Latex screeding over ceramic tiles. With the existing tiles removed you're removing the risk of the screed failing. Latex screeding over ceramic tiles

 
 With the existing tiles removed you're removing the risk of the screed failingLatex screeding over ceramic tiles  Remove cork tiles and then screed over concrete and remaining quarry tile/ cork

Used for: levelling uneven subfloors, internally and externally, prior to laying ceramic tiles, thermoplastic tiles, lino, wood block flooring, or carpet. A. 5 mm must be completely compensated. Step 3 – Remove Debris. b. Decoupling mats are also obligatory when laying tiles on an existing wooden floor. Granolithic screed - A specialised type of sand-cement + aggregate screed, where the sand is replaced by a sand-gravel mix with a size range of typically 0-4mm in most usages. Fix or flatten the surface so it is tile ready. Cover the floor in plastic sheeting. Thanks to its protein-free composition, it is also a good choice in environments where hygiene is important such as hospitals and food preparation areas. We have been advised to sort the floor out and latex screed was mentioned. Wickes sell 'Setcrete Floor Leveling Primer' , which seal porous, dusty surfaces prior to pouring the levelling compound. 5 Ltr. Liquid or flow screed, unlike latex screed, comes in a ready mix truck so is generally suited to much larger projects and/or deeper fills. Latex / screed info please. The next part of the process entails purchasing your vinyl flooring and adhesive product. I gather you are planning on putting down a floating wood floor i. used with confidence over almost all subfloors without priming, including ceramic tiles, bitumen and flooring grade plywood. Allow to dry. a screed should be used prior to fitting any amtico or LVT (luxury vinyl tile) flooring. Work the chisel under the tiles, forcing them loose. 11. Answer: This will depend on the type of tiles you are going over. . 1 is shown below. After the surface has been sanded, any dust must be removed using a vacuum cleaner. 1. Flowable liquid floor screed suitable for applying up to a depth of 5-50mm onto: Floors with underfloor heating or under tile warming; Cement; Concrete slabs; Pre-cast elements; Wooden flooring; Existing ceramic tiles; Existing rigid plastic tiles; Floating floors (e. The thinset that was applied to glue down the tiles, has been applied over a dirty surface and instead of adhering to the substrate, it adhered to the dust and oils sitting on top of it. In most rooms, the tiles are still in place, in varying conditions. Before you tackle how to tile an uneven floor, it’s really important to use a good primer i. #1 Hi All, I have a job to do for a contractor and they have told me to self level over the top of existing floor tiles and then lay the new ceramics. Old fire blankets and heat resistant gloves can also be made out of asbestos textiles. Or 1/16 th of an inch in any 24-inch substrate. If you're laying Karndean over existing flooring, be sure it is properly prepared. On ceramics I would go ardex na balls 1200 or a flexy screed 95 % of the time I go with a good coat of level flex ( balls 700 say you cant use on ceramics ) then a nice buff off and then a coat of balls 500 micro then lvt stuck in f46 ps. ARDITEX NA can be applied on allScreeds & Mortars for tiling works. 8. What's the best latex / screed to cover ceramic tiles Andy O'Hara Peter Newman Flooring Www. Apply as a bonded, unbonded or floating screed. NOTE: Arditex NA should not be used on top of vinyl. The matt sits on top of insulation boards (10mm), which in turn sits on top of a concrete floor). The floor leveler will fill in previous grout lines and make the floor level for the tile over tile application. Cost effective – up to 50m² coverage per 11kg bag. Heating mats, loose. separate application of material to achieve the required vertical flatness (walls). Raspberry_Swirl Posts: 1,386 Forumite. Used to smooth and level floors in preparation for laying a wide range of floor coverings on top which is important as this base layer will effect the overall finish you get from the project. See notes on the use of Nicobond DPM One Coat membrane. However, the Quikrete High-Performance. 2. With the hole closed up, you can start “folding” the mix. We have thought about having a. Then mix a lighter, creamy batch and wash over. Rip the whole existing lino up before I put the kitchen units in, put the units directly on the quarry tiles, and then get the lino put in afterwards - I have no idea what the state of the quarry tiles is currently. 