Hi - without the aid of a balance (dont have one) whats the best way to mix BAL rapidset flexible adhesive (instructions say 4 parts powder to 1 part water by weight).

If I do this by volume will I go far wrong? Failing that I need a cheap balance!

Thanks

A balance - are we talking vertico or how much is in the bank!

When I mix bal grout its into a clean bucket and I put a small amount of clean water in first and mix the grout into it!
I keep adding grout until I have a creamy paste that will not fall off my scraper.
I leave the mixed grout for 5 minutes and then remix with my scrapper until its creamy again and all the air bubbles are out.
It is then ready for use.
I mix enough to use within 1 hour and grout a wall or more at a time depending on the drying conditions.
Hope this helps.

OK, seems pretty straightforward!!

thanks!

Grout or Adhesive ???

adhesive

Your title is grout but question is Adhesive.

Oops, will try to edit that, its definitely adhesive. rapidset flexible adhesive.

Originally Posted by ripkord

Oops, will try to edit that, its definitely adhesive. rapidset flexible adhesive.

Title changed..

if my maths is correct i believe 1lt of water = 1kg ,so half bag -decent mixing bucket - 2 1/2 lts water in bucket - mix in half bag

if bag is 20kg

In answer to your question on mixing it by volume instead of weight.. Yes, you will go wrong, unless you can find any info on the weight of a litre of powder. I find trying to judge half a bag, or a quarter of a bag etc practically impossible once you start pouring. You'll want to start with fairly small amounts anyway for rapid set, as it goes off pretty quickly.

I mix it til it feels quite stiff (hard to mix by hand) then leave for a few minutes and mix again. If it's still really stiff you can add a little more water.

dont pour the adhesive , lay the bag flat on ground put a stanley blade right along the middle denoting to halves then put your hands underneath at top and bottom of cut line and pull up you should have 2 half bags stand up nicely opened already for you

I read grout and balance - adhesive the same really - nice and creamy!

Originally Posted by marke

dont pour the adhesive , lay the bag flat on ground put a stanley blade right along the middle denoting to halves then put your hands underneath at top and bottom of cut line and pull up you should have 2 half bags stand up nicely opened already for you

I can't imagine ever being fast enough to need half a bag of rapid set mixed up at one time.... We live in hope though!

haha yeah sorry B i know we all do things at different speeds mate but as long as the job is good then its not an issue a plasterer showed me how to do that so i wont claim smart a**e status lol

Thanks for the tips, tiles are done, apart from one 'gap' thats more like 8mm as opposed to the intended 5mm, the effort wasnt bad for a first time tiler (and the bad 'gap' is behind the toilet pan so cant see it).

Waiting 3 hrs now then will grout

Originally Posted by ripkord

Thanks for the tips, tiles are done, apart from one 'gap' thats more like 8mm as opposed to the intended 5mm, the effort wasnt bad for a first time tiler (and the bad 'gap' is behind the toilet pan so cant see it).

Waiting 3 hrs now then will grout

So you will start grouting at 1am?

well no I'm already a couple of hours in

Nice to see someone so keen...

heh wouldnt go that far started the job 6 weeks ago, getting done in dribs and draps, the gf is..... undertandably upset at the mess hehe. Makes them appreciate it all the more when its done.