"Heathcliff" wrote in message
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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?

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not if you can read the instructions on the back of the bag. it tells you
how to mix it, and what side spreader to use (which depends upon the size of
the tile).

use a straight board at least as long as 3 tiles to make them level. if your
floor has multiple tapers to a drain, it will be trickier. if it's flat,
then it's pretty easy.

home depot teaches free tiling classes. ask there.