface of the screen. Pour half a bag of type N mortar onto the screen and gently sift the contents through. Pay attention to small, dried lumps of dried mortar, which can prevent the combination of smooth mortar.

3. Blend the mortar and sand together with a hoe. Push and pull the sand and mortar with the hoe to combine the two. Pay special attention to this dry mix, making sure that all contents are completely mixed. Add 2 gallons of clean water to the mix and combine with the hoe. Work to achieve a toothpaste consistency. Add 1/4 gallon of water at a time to mix that is too dry and one shovel of equal proportions of sand and mortar to mix that is too wet. Mix the contents for 10 to 15 minutes to ensure a smooth mortar mix.

4. Allow the mortar mix to set for 15 minutes. Add 1/2 gallon of water to the mix. Blend with a paint mixing bit and drill. Mix the contents for 10 minutes, paying special attention around the edges of the mixture where it meets the wheelbarrow pan.

Tips & Warnings

• Wear a dust mask when working with the sand and mortar dry mix.

References

• "Masonry Skills"; R.T Kreh; 2002
• "Masonry & Concrete"; Benjamin W. Allen; 1997
• "Building with Masonry"; Dick Kreh; 1998