Readymix boob

[ceepee]

Hello, hoping I could get some words of wisdom. I started tiling my kitchen with Wickes readymix floor adhesive and was a couple of m2 into the job when I realised that it was a terrible error. I've continued doing the rest with a proper powdered adhesive, which is working beautifully, but can you tell me what the future looks like for my readymix section?
It's 30x30 ceramic tiles on a concrete base, with latex levelling compound. I've read all the readymix horror stories, but is it likely to dry in this case? It's setting slowly around the edges, but it's been over the 24 hours the tub says you can grout in, and I definitely don't feel it's ready yet, and I'm worried it might be a very, very long time.
I've whacked an extra radiator in the room in the hope that will help, but I'm not sure if that's just a waste of electricity!

 

[Tats]

Take it up do it properly

 

[ceepee]

I was hoping for some actual information about the situation, so I could make that decision for myself, thanks.

 

[DHTiling]

Excuse the ignorance above..

Hello and welcome.. The wickes adhesive will eventually set but it dries on a dispersion basis where it has to lose it's moisture before it sets , where as the other adhesive you have used dries chemically and will set a lot faster... I think the best option is to remove the first lot and lay again with the powdered adhesive.

 

[Stewart]

Probably best to lift the first couple of metres and will come up quite easily. Take solace in the fact that you realised it wasn't working out and you changed to the right adhesive....,,,,

 

[ceepee]

Thanks, it's encouraging to think it does at least stand a chance of drying. I think I'll carry on and finish the room first and then come back to that section. I think it'll be slightly less depressing if the rest of the room at least looks perfect!

 

[Scott]

It will dry in time but it will be a fair old while. However once dry it should be ok, if its likely to get wet or there is no damp proof membrane under the exisiting floor they may blow.

 

[user123]

It is a bit annoying that floor adhesives gets sold like that, isn't it... puzzles me why it is allowed... good luck with it

 

[DHTiling]

It is aimed at the DIY market G..

Supposed to make it easier..

 

[ceepee]

Trouble is when you're a DIYer you work ever so slowly compared to the professionals, so you have to mix up your adhesive in very small batches to keep it workable. The endless adhesive mixing is pretty soul-destroying, so the thought of readymixed is very appealing. They probably sell loads to people like me - then make even more money when we have to go back and buy the powdered stuff as well!

 

[Del W]

If your ready mix area is likley to get wet or in a high foot traffic area,it could be a bit risky.So if your thinking of redoing it,better do it sooner rather than later.You'll be able to save the tiles before the gear goes hard.

 

[ceepee]

Well, I just started pulling them up and although one of them has come up without much trouble - and still pretty wet underneath, the rest are hard enough round the edges that I'm struggling to even get anything in to try and prise with, so I think I'm going to have to leave them there to go off slowly in their own time - it's only a kitchen, so not high traffic and there's no damp.

Any opinions on when I'll be safe to grout these? Am I trying to do it when the stuff has dried 100% right to the middle of the tile (if so, how would I know) or is it when they are solidly set in the bits I can reach?

 

[Del W]

In your powder area tap (not too hard)the centre of a tile with something solid. now tap a tile in ready mix area. the powder area will sound more solid than the ready mix. as long as the powder area has gone off.