How to Mix Schluter® Thin-Set Mortars 

Great tip tho my local Lowes and HD NEVER EVER carry Schluter Set - only membranes. Floor & Decor, however, is my new holy grail store for anything Schluter. They have it all plus things you didnt know could exist. I found out they sell Ditra by the foot so if you need an odd amount you can buy a roll, then the extra loose.

Thanks for watching!

Hi Carlos, You can use the same ratio as we provide for mixing full bags. Just weigh out a certain amount of thin-set (for example, 10 pounds), then use that same percentage of water (for example, 1/5 of the recommendation for tile or membrane installation) and mix as directed. Unless the bag of thin-set has been stored in an unusual condition that has caused the powder to separate, it should be totally fine. If it looks normal visually, you should not need to mix the whole bag prior to separating out the part to mix with water. Hope this helps!

Good question, but yes, if you mix lesser amounts of thin-set, you will still use the same mixing instructions that are on the bag. Hope this helps, please feel free to give our Product Support team a call for any questions on our thin-set. 800-472-4588 (US) or 800-667-8746 (Canada). Thanks!

We've actually been working on doing just that! Look for a QR code on the latest version of our thin-set bags.

Hi there! The batch code is printed on the side of each bag. If you need more assistance locating it or determining something from the batch number, you can contact Customer Service. You can reach them at 800-472-4588 (US) or 800-667-8746 (CA) Hope that helps!

Since the the mortar is just for bedding and supporting the tray, it doesn't really matter. However, if you'd like to lean toward the instructions on the bag for installing Schluter membranes, that would be fine. 🍊

Hello! The thin set under the trays is used to support and bed the tray only. Either ratio would work for this installation. Hope that helps!

Hi there! Once the ALL-SET is mixed, it has a pot life of 2-4 hours. After that, it would need to be disposed of.

Hi there! Can you email us a picture of your Thin Set bag at social@schluter.com . Just to make sure which one you have! Thank you🍊

Hi Richard! Yes, for Schluter®-Systems applications, refer to the Schluter®-DITRA, Schluter®-DITRA-HEAT, and Schluter®-Shower System Installation Handbooks. For other applications, refer to the TCNA Handbook for Ceramic, Glass, and Stone Tile Installation and TTMAC Specification Guide 09 30 00 Tile installation Manual.

Hi Brittany! Good question! The use of KERDI-BAND over 2 sheets of DITRA is only required if you need/want to waterproof your floor assembly. Hope that helps.

@schlutersystems1 thank you so much for your quick response!! Love your product!!

Our pleasure, any time... and THANK YOU! 🍊

Hi Joe, You can use any unmodified thin-set mortar meeting ANSI A118.1 between the DITRA and the tile or you can use any of our thin-set mortars, including the modified ones (ALL-SET and FAST-SET). Since we allow for any ANSI A118.1 in our detail and given our experience with porcelain tile and unmodified thin-set over our membranes you can be confident using any of those options. We're sorry to hear of your difficulties with access to our thin-sets. Would please reach out to our customer service team to see if they can help resolve that situation for you? 800-472-4588 (US) 800-667-8746 (Canada) Thanks~

Yes, Schluter's ALL-SET can be used both under and over our membranes and boards. Please check the appropriate Installation Handbook and/or Technical Data Sheet for details on your particular installation.

@@schlutersystems1 where can i see the handbook

Depending on your application, you can refer to either of these 2 Handbooks. Hope this helps! 🍊 DITRA Handbook (see pages 4-13): sccpublic.s3-external-1.amazonaws.com/sys-master/images/hcc/hd8/9474566750238/DITRA%20Installation%20Handbook.pdf Shower Handbook (see pages 6-20) sccpublic.s3-external-1.amazonaws.com/sys-master/images/hb8/hbe/9474529001502/Shower%20System%20Installation%20Handbook.pdf

@@schlutersystems1 what about using to install tiles on the ceilling

Yes, ALL-SET can be used to install tiles on the ceiling.

They do not want you to add water once the batch has been mixed. There are directions on the bag for how much water to put in your mixing bucket prior to adding the contents of the bag. As this video states, maximum recommended water for membrane installation and maybe minimum water for tile installation.

Hi Gerald, You'll find the water to thin-set ratio on each bag of thin-set. The ratio differs depending on which thin-set you use. For Schluter membranes, you want to add the maximum amount of water shown in the instructions. If you are installing regular tile, you can go with the mid range amounts of water. If you are setting a large tile, you can choose to use the minimum amount of water. You cannot add more water once you have mixed the thin-set. If you need the thin-set to be more workable during the open time, you can remix your current batch. If the batch you mixed is not the right consistency for your installation, you should make a new batch. Over concrete, you can use any of our thin-sets to install the DITRA and tile. Over wood, you can use the same thin-set for setting the DITRA and tile if you choose ALL-SET or FAST-SET. See the DITRA Installation Handbook or the specific thin-set data sheet for complete details. Hope that helps!

@@schlutersystems1 So I mixed some thin set with a ratio closer to the tile mix recommendations. However, I was surprised to how soupy the mix was (after the 5 min mix, 10 min set and 3 min mix). Can i add more thin set an mix it a little more (for actual tiling the next time), or am I screwed.

Hi Michael, yes, you can do that or you can do part of a bag instead. Just figure out how much powder you want to use and adjust the water ratio given on the bag. Hope this helps!

No but the water to mix ratio is still a critical issue. What I usually do is weight the mix I'm planning on using and then figure out how much water I need. For example in this video they show the water required for a 50 lb bag as 5.5 - 6.5 quarts. For 25 lbs of mix it would be 2.75 - 3.25 qts. It's a simple proportion after you have the weight of the mix.

For my Kerdi Band I just did 10 lbs of All Set with 51 ounces of water. I used two buckets one I filled switch the 51 ounces using a cooking Pyrex and drew a line on the bucket for later ease of use. I then set another bucket on a cooking scale and weighed 10lbs of All Set powder, then poured the powder into the water and mixed according to the instructions.