Shelf Life

[cabinetman]

Does thinset have a shelf life? For laying ceramic tiles as a repair (6 sq ft or less), can mortar mix or sand mix be used instead of thinset. And, if so, do they have a shelf life?

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[JimD]

My answers to your questions is "No". Thinset, when kept dry, has no shelf life to my knowledge. I know I have used it after having it on hand for several years and it worked fine. I use only latex modified thinset and only the type with the latex mixed in the dry mix. I have used epoxy thinset and thinset with a liquod latex additive and they worked fine too. But the dry mix with latex works as well and is cheaper.

I would not use mortar mix or sand mix. I think the latex additive is important and I would be worried about how they would comb out when you use a trowel with notches on them. A bag of latex modified thinset is not that expensive. I use it for small patch jobs in concrete too - it sticks well (including to skin).

Jim

[cabinetman]

My answers to your questions is "No". Thinset, when kept dry, has no shelf life to my knowledge. I know I have used it after having it on hand for several years and it worked fine. I use only latex modified thinset and only the type with the latex mixed in the dry mix.

Jim

Thanks for the quick response. The thinset I used had a "bonding agent" in the mix. Is that the same thing as "latex modified"?


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[JimD]

I think so. My terminology may be out-dated. When I buy some, I look for the most expensive dry mix at the local big box store. Usually I have to buy 50 lbs so it lasts awhile (all my floors are done unless I decide to put tile in the garages (which I have considered when the big box stores drop the price on tile down to under $1/ft)).

Jim

[chopnhack]

C-man, being in the same climate I will qualify the above good advice with this - if its solid, chuck it. I have had bags brick up on me just from them absorbing the ambient humidity.

[jbrain]

I've read on the John Bridge tile forums it does indeed have a shelf life.

I have myself used old thinset and so far so good.

[cabinetman]

Update

Finally getting around to do the repair. I used my trusty HF multi function tool to get a clean line along the good edges of the tiles to remain (worked like a champ). Chipped out bad tiles.

Did a small test batch of the old bag of thinset, and had to round file it. New thinset, and tiles went in. This weekend pulled out the old bag of grout used on the original floor. I had it taped closed and the bag in a plastic bag.

It was powdery, not lumpy, so I did a test mix. I got it like mayonnaise, but it didn't seem to kick off. I dabbed a small amount on some newspapers. About an hour later it seemed to dry. Overnight, it dried, but broke apart very easily.

So, went to HD for more of that color. Only needed a small box. My luck...that color doesn't come in the small box, just a 25lb bag. Oh well.

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[atgcpaul]

So, went to HD for more of that color. Only needed a small box. My luck...that color doesn't come in the small box, just a 25lb bag. Oh well.

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Doh! I've been holding on to old grout because I had to buy the big box when all I really needed was a scoop or two. I guess I need to pitch it now.

[chopnhack]

Just had to pull a toilet to clean out a drain - don't ask... but the grout was 6 years old and still smooth and powdery. Mixed up well, slaked nicely and went on like a fresh batch. Don't be hasty and throw out that old grout yet!