MOSAIC ARTISTS: How to Tell if Your Grout or Thinset-Mortar is Fortified | And Why it Matters!

In today’s video we’re talking about why fortified grout and thinset-mortar are so important to your mosaic art. We’ll also go over how you can tell if they’re fortified or not. But what if your bag of grout or thinset-mortar isn’t fortified? Don’t throw it away because in the video I show you how to make it fortified and useable in your mosaic art. If you make mosaic art for the outdoors, you'll want to pay close attention. As always, LOTS of tips and tricks throughout.
VIDEOS TO WATCH NEXT:
→ PLAYLIST FOR GROUT & THINSET-MORTAR - • Mosaic Adhesives + Grout
→ HOW TO SEAL GROUT FOR MOSAICS - • HOW TO SEAL MOSAIC GRO...
→ HOW TO MAKE SUBSTRATES FROM LEFTOVER GROUT OR CEMENT-BASED ADHESIVES - • MOSAIC SUBSTRATES FROM...
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ALL ITEMS USED/DISCUSSED IN THIS VIDEO:
→ POWDER THINSET-MORTAR (gray) - amzn.to/37XMoCj
→ POWDER THINSET-MORTAR (white) - amzn.to/3CuYdwC
→ POWDER GROUT - amzn.to/3xQzWPn
→ PRE-MIXED THINSET-MORTAR (gray) - amzn.to/3wFCE98
→ PRE-MIXED GROUT (gray) - amzn.to/3wFNJXB
→ PRE-MIXED GROUT (white) - amzn.to/3AyOHWK
→ LATEX ADDITIVE (*IF YOU’RE USING NON-FORTIFIED GROUT/THINSET) - amzn.to/3wFjO1S
→ PALETTE KNIFE SET - amzn.to/3lBJs1z
JULIE’S FAVORITE MOSAIC TOOLS
→ WHEELED GLASS NIPPERS - amzn.to/3EFWQdT
→ GLASS CUTTERS*
PENCIL GRIP - amzn.to/3r65I7b
PISTOL GRIP - amzn.to/3u6oAFk
THOMAS GRIP - amzn.to/3rZ4Ss3
→ *GLASS CUTTER OIL (you need this for any of the above-mentioned glass cutters) - amzn.to/3KSOsdt
→ RUNNING PLIERS - amzn.to/3rZ07yK
→ NON-SKID RULER - amzn.to/3R79acJ
→ TILE NIPPERS - amzn.to/3GSfgZZ
→ TILE SCORER - amzn.to/3P01dnU
→ ELECTRIC GLASS GRINDER - amzn.to/3NorQCq
→ SANDING STONE - amzn.to/3NoF9Db
→ WAFFLE GRID GLASS CUTTING BOARD - amzn.to/3LGWSnJ
→ NON-SKID RULER - amzn.to/3ELwBCO
→ SAFETY GLASSES - amzn.to/3N4CtK0
→ SAFETY GLASSES WITH READERS - amzn.to/3xwDowT
→ METAL TOOLS & PICKS - amzn.to/3Lgp9Ce
→ TWEEZERS - amzn.to/3soGH7D
→ PALETTE KNIFE SET - amzn.to/3lBJs1z
→ WORKSHOP BRUSH - amzn.to/3Ggg5LU
→ WHITE ACRYLIC PROJECT TRAYS - amzn.to/3xTjbmq
→ LARGE WHITE PROJECT TRAYS - amzn.to/3yBcTGW
JULIE’S STUDIO BACKGROUND - MATERIALS ORGANIZATION:
→ PLASTIC BINS (small) - amzn.to/3DhY3Hh
→ PLASTIC BINS (large) - amzn.to/3mp0yBA
→ HEAVY DUTY PLASTIC BINS - amzn.to/3gqhrIe
→ LABEL MAKER - amzn.to/3D7Gfyj
→ ZIPPER ‘FREEZER’ BAGS - amzn.to/2XEheKK
→ INTERLOCKING CONTAINERS (SMALL) - amzn.to/30TcL90
→ INTERLOCKING CONTAINERS (LARGE) - amzn.to/32z4303

[@karenjenkins4020]

After a 10-year hiatus from making mosaics, you are my new bff!

[@JulieWeilbacher]

Hi Karen, I mean bestie! Where’ve you been?🤣 Welcome back to the world of mosaics. We’ve missed you!🤗

[@anika4858]

You're the best mosaic teacher on KZbin!

