Kerdi shower in progress -- 5 pics 4 questions

[ritch]

I am almost ready to apply the Kerdi, but I have four questions before I start:

1. Should I return the CustomBlend? I've read that it's not easy to work with. Is there an unmodified at the local HD/Lowes that is easier? I'm installing travertine - o I need to use white thinset to attach the Kerdi?

2. Can I apply the thinset on the ceiling over the old mastic that I have scraped? If I have to I'll add another layer of sheetrock and lower the light...

3. The mortar bed is the first I've done and I think I mixed it too wet. It seemed right in the bin, but its like it got wetter when I applied it. It's been about 20hrs and if a press hard, I think I could indent it. How long before I can walk on?

Bonus pics of:
-The Sanijet tub surround I did last year. My first - a couple boo boos, but hopefully it doesn't make the hack thread...

- The niches that I'm sure will be lots of fun to tile.

Thanks to John Bridge and the Admins - I've learned alot on this forum!

btw my name is Sam (in case my sig doesn't show up)

[jgleason]

Hi Sam,
The Customblend is junk, only suitable for setting cbu. Return it for Versabond (will void the Schluter warranty but works well). If you can find DitraSet that would be my first choice. Kerabond would be a good choice for an unmodified thinset, available at Lowes I believe.

[tilelayer]

Some lowes carry Laticrete too I believe they sell a thinset called Floor N Wall and its unmodified too. You could try a tile shop and go with 317 by Laticrete, TEC Full Set Plus or the Kerabond. I would not go the Versabond route I refuse to use the modified on Kerdi even though 90% of the mechanics on the board use it. If theres ever a problem with your shower and Schluter needs to come out they will just walk away, to me its not worth the gamble, but its your call. 317 drys super hard and has excellent adhesion properties.

Sorry guys

[ritch]

Found gray kerabond at Lowes. Hope the gray will be OK to bond the kerdi with Travertine...

[Tool Guy - Kg]

Yep, not a problem. Make sure to burn in a coat of thinset with the flat side of the trowel on both mating surfaces before combing out the thinset with the notched-side of the trowel.