Replies

1. 
   JeffBuck | Aug 22, 2003 11:22pm | #1

   it "can" be done with either....

   guess it depends where you are ...or the guy you ask to get the "most use mastic" answer.

   I don't know ...or care what "most" are using ..here or anywhere else...

   I will only use a high quality modified thinset ...at the least.

   Some tiles/stones require a modified thinset mixed with an admix....

   I do have a few gallons of mastic in the van ....I have no problem using mastic for a tile backsplash over painted drywall.

   And I've used mastic to bond decorative profiled accent tiles ...which seem to be more resin than anything else .....to backerboard....

   but for shower walls or a floor of any type ......thinset is the way to go...to me.

   Jeff

   Buck Construction   Pittsburgh,PA

    Fine Carpentery.....While U Waite                  

1. 
   MGMaxwell | Aug 23, 2003 01:44am | #3

   No,no,no. It shouldn't be done with mastic. Mastic is an organic compostion that deteriorates with exposure to water. Read John Bridge's book or Michael Byrne's book, or better yet go to johnbridge.com

1. 
   JeffBuck | Aug 23, 2003 02:49am | #4

   only if U reread my post first!

   JeffBuck Construction   Pittsburgh,PA

    Fine Carpentery.....While U Waite                  

1. 
   MGMaxwell | Aug 25, 2003 06:01am | #7

   Agreed. I read and replied in haste.

1. 
   JeffBuck | Aug 25, 2003 08:01am | #8

   then we got a deal....

   I'll follow your advice and stay away from mastics too!

   JeffBuck Construction   Pittsburgh,PA

    Fine Carpentery.....While U Waite                  

2. 
   Tapcon | Aug 23, 2003 02:58am | #5

   I will look into it. I would never like to think that I am providing a substandard service to my customers. Although my experience with tearing out old bathrooms has not  given me any reason to doubt this practice and have not had any difficulty with projects I've completed. Nevertheless, I do want to be aware of the best way not just a way. Thanks

2. 
   Tapcon | Aug 23, 2003 12:42am | #2

   My personal preference is to use mastic on drywall and thinset on cementous products (concrete slabs, cement board). My reason for using the mastic on drywall, particularly with small tile is that mastic seems to work better with a finely notched trowel. My reason for using thinset on cement board is that the cement board has a texture that a larger notched trowel can more easily compensate for. 

3. 
   Scooter1 | Aug 23, 2003 03:19am | #6

   People use mastics because they are cheap and easy.

   They are not stronger. They take forever to cure.

   They will never cure in a wet environment.

   They will re-emulsify (e.g., turn to mush) if exposed to water.

   Stay away from mastics at all costs. I agree with Jeff that I will use them them to make repairs on kitchen backsplashes and the like, but other than doing that I can't think of any good use for them, except as paperweights.

   Pre-mixed thinsets are not thinset, but mastic disguished as thinset. Stay away from them as well.

   Use a good quality thinset like Custom's Versabond, which has all the goodies all ready in it. Just that and water is all you need, and at $16 a bag, it is a steal. Stay away from the "super-modified thinsets at about $25-30 a bag, they also have the tendancy to re-emulsify if exposed to water, but check the label on the bag. Some do better than others in wet areas.

   Read the label on whatever thinsets you are proposing to use, and download the instructions off the manufacturers Web Site. Follow those instructions to the "T", except for the knotch size, which is fairly subjective.

   Good Luck!

   Regards,

   Boris

   "Sir, I may be drunk, but you're crazy, and I'll be sober tomorrow" -- WC Fields, "Its a Gift" 1934