tub surround thinset mortar or latex mastic
#1
07-02-17, 10:30 AM
tub surround thinset mortar or latex mastic
Thoughts on thinset mortar to bed ceramic tiles in a tub surround or latex mastic?
I read that the mastic will keep tiles from slipping.
I read that mastic isnt best for wet areas.
Mastic sounds more difficult to work with (stickier) and thinset would be more convenient as its also sealing the cement board joints.
I read that the mastic will keep tiles from slipping.
I read that mastic isnt best for wet areas.
Mastic sounds more difficult to work with (stickier) and thinset would be more convenient as its also sealing the cement board joints.
#2
07-02-17, 01:39 PM
Group Moderator
Many people use the words "thinset" and "mastic" interchangeably. You'll have to say specifically which products you are considering.
#3
07-02-17, 01:44 PM
Mastic, glue, is the absolute worst produce for tile work, I have done a lot of tile work and gave it a try once, bad choice.
Dont let the concept of a glue being somehow easier to use that a cement based product, it's not!
Dont let the concept of a glue being somehow easier to use that a cement based product, it's not!
#4
07-02-17, 02:23 PM
For example
Custom Building Products AcrylPro 1 Gal. Ceramic Tile Adhesive-ARL40001 - The Home Depot
Or
Custom Building Products VersaBond Gray 50 lb. Fortified Thin-Set Mortar-MTSG50 - The Home Depot
And then... should an unmodified mortar be used for tile setting?
I can't really find that and I would rather just find a solid latex modified mortar which I can use to bed tape on the cement board joints, set tub surround tiles into, and set terra cotta floor tiles onto concrete slab with. Recommendations for a one size fits all?
Custom Building Products AcrylPro 1 Gal. Ceramic Tile Adhesive-ARL40001 - The Home Depot
Or
Custom Building Products VersaBond Gray 50 lb. Fortified Thin-Set Mortar-MTSG50 - The Home Depot
And then... should an unmodified mortar be used for tile setting?
I can't really find that and I would rather just find a solid latex modified mortar which I can use to bed tape on the cement board joints, set tub surround tiles into, and set terra cotta floor tiles onto concrete slab with. Recommendations for a one size fits all?
#5
07-02-17, 02:36 PM
Use thinset mixed from a powder and nothing that is "ready mixed". "Ready Mixed" (Mastic) is not suitable for use in a wet location such as a bathroom and particularly not in a shower. My go to is called Ultralite by Mapei. It is sticky for wall applications and great for showers and tub surrounds. My go to for floors is Ultraflex II also by Mapei. I steer away from big box stores as who knows how long the product has been sitting around. In a pinch I tried the above brand and it wouldn't mix and had clumps in it while trying to use it. Sometimes, someone orders it, lets it sit for 6 months and then returns it. I get all my thinsets from a tile distributor.
