Old timer told me my mortar mix was too wet, I pushed back at first

I used to mix my mortar pretty soupy because it was easier to spread. A guy with 30 years in the trade watched me on a garage foundation job and said I was just creating weak joints that would crumble in a few years. Made me switch to a stiffer mix, almost like peanut butter, and it felt weird for the first week. I have to admit my lines are cleaner and the bond is way stronger now. Has anyone else had to unlearn something an experienced guy called them out on?

3 comments

3 Comments

vera_palmer2mo ago

Peanut butter consistency is the way to go, but you might be overmixing it if you're getting air bubbles in the joints.

-1

ryan3692mo agoTop Commenter

Also, try warming the resin slightly before mixing. @dakota_patel98's folding method works way better with warmer resin since it flows out easier and traps less air lol.

dakota_patel982mo ago

Overmixing is a real trap in this hobby (been there, done that). Peanut butter thickness works great for most filler jobs though. Just fold the epoxy gently and those bubbles won't show up.