keraquick

[boldydave]

hello.could someone tell me if you can extend the pot life of keraquick by stirring regularly? spec says a 30 min pot life which is no good for me as i`m a slow tiler,but if i could work with it for say an hour i might give it a try.thank you.

 

[Dan]

Nope.

It's a cement-based (cementicious) adhesive, so as soon as water comes in contact with the powder mix, the chemical reaction starts, and it begins to solidify. Adding water, or mixing it again, will weaken the strength of the mix.

If you could throw a bucket of cement-based adhesive in the canal, and it didn't wash away, it would be solid like a brick. It will could cure in any amount of water, but the more water you add the less quality the mix will be.

Stick to the times and the water qty that is recommended by the manufacturer.

 

[hillhead]

Use keraflex instead if your that slow.
I know a squad of tilers who use slow set all the time, unreal.

 

[Ian]

I'm not overly familiar with Mapei products but I'm sure they will do a slow setting adhesive, I hate using rapid set and if I do use it, it's only on floors or if the tile type requires it.

 

[jolly fix]

mix a small batch at a time if you are slow with tiling

 

[DJS]

Anyone have a good tip for measuring 1/2 a bag of powdered addy easily? Do you take fishing scales to work or similar, so you can see how much weight has been removed from the bag??

I been caught out a few times with keraquick too, so I've tried mixing half bags by eye. I'm not happy I'm always getting 100% consistency, and would like a more accurate way to mix 1/2.

Any idea's??

 

[DHTiling]

LOL.. Yes if you stir it, it just last a bit longer..

 

[Daz]

Turn the room heating down and open a window that will help too. You may need to wear another fleece though, too :lol:.

 

[DJS]

Thanks Guys, a timely reminder for me!! I've noticed stirring can keep it loose, and the effects of heat!!

The last time I got caught out was a domestic hallway, and the homeowner had a 3 month old baby to keep warm, and she worked from home - so there was no way I could pursuade her otherwise. When she did go out, I would turn the heating off and have the front door open. When she got home, she would shut the door and just crank the CH right back up again!! Infact, you jogged my memory now - I used to shut-off the rad in the hallway for the duration of me being there!! :smilewinkgrin: That was the only way I could counter it.

It was after that job, I wanted a more accurate way to do it!! You do get the occasional one!!

I'm going back to the same house in a few weeks to do an en-suite & fit Marmox/UFH/DITRA on wooden floor with Slate Tiles, so I'll be using it again soon.

At least I'll be able to shut off the bedroom rad & shut door, and open the windows next time!! Cheers.