Showerthought: That new rapid set mortar mix is a trap for beginners.

Tried it on a small patio job in Phoenix last month, and the stuff set up way too fast in the heat. Had to tear out three courses before it locked up for good. Anyone else think we should steer new guys away from these quick mixes?

3 comments

3 Comments

gray1172d agoMost Upvoted

Come on, it's just fast mud. Read the bag and mix small batches.

adams.ivan2d ago

My last batch of fast mud turned into a brick in the bucket after five minutes. I was trying to skim a small patch and ended up chiseling it out. gray117 is right about the small batches, but my reading skills clearly failed me. I think I mixed the whole bag like it was regular compound. That stuff waits for no one.

cora6281d ago

Actually, it's not just fast mud, that's the whole point. The setting type compounds harden by chemical reaction, not drying out. Once it starts going off in the bucket, you can't re-wet and remix it like regular joint compound. That's why the small batch advice is so critical.