Mixing adhesive (no balance to weigh it)

[ripkord]

Hi - without the aid of a balance (dont have one) whats the best way to mix BAL rapidset flexible adhesive (instructions say 4 parts powder to 1 part water by weight).

If I do this by volume will I go far wrong? Failing that I need a cheap balance!

Thanks

 

[Time's Ran Out]

A balance - are we talking vertico or how much is in the bank!:lol:

When I mix bal grout its into a clean bucket and I put a small amount of clean water in first and mix the grout into it!
I keep adding grout until I have a creamy paste that will not fall off my scraper.
I leave the mixed grout for 5 minutes and then remix with my scrapper until its creamy again and all the air bubbles are out.
It is then ready for use.
I mix enough to use within 1 hour and grout a wall or more at a time depending on the drying conditions.
Hope this helps.

 

[ripkord]

OK, seems pretty straightforward!!

thanks!

 

[Gazzer]

Grout or Adhesive ???

 

[ripkord]

adhesive

 

[Gazzer]

Your title is grout but question is Adhesive.

 

[ripkord]

Oops, will try to edit that, its definitely adhesive. rapidset flexible adhesive.

 

[DHTiling]

Oops, will try to edit that, its definitely adhesive. rapidset flexible adhesive.

Title changed..

 

[marke]

if my maths is correct i believe 1lt of water = 1kg ,so half bag -decent mixing bucket - 2 1/2 lts water in bucket - mix in half bag

 

[marke]

if bag is 20kg

 

[beanz]

In answer to your question on mixing it by volume instead of weight.. Yes, you will go wrong, unless you can find any info on the weight of a litre of powder. I find trying to judge half a bag, or a quarter of a bag etc practically impossible once you start pouring. You'll want to start with fairly small amounts anyway for rapid set, as it goes off pretty quickly.

I mix it til it feels quite stiff (hard to mix by hand) then leave for a few minutes and mix again. If it's still really stiff you can add a little more water.

 

[marke]

dont pour the adhesive , lay the bag flat on ground put a stanley blade right along the middle denoting to halves then put your hands underneath at top and bottom of cut line and pull up you should have 2 half bags stand up nicely opened already for you

 

[Time's Ran Out]

I read grout and balance - adhesive the same really - nice and creamy!

 

[beanz]

dont pour the adhesive , lay the bag flat on ground put a stanley blade right along the middle denoting to halves then put your hands underneath at top and bottom of cut line and pull up you should have 2 half bags stand up nicely opened already for you

I can't imagine ever being fast enough to need half a bag of rapid set mixed up at one time.... We live in hope though! :lol:

 

[marke]

:lol: haha yeah sorry B i know we all do things at different speeds mate but as long as the job is good then its not an issue a plasterer showed me how to do that so i wont claim smart a**e status lol

 

[ripkord]

Thanks for the tips, tiles are done, apart from one 'gap' thats more like 8mm as opposed to the intended 5mm, the effort wasnt bad for a first time tiler (and the bad 'gap' is behind the toilet pan so cant see it).

Waiting 3 hrs now then will grout 🙂

 

[diamondtiling]

Thanks for the tips, tiles are done, apart from one 'gap' thats more like 8mm as opposed to the intended 5mm, the effort wasnt bad for a first time tiler (and the bad 'gap' is behind the toilet pan so cant see it).

Waiting 3 hrs now then will grout 🙂

So you will start grouting at 1am? :yikes:

 

[ripkord]

well no I'm already a couple of hours in 🙂

 

[DHTiling]

Nice to see someone so keen...

 

[ripkord]

heh wouldnt go that far started the job 6 weeks ago, getting done in dribs and draps, the gf is..... undertandably upset at the mess hehe. Makes them appreciate it all the more when its done.