How to Use Latex-Modified Thin-Set Mortar
Tiling flexible surfaces, such as vinyl or wood, presents an additional complication to laying tile, as opposed to working with more stable surfaces. Because of the flexibility of the subsurface, the thin-set mortar you use to cover it must have some flexibility as well. If not, as the surface flexes, the tiles will lose their bond, or crack. Latex-modified thin-set contains added flexibility, as well as added bonding strength. This ensures that as the subsurface moves, so will the mortar. Combined with the proper application procedure, the latex mortar reduces the overall effects of the flexing, keeping your tiles in place and whole for decades. Does this Spark an idea?
Other People Are Reading
Things You'll Need
- Latex-modified thin-set mortar
- Bucket
- Wheelbarrow
- Electric drill
- Paddle bit drill attachment
- Spade
- Notched trowel
- Sponge
Instructions
-
-
1
Pour the latex-modified thin-set into a clean container, either a large bucket or a wheelbarrow.
-
2
Add water to the mortar mix in the amount recommended by the manufacturer. A typical amount needed for a 50-pound bag of mortar is 5 quarts of water. Mix the water into the dry thin-set using an electric drill containing a mixing bit attachment or with a spade by folding the water into the mix from the bottom of the wheelbarrow to the top of the pile of mortar. Mix until you have a smooth mortar that's about the consistency of peanut butter for easy spreading. Allow the mix to sit for 10 minutes.
-
-
3
Remix the mortar after the 10-minute sitting period. You'll have 30 minutes to an hour to work with the mortar until it sets to the point where it won't spread smoothly.
-
4
Chose the proper trowel to spread the latex-modified thin-set onto your flexible surface. Make sure the notches on the trowel are 1/4-inch wide and 1/4-inch apart, with a 3/8-inch depth for large ceramic tiles and pavers, a trowel with 1/4-inch-deep notches for stone tiles and a V-notched trowel with V-shaped notches 3/16-inch deep for smaller ceramic tiles.
-
5
Spread the thin-set in a layer on the surface with the flat of the trowel. Tilt the trowel to a 45-degree angle, then go over the layer of thin-set with the notched edge to raise ridges in the thin-set. The ridges help to create a larger surface area of thin-set for the rear of the tiles to adhere to, providing greater coverage on the tiles. Limit application to about 2 square feet at a time with the thin-set to avoid having the thin-set begin to cure as you're placing the tile. A 50-pound bag of mix will usually provide enough mortar for a 75-square-foot area.
-
6
Set the tiles into the mortar by pressing firmly on the face of the tile as you place it in the mortar and then giving a slight twist as you set it into position to smear the thin-set along the tile rear. Adjust it in place if needed and remove any excess thin-set from the face of the tile with a damp sponge. Let the thin-set cure for 72 hours before doing any more work on the tiles, such as grouting the joints or sealing the tile faces.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Use white thin-set mortar if you're using light-colored grout and gray thin-set mortar if your grout is darker in color.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Comstock/Getty Images
