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Mixing / Stretching Thinset Types

2K views 3 replies 4 participants last post by  jeffnc 
#1 ·
I've got my bathroom walls tiled and am down to 32 square feet of floor left to do with 12x24 glazed porcelain tiles. I have been using Custom Building Products Marble/Travertine mortar. I had to mix about 1/3 of a bag to finish the walls, so I am down to about 2/3 of a 50 pound bag, or enough to cover about 30 square feet with a 1/2 x 1/2 trowel that I have been using. That is cutting it a little bit close.

I would really like to avoid buying another $30 bag to throw 90% of away. I have about 25 pounds of Mapei Non-Modified mortar I used under the cement board on the floor. Can I add five pounds or so of this mortar to the marble mortar to stretch it? Floor is 3/4" T&G plywood, 1/2" plywood and 1/2" Durock over thinset if it matters.

Obviously I don't want to mess up my floor to save $30, but would also prefer to avoid more waste.
 
#3 ·
9999,

I don't see a problem doing what you said. However, you are changing the formulation in at least two ways.

1. By adding unmod. you will end up with a lesser grade of modified mortar.

2. The sand in the cheaper mortar is not rated Medium Bed as is the Marble Granite Travertine. The tiles may sag a bit, but maybe not. It's a small ratio and I have no way of knowing.

If you try to save the $$$, be sure to mix enough cuz you can not use the unmod alone. If you do not mix enough you can get a qt. of additive and still use the unmod. thin set though.

Jaz
 
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