Thin-Set Mortar

[Salty]

Which is better, the premixed or the powder?
I will be using it primarily to fill the seams in some underlayment prior to vinyl flooring.

Thanks.

[Bob Webb]

You should be okay with either. I would use the premixed just because it is less hassle.

[Hellrazor]

Premixed is easier, but I am not sure about the shelf life..

[jziegler]

For your application, probably doesn't matter. I did a lot of reading on the John Bridge tile forum before doing some tile work, and most of their experts there say no pre-mixed for most jobs. I used premixed for some kitchen backsplashes and they're fine.

Jim

[atgcpaul]

Which is better, the premixed or the powder?
I will be using it primarily to fill the seams in some underlayment prior to vinyl flooring.

Thanks.

It depends. If it's a small area, then premixed. If a large area then I mix it
myself.

[scorrpio]

I'd say to the contrary - for small work, I find it far better to get a couple scoops from a bag and mix it myself - very convenient. But when I need a lot of it, and likely will use up entire bucket, I prefer pre-mixed. Mixing large quantity of mortar is not on my favorites list.

[mpauly]

There is no pre-mix mortar, regardless of what the container says.....it's all mastic. Mastic is an organic material that doesn't harden the same way a portland based mortar does, nor is it impervious to water like mortar (it will turn into mush with enough water). That said, it's ok to use mastic in the right situations that don't get wet, but in general it offers no advantage, other than convenience, over mortar.

[Salty]

Well, I picked up some stuff called 547 UniPro by Henry.
It is made specifically for my situation and is a cement based powder.
I also picked up some self stick flooring pre-conditioner.
Hope I made good choices. I'll find out this weekend.

[JimD]

I will only use mastic on walls that do not get very wet - like kitchen backsplash. I use mastic for all floors and walls in showers. Mixing thinset only takes a few minutes - does not significantly change the amount of time required.

Jim