How to Mix Thinset

Add Water

Start with clean, empty bucket that’s large enough to hold the thinset being mixed.  A 5-gal. bucket is pretty typical and add a few inches of clean water.

Pour in the Thinset

With the water already in the bucket, pour in some thinset from the bag. For now, add enough to soak up the water in the bucket. You’ll be able to adjust the consistency of the mix later either by adding more water or adding more thinset.

Mixing

For mixing, you can do the work by hand with a margin trowel, but a mixing paddle makes life easier.

Tip for Using a Paddle Mixer

Put one food on the edge of the bucket to keep it from spinning as you work the mix.

Consistency

Add water or additional thinset until you get desired consistency. Mixed correctly, the thinset should be firm enough to stick to your finger without falling off.