HOW TO MIX GROUT AND THINSET FOR MOSAIC | 4 Ways - Which is Right for You?

[@CooCooCottage]

Julie I love how you explain everything and just being yourself. I don't only love you page, I love your bloopers. Thank you.

[@JulieWeilbacher]

Hi Teri! Awwww, thanks for your kind words!😊 I'm so happy to hear you're enjoying my channel. And yes, I don't take myself too seriously. Keep creating and I'm so glad you're here!🔥

[@theshow1269]

Life saver. Thank you….. was looking for help to mix a small amount to fix a small chip in a new shower floor. Most videos consider a small batch 2 to 3 pounds… 🤦‍♂️. Your last technique was perfect. 🙏

[@JulieWeilbacher]

Hi The Show! Awww, great to hear my video saved you from mixing up a large batch. I like your avatar! GO FINS!🏈 Keep creating (and patching!) and I'm glad you're here!🔥

[@lorrainehayes4688]

Very, very good tutorial ❤❤❤

[@JulieWeilbacher]

Thanks Lorraine! I’m glad you got value from the video. Keep creating and I’m thankful you’re here!🔥

[@j.c.7555]

Julie you crack me up! I always wish for more videos but happy with what I get. Grout is all I’ve used so far but thin set looks pretty easy. Messy but it does complete the project and I like seeing the end results. As always.. thank you! Looking forward to more Julie projects! 💕

[@JulieWeilbacher]

Hi JC! You know I don't take myself too seriously. Gotta laugh my friend! If you can mix up grout, then you already know how to mix up thinset. That mindset is a game-changer! It's such a versatile adhesive too! As always, thanks for watching and for your support...it means a great deal to me! Keep creating, and I'm so glad you're here!🔥

[@sandrakicklighter2735]

I LOVE your videos, so thankful I have found them.

[@JulieWeilbacher]

Hi Sandra! Welcome to my channel!😊 It's great to hear you're enjoying my videos and getting value from them. BTW, your last name is kicka**!!🙌 Keep creating and I'm so glad you're here!

[@lawanahaney7687]

Thank you for this intro to grouting. I'm a newbie and I need the basics. 😃❤

[@JulieWeilbacher]

Hi Lawana! It's great to hear you enjoyed the video and got value from it. Here's a recent video that talks a lot about grout and the different types: kzbin.info/www/bejne/nYq3dHyVdtWofas. I think you'll enjoy it too! Keep creating and I'm thankful you're here!🔥

[@lawanahaney7687]

@@JulieWeilbacher thank you!😃💗

[@marionritcey583]

Hi Julie thanks for the information. I had questions about grout and thinset-mortar . I was not sure what the difference was. Your videos are great. I try most of the projects of talk about. and I love the outtakes. the fun is watching and learning. thanks again for always helping me have fun

[@JulieWeilbacher]

Hi Marion! Great to hear you enjoyed the video! I know grout and thinset can be a little confusing and intimidating. But if you know how to mix up grout, then you already know how to mix up thinset-mortar too! It's that easy! Ohhhh, which projects have you made from my channel?!? As for the bloopers, I don't take myself too seriously and always have fun in the process.😂 Keep creating and I'm so glad you're here!

[@tonyaregan6473]

Hi Julie! I was already disliking the fact that today was Tuesday, until KZbin notified me about your video! I use old kitchen bowls for mixing grout and thinset. I have use the method of adding the water to the dry ingredients, but I will try the spray bottle method next time. Thanks for the tips! Ha ha ha, I already feel like a winner being one of the first to see the video!

[@JulieWeilbacher]

Hi Tonya! Is Tuesday the new Monday?😂 Great to hear I turned around your case of the Tuesdays. The spray bottle method is a good one when trying to control the dust factor. I like your tip on giving your old kitchen bowls a second life. And remember, you're always a winner whether you're the first or 100th! Keep creating my friend and I'll see you on Tuesdays!😉

[@tonyaregan6473]

@@JulieWeilbacher I can't wait for warm weather so I can work outside with the thinset and grout. I still wear my mask, safety first! I don't mind the mess it's easier to clean up being outdoors. Where's your wife? Out on the patio multi-tasking, getting fresh air, a sun tan and making her mosaics!

[@arlenebain5678]

Thanks for the info, Julie. I’ve never made thinset before, have been afraid of it lol. You made me feel better , I may even try it. 😁

[@JulieWeilbacher]

Hi Arlene! Thanks for watching. Great to hear you enjoyed the video. I know it can be intimidating....buuuut, if you've mixed up grout, then you can mix up thinset! It's that easy. And what a versatile adhesive too! Keep creating and I'm so glad you're here!🔥

[@bobfp910]

Great, well organized instructional video. Fantastic outtakes. I’ll bet you were a teacher. If not, you should have been. Thanks for a simple basic breakdown that takes the fear out of trying something new. A child can be successful creating with the help of adult.

