Mastic or thinset???

So you've decided to hire a tile setter to handle your next project because it seemed a bit out of reach to you. With times being harder then they have been you decide to check up on your installer and see their work as each day progresses. Well here's a couple tips to make sure your getting a proper install.

Make sure you installer is using the appropriate setting material, I would say 90% of the time thinset is the required setting material. With tiles being larger and more intricate these days mastic (the bucket glue) doesn't really fit the picture.

If you've decided to redo your bathroom you should never see any buckets of glue on the job unless the installer is using them to mix his mortar (which is fine).

I have attached a few photos of mastic the no no, and thinset (the bagged powder which should be used). Here is the product that should not be used:

If you notice your installer using mastic make them remove the tiles and reset them with the proper mortar. The only time mastic is allowed is on wall area where the tile will not get wet. The hardest part is going to be convincing them to switch to thinset, they will claim they have been doing it this way for 20 years and never had a problem, do not buy into it!!

Mastic is not allowed in showers, on floors, ceilings or outside. You can remove a tile with mastic and soak it in hot water and the dried mastic will turn back into the paste it was like in the bucket this is called re-emulsifying. I just wanted to touch on the topic, good luck with your project I hope this helps answer any questions you may have.

Here is what you want to see on the job: