On Sep 30, 4:34*pm, "charlie" wrote:
"Heathcliff" wrote in message

...

I am in the process of ripping up old smelly carpeting from the
basement, which I figure to replace with ceramic tile. *The basement
is an informal space but I would like it to be livable, i.e., less
moldy smelling. *It has never flooded in 15 years, but tends to be a
little humid, damp, whatever in spring and summer, with maybe a little
seepage in the corners in the worst rains. *I am planning to use the
cheap big (1 ft. sq.) ceramic tiles. My question is whether to set the
tiles with mastic or quickset. *I am tiling over concrete that has
paint on it in places. *I lean toward mastic since I have used it
before, it's simple to use, and I don't need this to be a "job for the
ages." *In fact if I need to take up some tiles later, not needing a
jackhammer would be a plus. *Is there any reason why the mastic would
be unsuitable? *Would it become a soggy moldy mess, whereas quickset
would not? *thanks, *-- H

thinset on concrete for floors. mastic for walls on drywall. mastic also has
an organic component, and may support mold if kept wet.

thinset is soft. you won't need a jackhammer to get tiles up, although a
chipper would make it go easier and faster.

Thinset, yeah that's what I meant. Thanks. Is it tricky to get the
hang of mixing and spreading it?