8 Repair Concrete Floor Before Tiling, some helpful tips. Our wide experience and the quality of our products means we will always be a trusted partner that can meet all the requirements of a constantly. An acrylic primer should also be applied to the surface that will ensure your tile adhesive will efficiently bond to the screed. Unit Size Available: 20kg. Perfect for using over ceramics. Ceramic tile / stone adhesive - floor and wall thin set mortar DESCRIPTION Davco 168 is a cement-based, thin or medium bed ad-hesive, suitable for fixing ceramic tiles onto walls and floors, dry or wet interior or exterior areas. Green screeds are usually 1:3 or 1:4 cement and sand at a usual thickness of 50mm. Cleaning the debris: Soak a cloth in clear water and wipe any dust or debris off the plywood surface. Rich. Its consistency makes it particularly suitable for fixing large tiles and those with profiled backs. CAC FLOORING. The correct way to this job would be to lift all the floor tiles, lay marine plyboard down and secure it with screws. 105 mm. Www. ABSTRACT The use of polymer/latex type additives that improve the performance of thin-set adhesives and mortars has been in common and increasing use since the 1960's. “Attend to the water damage as soon as possible as water leaks will cause damp patches on the ceilings of rooms below the installation and this leads to peeling paint and costly repairs,” she says. For instance, if there is a lump on the wooden floor, you can use this option. ARDEX K 15®. Wet underfloor heating installation cost. Calculator. 27kg ARDEX A 29 cement per m² for each millimetre of screed thickness using a 1:7 mix. Tile panel movement joints should be created at maximum 3 meter centres in both directions, as well as around the perimeter of the floor. Andy O'Hara. Next, with a brush or roller, apply high-gloss or semi-gloss latex. Paint the grout with grout paint, if desired. e ( DPM, insulation, flooring). 1-2007 – Ceramic Tiles; Part 1: Guide to the Installation of Ceramic Tiles 2. The tiles will also stick to ceramic tiles if they are untextured. hope this helps . Designed for use with various latex admixtures to produce a high strength smoothing compound or adhesive for ceramic tile and stone that meets and exceeds the requirements international standards. Carolann's carpets. Whisk the mixture of powder and water to a lump free consistency and then apply to your surface using a steel trowel, followed by a spiked roller. 4 hours and ceramic tiles after 3 hours ¥ Suitable for use over old adhesive residues including bitumen ¥ Moisture tolerant - can be used below a DPM ¥ Excellent flow and self-levelling properties ¥ Excellent adhesion properties without priming most substrates ¥ Ideal for use above underfloor heating systems ¥ Ideal for timber substrates In order to check the level of your floor, use a long spirit level (2m is ideal). We have been taking quotes for LVT in our ground floor, which is now carpeted. Like 0. Where it differs from other smoothing products is that there is a latex additive. Over plastic, semi-dry consistency traditional mortar beds (min 20mm thick) before beating in pavers and ceramic or stone tile in cold climate conditions. If flooring is applied directly over the ‘young screed’ there is a risk of development of moisture related de-bonding of the adhesive and blisters in the vinyl or coating. Concrete has a much coarser mixture than screed, consisting of larger, hard-core aggregates, which are the key element that gives it its durability and makes it strong and long lasting. The thickness of the screed allows it to take up normal variations in flatness and levelness of the base on which it is laid. 5 millimeters (about 3/8 inch) and typically float over the subfloor. There are many advantages in placing vinyl flooring over existing flooring, such as added insulation, desired thickness and with the use of transition strips you can avoid any unnecessary disasters with the installation. FREE next day delivery available, free collection in. Review the jobsite conditions and find out what needs to be fixed. 1 Sand-cement screeds should generally incorporate a latex additive (such as Planicrete) and should be installed as per the guidelines in Appendix A of AS 3958. A range of smoothing concrete for a smooth, permanent finish to a variety of internal substrates prior to the installation of floorcoverings, choose ARDEX. e. Divide the area to be levelled into sections using wooden dividers. 24 Oct 2014. 3. All waxes or sealers must be removed, and patching/leveling or embossing must be brought to a flatness of 3/16” in 10’. ceramics I don’t know. Yes prime the latex then fix tiles using a flexible cement based adhesive . JC Flooring Professional Carpet Fitting Service. Installing a damp proof underlay for concrete floors. In 1986, a Field Report of the Ceramic Tile Institute of America (86-5-1) titled “Installing Ceramic Veneers with Latex Modified Mortar & Grouts” used the term “Latex Leaching. Work the chisel under the tiles, forcing them loose. Reply to londonchap81. Use a 2×4 to screed the floor and completely. A primer is a liquid product, which can be either latex, epoxy or polyurethane based, and is used to create better adhesion onto the substrate before tiling or screeding. The screeds primary purpose, using one part cement to three to five parts sharp sand, is to give a smooth and level floor on which to lay your chosen floor finish. For a full flooring renovation, hacking is required to remove the existing tiles. e. Additionally, being able to use these over wood. Installation of Ceramic Tile in Swimming Pools,. 