Removing old paint splatters on concrete floor before applying thinset

[JohnBridge fan]

Should I use recently mixed thinset mortar with newly mixed thinset mortar for ceramic tiles? The recently mixed thinset batch will have been in a bucket for about 10 minutes with a wet rag covering it. If I can't use it there will be clumps of wasted thinset discarded every time I mix a new batch for another row of tile laying. I assume that is normal when tiling; just wanted to confirm. Thank you.

[pgc555]

Mav,
Don't add good thin set into previously mixed. You personally should mix ONLY as much as you can cover in a short time period. It is not good to allow thin set to "skin over" either. There are exceptions of certain thin sets that CAN be re-mixed (without adding water or dry mix ). But, again I will suggest you just mix smaller batches

[jadnashua]

Most thinset has a 'pot' life of at least 45-minutes, and some considerably longer. It's not a great idea to remix any cement product. Mix more at once, get another bucket so you can finish one then move to the next, or just stop when you run out and mix more. Or, just chuck it...

[Lazarus]

Ten minutes is pretty short for anything other than a "Speedset" morter. You should be able to just re-mix a regular morter with a margin trowel in that time frame and go on spreading...no additional water, though.

[JohnBridge fan]

pgc555, what does it mean to "skin over"?

[Lazarus]

Mav~ It means that you get a "dry" layer over the top in the bucket.

[JohnBridge fan]

Oh... ty Laz

[jadnashua]

Most thinsets can be remixed before they start to cure, but none of them suggest remixing with additional water and or adding more dry thinset into the bucket. Remixing can extend the life some of the thinset, but once it starts to cure, throwing it out is your only option! Several of the signs that's happening is the consistency starts to get thicker, it 'pulls' and sticks when trying to trowel it out, rather than just smoothly spread. And, the tile won't stick to it well, either.

[JohnBridge fan]

Ty everyone. Much appreciated.

So when i mix a new batch, how clean must the bucket be? Spotless of any previous thinset? Right now i've only 1 bucket for mixing & 1 bucket for water/sponge

[pgc555]

Maverick,
Your over thinking this one a little. NO, the bucket doesn't need to be spotless but you don't want dried "chunks" to mix in and contaminate your new thin set.
Take note, DON"T mix in more water!!!! either. Just stir with your margin trowel and like it's been noted, you can get at least 30 min open time.

[JohnBridge fan]

Okay, gotcha. Ty Phil

[JohnBridge fan]

My concrete floor is not painted. It is only “pain splatters” here & there. Please let me know your opinions about how serious or not serious it is to remove the scattered paint splatters, because i've heard just making cuts in the paint is good enough to get the thinset to make contact with the concrete. And what about the areas where the paint is faded & not dense? I have included a picture of me starting a dry layout. The paint splatters are light orange. Thank you very much.

[muskymike]

Hi Maverick, take a razor scraper and get off what you can.

[cx]

Welcome, Maverick.

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[JohnBridge fan]

Ty musky mike & ty cx for the forum information. Sorry if i screwed anything up