[@JulieWeilbacher]

Hi Robert! Thanks for your kind words. I greatly appreciate you watching and for your support! Actually, I've never been a teacher. I worked in magazine publishing for 15 years before going full-time with my mosaic art. I just teach in a way that provides all the necessary details....which is how I would want to learn. Like I say in the opener, let's shorten the learning curve! Keep creating and I'm glad you're here!🔥

[@bobb2251]

I am here to stay. Thank you!

[@JulieWeilbacher]

Hi Bobb! Great! We're happy to have you.🙌

[@morgenbohannon5333]

Hi Julie! I've been devouring your videos for the past couple weeks as I plan to get started in mosaics. I feel like I've already learned so much from you! I was wondering, how to determine whether to use sanded grout or grout without sand? Also, as a beginner, would it be a good option to only purchase thinset and use that to grout as well? I know you've mentioned being able to do that, but I didn't know if grout served a specific purpose that thinset could not accomplish. Thank you!

[@caronstone4226]

Love to grout because like you said or feel you were trying to say it’s closure on that project and now it’s completed! I’ve been doing mosaics for 20+ years not the entire time took a break of 10 years or so but now doing an outside bathroom floor project!

[@JulieWeilbacher]

Hi Caron! Ooohhhh, a bathroom floor! That's such a fun project! What materials are you using? Grouting is so much fun and yes, seeing the final result is THE BEST! 🔥 Keep creating and I'm so glad you're here!

[@caronstone4226]

I’m using vitreous glass tiles for the sea animals and surrounding them with porcelain blue /looking water like tile for a pool but in past have done this for table but resined the top of the table to make up for the different depths but obviously can’t do that so this time will have to change the thickness of the thin set to make up the different depths! I also use colors for my grout to make them all come together!

[@SeekAliveness]

lol. I came for the grout and thinset info, I stayed for the bloopers. 😂

[@JulieWeilbacher]

Hi Lauren!🤣 I like to have fun! Thanks for humoring me. Keep creating and I’m thankful you’re here!🔥

[@karenjoncour6151]

Hi Julie, thanks for the information. I didn’t know about the ratios or the spray bottle ideas. Though new to mosaics, the three times that I have mixed grout I have added the water slowly to the dry grout. I’m reminded of a tv chef here who recently said their rule is to always add thin to thick ingredients! Having said that, I Iike the look of that first example of the spray bottle technique to reduce dust and it would also avoid too much dry grout sticking to the side of the container. My next project involves using translucent grout - wish me luck!! Thanks again!😊

[@JulieWeilbacher]

Hi Karen! Thanks for sharing that cooking tip! Adding liquid to the powdered grout or thinset is my favorite way to mix it up too! And remember, that since you know how to mix up grout, you already know how to mix up thinset. Game changer! Thinset is such a versatile adhesive too. What's the mosaic you're using with the translucent grout? Keep creating and I'm so glad you're here my friend!🔥

[@karenjoncour6151]

@@JulieWeilbacher I’m making lazy susan on glass as a family wedding present and decided I wanted everything including the grout and glue to be food safe. The translucent grout product Crystal Evo was recommended for this and I’m using Soudal TRex crystal for the glue. I haven’t reached the grouting part yet so hoping it turns out ok! Thanks for your reply and I look forward to your next video!😊

[@lisanearhood1415]

Hello, thank you for this information. You mentioned latex additive as a way to mix thinset. Can you tell me what type of latex additive can be used?

[@JulieWeilbacher]

Hi Lisa! Great to hear you enjoyed the video! This is a great additive: amzn.to/3LxpWhu. I use it universally with grout or thinset-mortar. You won't need to use it if you're grout or thinset are labeled 'fortified.' What that means is, they've already got an additive included. Keep creating and I'm so glad you're here!🙌

[@erinpaschek146]

I love grouting!

[@JulieWeilbacher]

Hi Erin! Me too!🙌 I love to see the mosaic come together and get finished off. It's the best! Keep creating and I'm so glad you're here!🔥

[@noodleperson17]

Julie - my grout tends to dry looking a bit grainy. Any solutions please? Also, you need to tell people not to throw leftover grout down the drain. Love your vids!

[@JulieWeilbacher]

Hi there and thanks for your kind words about my videos. I hope you're getting value + inspiration from them. Your grout looks grainy because you're using sanded grout. If you don't want grainy grout then use unsanded grout but there are some rules or reasons on why you should choose one over the other. This video explains it all >> kzbin.info/www/bejne/nYq3dHyVdtWofas. Keep creating and I'm glad you're here!✨

[@sost8902]

When should we use thin set? For outside arts like stepping tones and tables?

[@JulieWeilbacher]

Hi there! Yes, thinset is ideal for outdoor mosaics!🙌

[@kimberlee2022]

Can I use pre-mixed thinset and grout? What is your opinion? I find them so easy to grab and use. I've never tried the powdered version. Just curious why most mosaic teachers don't like premixed versions. Thx.

[@JulieWeilbacher]

Hi Kimberlee! Sure, you can certainly use the pre-mixed varieties if that's easiest for you. A few reasons why I prefer powder is because pre-mixed has a shorter shelf life and I can't control the consistency. Keep creating and I'm so glad you're here!🔥

[@rachellskerlec4713]

Hi Julie. I just found you while looking up information for my first mosaic project. I'm about to get started with it but I'm a little bit confused about how to mix stained glass with ceramic tiles because of the difference in height. Would I use thinset underneath all the tiles to get started and just use more of it under the thinner glass? And then finish with grout? Do you have a video that answers my question?