1 – Step 1: Prepare the surface. I'm not sure how deep it needs to be yet as i need to speak to building regs. 5 Step 5: Comb Gently: 6. Whilst it is still poured at a shallower depth than traditional sand and cement screed, the minimum 35mm pour is. 2-m straightedge laid in contact with the screed. thank you for the advice!! We notice you have a post regarding asbestos. Screeding over cracked tiles can cause pressure over time on the screed and begin to break it up in the affected areas underneath. On ceramics I would go ardex na balls 1200 or a flexy screed 95 % of the time I go with a good coat of level flex ( balls 700 say you cant use on ceramics ) then a nice buff off and then a coat of balls 500 micro then lvt stuck in f46 ps. (19 mm) Thickness) Typical Mix Ratio: 5. Screeds are typically bonded onto most concrete. Color: Gray. The best solution is to uplift the tiles and dispose of accordingly, then use a specialist screed such as F-Ball Stopgap 1200 straight over the bitumen. you risk voiding the warranty of the flooring by not installing on a dust free, flat smooth surface. Asbestos floor tiles were once a popular choice for flooring, and you will often find old asbestos floor tiles hidden under carpets. You just need to apply a contract grade epoxy DPM, sandwiched between 2 layers of appropriate latex. 3 Step 3: Stacking Tiles: 6. The second batch was slightly more watery but it has solved the problem of the dip. ARDEX A48 is a pre-bagged and mixed version of this material. Porous unglazed clay or stone tiles, on the other hand, require no additional preparation. Screeding a floor is the simple act of applying a well blended mixture of Ordinary Portland Cement with graded agregates and water to a floor base, in order to form a sturdy sub-floor that is capable of taking on the final floor finish or act as a final wearing surface. It can be applied over virtually any substrate such as old adhesive residues and ceramics. The floor leveler will fill in previous grout lines and make the floor level for the tile over tile application. It is a considerably cheaper alternative to a full renovation as no hacking is required. It varies by manufacturer but it pretty much seems to average 4. Screwfix customers rate this product 4. Www. 08 inc. Once this is completed and securely nailed down (at four inch centres) you will be able to fit the vinyl or lino floorcoverings. If u dont use the right primer the floor screed will blow under nieth eney flooring. Membrane. Products for Ceramics and Stone Materials. Drying times vary according to the brand of. It works like mortar but doesn’t need grouting because it contains no sand or gravel. Concrete has a much coarser mixture than screed, consisting of larger, hard-core aggregates, which are the key element that gives it its durability and makes it strong and long lasting. maul. Hi, quite a common problem tbh. The level of residual humidity in a screed is measured using an electric or carbide hygrometer (Fig. Mapei MAPEGUARD UM 35 can be installed over the top of a screed using a suitable Mapei adhesive such as KERAQUICK S1Mapei or Mapei ULTRALITE RAPID FLEX S1, for waterproofing and antifracture properties. Country Availability. Tiling onto green screeds or concrete. Mortar screeds: Tiles can be installed on as soon as they are ready to bear weight as opposed to the usual 28 days of curing. Professionals often prefer using the 2-part compound since it provides faster results and has a shorter. The mortar has an open time (work-able time) of about 1 hour. PRIMINGDescription. 9 How to Screed a. On absorbent surfaces, such as cement and sand screeds, it may be necessary to damp down the surface with water before applying ARDITEX NA , to help reduce suction and pinholes. 2 Step 2: Cut Tiles With a Wet Saw: 6. s1oww said: The area i need to cover over the tiles is 6m x 2. ARDITEX NA can be applied on all Screeds & Mortars for tiling works. Needs mixing with a paddle. SR1 3mm. Ceramic wall tiles are thinner for several reasons. Not actually used it myself (yet) but looking to level my garage floor so done a little research. 1. thank you very much for the clarification. Start at a broken tile or between tiles where the grout has loosened. 