[@JulieWeilbacher]

Hi Anika! Thank you for the Super Thanks and for such kind words. I appreciate you!⚡

[@anika4858]

You are such an excellent teacher, Julie! You gave all of the very basic points that any new mosaic artist could need. Thank you!

[@JulieWeilbacher]

Hi Anika! Aww, thank you for your kind words!😊 I'm so glad you got value from my video. Keep creating and I'm thankful you're here!🔥

[@arlenebain5678]

Thanks for sharing! ♥️

[@JulieWeilbacher]

Hi Arlene! Awww, thanks for watching! Keep creating and I'm so glad you're here!⭐

[@bretgreen5314]

Interesting; good lesson. Thank you.

[@JulieWeilbacher]

Hi there! I’m glad to hear you enjoyed the video and got some value from it. Keep creating and I’m thankful you’re here!🔥

[@guadalupearguelles5222]

Julie! you are terrific and love to watch your videos. I started doing mosaic by myself that is confident I am with your informative videos....thanks

[@JulieWeilbacher]

Hi Guadalupe! Thank you for your kind words.😊 It makes me happy that you’re getting value from my videos. Whatever I can do to help shorten the learning curve. Keep creating and I’m thankful you’re here.🔥

[@beheartnow]

Hiya thank you for all your amazing videos .. is polymer modified the same as fortified?

[@sundaysunshine2925]

Thanks Julie .

[@JulieWeilbacher]

Hi Sunday Sunshine! It's great to hear you enjoyed it! Keep creating and I'm so glad you're here.🔥

[@user-jp3fw9lr8b]

Never worked with additives and I’m not sure if my grout was fortified. Love your videos.

[@DenGio55]

Hi Julie! What is the difference between Versabond Fortified and Versabond Flex? Also, the premixed Simple Set and Simple Grout - I don't see anything on the label as polymer fortified?

[@timeenuf4200]

Great information. Ran out to my little stash and noted that my carefully zip lock bag collections was very poorly labeled. So lesson learned. Question though . . . if i wrote "indoor/outdoor" on it can I assume it's fortified? Thanks again for the lesson.

[@JulieWeilbacher]

Hi timeenuf! You know what they say about assuming.....🙈. So no, don't assume it's fortified. It's happened to me too. Lesson learned. Keep creating and I'm glad you're here!✨

[@coulterjb22]

Nice info. Have you found a way to identify latex vs Acrylic Resin based mortar?

[@KMF3]

I've never heard of those

[@jdmosaics]

Hi Julie, great info here and like you I have been involved with mosaics 30 odd years. One thing peeps have to be carful of when buying Grout or Thin set adhesive is that they both have a shelf life. Usually 12 months only. Best to buy Grout or Thin set Adhesive from a place where their stock is turned over quickly, like a tilers supply store or a big box store. Gotta check when buying and if no date on the bags ask how old the stock is. If they don’t know then ring the tech advisory phone number that is usually on the bags. They may need you to give them the series or barcode number on the bag. Also this is a trap when buying old stock second hand as most people will not know when they originally bought it. If the bags are hard and feel like a rock… don’t buy it! Cheers

[@JulieWeilbacher]

Hi Neena Me! Thanks for sharing. Great information! I keep my grout and thinset in sealed containers (in the garage, no less) and honestly, I've had the same 50lbs bags for a few years. But I've been able to keep moisture out which is the main culprit of the powders going bad. Agreed about the big box stores having higher turnover of stock.🙌 It's also been my experience that smaller tile stores will often carry much smaller quantities of dry powders (quart size, even) to help sub-contractors with touch-ups. Keep creating and I'm so glad you're here!🔥

[@KMF3]

@@JulieWeilbacher I've also kept bags for several years in my garage but not sealed. However I live in Southern Arizona so usually very dry. Except weeks like now where every day is rain. But it seems to be working fine. For me it seems it is the substrate I need to be aware of. Many applications on types of wood is a problem when outside.

[@kathiekarancz964]

Thank you for info! Please explain why unsanded grout is not recommended. I have found that it is easier for me to use unsanded and store unsanded grout. Thanks Kathie 🐢

[@suepeterson1230]

I have the same question. I understand sanded is better for filling crackers larger than 1/4 “…bit sanded will also scratch glass….so🤷‍♀️

[@diannecrea7090]

I have been using Davco 4 in 1 Grout Additive her in Australia for over 15 years. I purchase Dunlop a rubber Modified Cement Based Adhesive - I also add to my grout. I purchase 20kg bags of adhesive. I purchase whatever is the cheapest in grout. I also coat my substrates with the Davco adding the polymers to the substrate, and the surface becomes tacky and ready to adhere the cement based adhesive (thinset).