[@JulieWeilbacher]

Hi Rachell! As a matter of fact I do have a video that answers your question: kzbin.info/www/bejne/a3KqgWCcgrmDmpo. Keep creating!⭐

[@rachellskerlec4713]

@@JulieWeilbacher You're the best! Can I send you a picture of the project when I'm finished?

[@EricaGamet]

I'm just getting ready to use thinset for the first time (I've only done 2 pieces so far, all with flat tiles)... I got a small container of pre-mixed thinset. Is there a drawback to this? My pieces are small (6x6 max), just sample art pieces, and will be indoors only. I live in a small apartment and don't have the space for lots of mess/cleanup, etc. (not to mention my workstation with computer is not too far from my table I"m using for mosaics), so I was opting for the less messy option. Plus it gets me using thinset without the adding anxiety of mixing for the first time. Thanks for your wonderful videos!

[@JulieWeilbacher]

Hi Erica! Thanks for watching and your kind words. Great to hear you enjoy my videos! You'll be fine with the premixed thinset, especially for trying to keep the dust and mess factor down. Just make sure you keep the lid tight when you aren't using it...just like how we have to store the powdered variety! What's your next project?!? Keep creating and I'm so glad you're here!🔥

[@EricaGamet]

​@@JulieWeilbacher Thanks for the answer! Yeah I followed the thinset packaging to a T (hammered the lid back on and everything). It was so easy to use and, unless there is a reason to switch, I'll probably stick with the pre-mixed when I need thinset. I assume people don't use it as much because it's more expensive, but it's worth not having the extra mess. I made some sample pieces with all sorts of random tesserae yesterday, to see how it all feels to use it and how it looks afterwards. And I have some ideas for using thinset as part of the design, like areas with no tesserae, and painting portions of it. I have like 5 different ideas for my next piece and need to decide. I also mixed a tiny bit of dry grout (from the kit I purchased as my first project)... I grouted part of these samples and also used thinset as the finishing grout on one of them. Now I feel confident that I can use these things and also know what to expect from each. Off to do my "actual" grouting of the first two real pieces (which I used Welbond on). Oh, and I LOVED working with thinset... I can't stop staring at the stupid little samples I made. 🤣 Thanks, again, for your awesome and super helpful videos... they have given me confidence to do this thing!

[@simoneandliamwebb3438]

Does thinset used for grout require sealing to weatherproof?.

[@JulieWeilbacher]

Hi there! Yes, I always use thinset and seal all of my outdoor mosaics. Keep creating and I'm so glad you're here!🙌

[@simoneandliamwebb3438]

Thanks. Thought it was just for the finishing grout on top of thinset 😉

[@joycebleazard6274]

I want to get into making mosaics. I’m just really intimidated by what project to make first and what substrate to use. Grout and thinset also intimidate me, but I love the look of it. I’m going to have to get brave and just start…something.

[@joycebleazard6274]

Also, I’m a little confused when using thinset as grout. Is it the 1-1 ratio?

[@JulieWeilbacher]

Hi Joyce! If you're ready to get started, one way to reduce the intimidation would be to start with premixed grout (amzn.to/3QSv4PI) which comes in all sorts of colors and size quantities, or pre-mixed thinset-mortar (amzn.to/3Lp6uVw) which comes in gray or white and lots of size quantities as well. Get used to the process of mosaic making. Then once you feel ready to mix your own, do it! Start with a small project and don't put any restrictions on yourself. It's just for the sake of getting used to the materials, cutting tools, tiling, and grouting. You got this, Joyce! Keep creating and I'm so glad you're here!🔥

[@JulieWeilbacher]

Hi Joyce! It's not 1:1. It'll take a lot more powder than liquid.⭐

[@DenGio55]

Are the premixed thin-set and/or grout polymer modified or fortified or whatever it is they need to be? 😊

[@pmanzano4474]

I’ve put together 4 mosaics and I have not grouted. I’ve only used WeldBond or Elmer’s glue as adhesives for these small projects. Idk why grouting scares me. One of these days…

[@JulieWeilbacher]

Hi there! The Weldbond should hold up very well while grouting. The Elmers….I’m not sure. IF you have any pieces that get knocked off during grouting, I’ve got a video to help you fix your mosaic: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jqW1mqCAfteJabM. Watch and then get to grouting! Face your fear!🤣 Keep creating and I’m thankful you’re here!🔥

[@pmanzano4474]

@@JulieWeilbacher This is helpful!

[@silverhoney6969]

Don’t be afraid to grout! I was helping me family install tiling as a kid from middle school the high school. The grouting is the simplest part, since you’ve got the tile down and done you have the hardest part completed. If I can do it as a teen, you can do it!

[@najibsabor2624]

U talk more than show thing right away

[@JulieWeilbacher]

Hi Najib! What would you like to see in an upcoming video? Keep creating and I'm glad you're here!🔥