2. Liquid Screed is either a cement-based compound or anhydrite (gypsum based). ” Note: New Tile Installed Over Existing Tile - When new tile is needed in existing pools, new tile can be installed over existing tile using 254 Platinum or 254 Platinum Plus provided that the pool is in good condition and existing tile is well bonded. For ceramic tiles up to 30cm x 30cm or porcelain tiles up to 10cm x 10cm you’ll only need a low grip adhesive. Primers. 4. Screeding over cracked tiles can cause pressure over time on the screed and begin to break it up in the affected areas underneath. Now in addition to our subfloor preparations products, we offer a full range of patching systems, moisture control, concrete toppings, flooring adhesives and concrete repair. LATAPOXY 300 Adhesive is a chemical resistant, epoxy adhesive that will bond to most sound, clean surfaces. 06% (0. To flash the floor, the guys are using Kerabond mortar with Keralastic latex additive because it bonds so well. 2 / 17. If the existing concrete is dirty you will have to use some self-levelling compound which includes latex. over almost all subfloors without priming, including ceramic tiles, bitumen and flooring grade plywood. Screed is commonly set underneath timber, carpet, resin coating, natural stone, tile and vinyl flooring. Reply to Kitchen Floor tiling on Latex Self Levelling Compound in the Floor Tiles area at TilersForums. I'm new to this and didn't select reply before. When laying vinyl, ceramic tiles, carpet and other floor coverings. laid for anywhere from 40-60 days after the screed is placed, dependent on screed thickness. Any difference in levels at the doorway can be. #1. 5 litres per 20kg bag of screed. Floating Floors. flooring bloke New Member. PT Flooring Specialists. For Indoor Use. It can be difficult to determine how much flooring you will need, but at Tile Wizards, we have a method that never fails. The contractor applied a layer of traditional cement-sand screed to a depth of 65mm and told me to wait 110 days for the screed to dry before calling the tiler. A) ARDITEX NA ® can be used with confidence over almost all subfloors without priming including ceramic tiles, bitumen and flooring grade plywood. 2 Check for hollow tiles. For more than 5mm it should be left for 48 hours Setcrete Latex is suitable to use over a wide range of absorbent sub floors which should first be coated with Setcrete Acrylic Primer diluted in a ratio of 1-part primer to 4. Lift a tile from time to time to check appropriate coverage and that there4. If you just want a no-nonsense mountain bike at an attractive price point, the Canyon Neuron AL 6 is a very good answer. Last edited: May 23, 2012. The colour of the second batch of screed is a lot more of a lighter grey than the first batch. commences. Clean the Floor. 6N / mm2ARDITEX NA provides excellent adhesion to almost all substrates without the need to prime, including flooring-grade plywood, ceramic tiles, steel, and even over old bitumen adhesive residue. (with added latex powder), requiring only the addition of water. The floor needs to be. If you have the height you could tile over the top - its not ideal. I’m here to talk about latex floor screed. ARDEX X 77 is ideal for use in swimming pools and fountains and over in-floor heating systems and is recommended for all tile sizes, including mosaics. None of those apply to wall tiles, and the reduced weight of a thinner tile makes for easier installation. You can then lay your new floor on top. The dimension between the floor and threshold of the door is circa 20mm, so cant lay a very thick level of screed either, taking into account the eventual permanent flooring that will go on top. 1. When laying vinyl, ceramic tiles, carpet and other floor coverings. Can anyone advise on best course of action?. Nonetheless, as simple as this process might sound, there is a lot more to. Latex screeds are self-leveling compounds usually consisting of a powder and liquid latex. I’m here to talk about latex floor screed. I would lay a latex screed over the lounge and hallway after replacing or filling (with sand/cement) any loose tiles. Product calculators. There are three main types of screed – bonded, unbonded and floating. applied from 1’ – 2 ½” (25 – 63mm) mixed to a semi-dry consistency and placed over a latex/cement slurry bond coat consisting of 254 Platinum, 254 Platinum Plus or MULTIMAX. MAPEI recommends adding 5% to 10% in overage to ensure. Pumped anhydrite floor screeds are not much dearer than ready-mix sand/cement, costing around £25/m3 (laid. It pours wet and then dries to create a solid flat surface that is highly durable. Floor covering is a term to generically describe any finish material applied over a floor structure to provide a walking surface. They flow like liquid across substrates similar to ‘self levelling. Dip the paint roller into the primer, then roll out the excess on the tray until the roller is nearly dry. Coverage: Approx 6 m at 3 mm thickness. plaster, cement render, fibre cement sheet, plasterboard. Step 6. The tiles are placed in the wet slurry and “beat-in” with a rubber mallet. Fig. Place the mixed product onto the area to be ‘screeded’ and screed to the desired thickness and plane using an appropriate straight-edge. screed over insulation. stoneyboy. 