[@JulieWeilbacher]

Hi Dianne! You figured it out! I *love* hearing about your process. That's fantastic! Keep creating my friend and I'm so glad you're here!🔥

[@damarisdiaz-gormley7745]

Hi Julie, thanks for your video. I do have a question, so can I use the thin set to fill in the mosaic after I have laid it down on the substrate? Basically, as a fill in to finish it off? I’m making a sign with house numbers for outdoors, and am wondering if I should use the thin-set (I confirmed it thin-set for outdoors) for the entire project. Thank you.

[@JulieWeilbacher]

Hi Damaris! Thinset can be used as an adhesive and a grout on the same project.✨ If you'd rather your thinset be a different color as the grout, you can always change it. This video will show you how: kzbin.info/www/bejne/h6HCgqGGid5mlbs. Keep creating and I'm so glad you're here!🔥

[@KMF3]

Yes. Thinset can be used as grout but grout cannot be used as thinset. However thinset as grout can be tricky because it is glue and you have to work quickly.

[@roxiblair8861]

Hi Julie - love your tutorials thank you! Boy, I'm mad at myself even though I just tried to finish my first mosaic! Maybe you can give me some suggestions but I think I know the answers - I tried doing glass on glass (it was in a picture frame) so I glued all my pieces onto the glass using Wellbond - let it sit for gosh probably 3 weeks before I could get back at it - mixed up the grout, spread into the cracks and spaces.. as I was doing this it kinda looked like I put too much water in it but thought, a little late now maybe it will set up ok.. So I let it sit for maybe 8 minutes, went to start cleaning it off with a paper towel, and here my pieces were coming unglued and moving around!! I thought the wellbond was pretty tight once set! Could it be that the grout was just too wet and that made it all come loose? I'm gonna let it just sit there for a few days and it I can't fix it, guess what - it's going in the trash and I will have to start again...was hoping after the grout hardens it will also harden and keep the glasses pieces that came lose in place now. Guess I'll find out! just wondered if you think that with the grout being overly wet that was the main problem? I didn't have any thinset to use which maybe I should have as well, as some of the pieces were not all the same height but, hey, it's a learning curve, right!! Thanks again :-)

[@JulieWeilbacher]

Hi Roxi! Oh no!!! I'm so sorry to hear this. Yes, Weldbond is water soluble. And if your grout was too wet, I could see how it might dislodged your tessera. Sometimes with glass on glass, if your tesserae are really close together, it can take a bit longer for the air to get into the groutline and fully dry the adhesive. But yes, if your grout was too wet, it may have seeped in and dissolved things. Wait and see how it looks once the grout has fully cured. I wouldn't throw it away. I'd keep it as a reminder of where you began in mosaic. You got this Roxi! Keep creating and I'm so glad you're here!🔥

[@KMF3]

For glass on glass mosaics you might want to try gluing on with e6000 or a silicone adhesive. Or use epoxy resin for the adhesive and grout. If you use thinset on glass you will not have any transparency through your glass and then why use glass. Using grout on a glass project also runs the risk of grout bleed thru under your glass pieces. Not a beginner project if that bothers you.

[@debrastruble7598]

Hi Julie I have a question have you ever put epoxy resin over a grouted ceramic surface? I’m having trouble getting the resin to stick on top of the ceramic tiles it runs off in random spots . The tesserae are all the same thickness. It is a table top. The grout is sealed. Any tips or tricks would be greatly appreciated. By the way I love your channel!!

[@jdmosaics]

Sounds like there maybe still sealer on some of the tiles. Carefully use some vinegar on a cloth and clean the top of the ceramic tiles. Try not to get the vinegar on the grout… put it on your cloth not the table top. If you do get vinegar on the grout where the sealer is it may turn it milky and will have to be washed out with water. The vinegar is acid and will eat into the grout. When completely dry the Resin should cover the tile… may need to Re coat the whole table top so it is the same thickness. Sounds like it is running off as those areas are also a fraction higher than the surrounding tiles. When we resin coat a Lazy Suzanne we build a dam around the edge with masking tape and pour the resin at least 1/2 inch thick. Hope this helps. Cheers

[@KMF3]

Yes sounds like your table is not level.

[@ryanchung476]

Very informative video! I would like to mosaic a small vertical space which is made of concrete. Which product would you recommend to use to help secure the vertical 1"x1" tiles and overcome gravity? TY!

[@handekaya8743]

❤️❤️❤️

[@JulieWeilbacher]

Hi Hande Kaya! Awwww, thanks a bunch! Keep creating and I'm so glad you're here!🙌

[@montanaweaverkim]

Quick question, can you in general mix with a latex product, even if it is fortified or not? Would it hurt anything if the thinset is already fortified?

[@JulieWeilbacher]

Hi Kim! I’ve done it before - mixing in latex to fortified grout and thinset. It doesn’t hurt it. Keep creating and I’m thankful you’re here!🔥

[@jellyfish2b]

Do outdoor River rock and thinset mosaics need to be sealed? If so what product?

[@JulieWeilbacher]

Hi there! I recommend sealing all outdoor mosaics. This video will help: kzbin.info/www/bejne/a3vUi4hrqsiAlc0. Keep creating and I'm thankful you're here.🔥

[@MsSimpleTreasures]

Question: what if you don’t have the package your grout or thin set came in and you’re not sure if it’s fortified, can you still mix it with polymer? I may have not caught that if you already answered. Thank you for helping Al us newbies.

[@JulieWeilbacher]

Hi MsSimple Treasures! Yes, that's right. You can add the latex additive to your grout. Keep creating and I'm so glad you're here!🔥

[@roxiblair8861]

Hi. Love your tutorials, thank you! Dumb question...can I use the same product as the adhesive and to grout with or should I use like thinset for adhesive and a grout to grout?? Wish me luck..Thanks! 🙂

[@KMF3]

@@roxiblair8861 you can use thinset as grout but not grout for thinset. You can use a polymer additive to either thinset or grout or both. It gives the mix a little more adhesive as it's basically glue.

[@rachellskerlec4713]

If you are rinsing and dumping your rinse water outside then are you putting microplastics into the environment if you are using the polymer fortified stuff?

[@JulieWeilbacher]

Hi Rachell! That's why you should either mix up a minimal amount of grout or thinset and/or use the leftovers to create a substrate like this: kzbin.info/www/bejne/ipi4mJanlMt9hs0. Keep creating and I'm glad you're here!🔥

[@kathycrabb9284]

You say will include a “link down below” with the information you are sharing - how do I get to it??????????

[@JulieWeilbacher]

Hi Kathy! To reveal the video information if you're watching on your computer click 'more' under the video description. If you're watching on your smartphone or tablet, click the down arrow to the right of the video title. Keep creating and I'm glad you're here!🔥

[@debbielee8201]

Do they sell thinset and grout in smaller quantities. For first timers, I think 25# bags are a large quantity if you don't make many mosaics. It's hard for crafters to find smaller quantities without buying a kit. If you know what I mean!

[@ArcticBanshee]

They do, at Lowes if you are in the US. I got a small 10 lb bag of thinset for 25.00 I believe .

[@debbielee8201]

@@ArcticBanshee Thanks! I live in the sticks. There is a Lowes 35 miles from us and the next closest would be 80 miles. I'll do some research and probably order on line. Cheaper than making a round-trip with gas prices so high. Thanks again!

[@JulieWeilbacher]

Hi Debbie! I totally understand. I found a 10lb bag on Amazon as well (amzn.to/3RjrTkE). Keep creating and I'm so glad you're here!🙌

[@JulieWeilbacher]

Thanks for sharing LA!🔥

[@beheartnow]

Thank you … So does polymer modified mean fortified ? Just different lingo?

[@laurawalker546]

Just bought a bag of Mapei

[@JulieWeilbacher]

....and the crowd goes wild!!!!🙌 Woo Hoo! This is so exciting Laura!! The world is your (mosaic) oyster! What will you make first? Start creating and I'm so glad you're here!🔥

[@skiddledede8885]

Why is it so hard to find people in big box stores knowledgeable about this? Why do so many of those same stores not have these products? I had to order it online. It’s annoying!

[@JulieWeilbacher]

Hi Skiddle DeDe! I hear ya....and now you have more knowledge than them!🙌 Ordering online is a good way to go, especially with how heavy the grout and thinset bags can be. Keep creating and I'm so glad you're here!🔥