2. Use painter’s tape in combination with a drop cloth or plastic sheeting to protect nearby surfaces from errant paint. 1. 8 Feb 2010. Tile panel movement joints should be created at maximum 3 meter centres in both directions, as well as around the perimeter of the floor. For bathroom wall tiles, it is important to take note of the material they are made from. A levelled surface is especially important using large format tiles. Laying carpet tiles over. 1. Only really suitable for domestic loose lay vinyl. Post reply. SR3 10mm. 3m x 4. If a dipping grade adhesive is not wanted, then the trowel applied Styccobond B95 adhesive can be used instead. On absorbent surfaces, such as cement and sand screeds, it may be necessary to damp down the surface with water before applying ARDITEX NA ® , to help reduce suction and pinholes. I would recommend screeding it because it would encapsulate the tiles but also give you a perfect surface for whatever flooring you decide on in the future. Starting at one side of the room, unroll the membrane and cut to fit the room as one would a carpet. Without seeing the rh% of moisture in the sub-floor it's impossible to give 100% correct information, but as long as the rh% is under 97% you could prime the floor, use a latex based screed to give a smooth surface, use a surface DPM (as far as i'm aware only Ardex DPM 1 C is guaranteed over a sub-floor without a working mechanical dpm) then finally. On this weeks episode of Sealed For Good we discuss how to waterproof over the top of existing tiles and find out the different things you should be looking. 215: 10 mm thick granite floor tiles + adhesive. It can be confusing because many leveling compounds are marked as useable on a variety of surfaces, including linoleum and vinyl. In that case, first of all, you need to take out the old vinyl tile and then apply self-leveling concrete. Bonded Screed Minimum Depth. Just to be sure you've seen my previous messages: I think the house was built in the 70s but may have been 60s; the tiles have been tested; we haven't had a professional look at the floor with the carpet etc removed but have had advice on "if the tiles are generally in. Make sure each area is a manageable size to avoid any issues. The common types of flooring laid over levelling screeds. Over the backs of ceramic tile, stone or brick before placing concrete or mortar during fabrication of ‘negative’ cast panels. Use duct tape to try and rip it off like a waxing strip. Step 6 – Double Check Measurements. CS Flooring. The increased use of other dense layers over the screed, such as uncoupling, or crack-isolation membranes made of bitumen or plastics such as. steve have you checked the level of all of the concrete floor. used with confidence over almost all subfloors without priming, including ceramic tiles, bitumen and flooring grade plywood. The reason that the additive is latex, is to give the screed a degree of flexibility. Over the years one side has very slightly moved out of sync with the other and using a thicker bed would have lost any irregularities in the surface. Allowing the UFH system to cool down for at least 48 hours before tiling commences. Where the old screed has been removed by the outside back door, it has uncovered a low inner brick course running parallel to the door in line with the inner wall with a gulley either side, similar in dimensions to the one described above. Renovation property: £135 to £185 per square metre. In place of a screed, you can make use of a paint roller or finishing trowel. commences. i try to keep up on new products and a company called ardex uk make a latex based levelling compound called (arditex na)that goes straight over bitumen to seal it. bournemouth Super Moderator. Rapid, High Flow Self-Leveling Underlayment. If you're installing vinyl plank flooring over an existing ceramic tile floor, check that the grout lines are no larger than 1/4. Screeds to adhesive fixed rigid tile applied floorings: BS5385 Part3. :thumbsup. The remaining screed appears to be between 10mm and 20mm in depth. Allow the tiles to dry. Self-leveling underlayment is a great choice under any tiled floor, but it’s the absolute best choice when installing tile over an in-floor heating system. Download Article. Suitable for fixing porcelain tiles and natural stone in interior locations to solid stable substrates such as concrete or sand: cement screed in small to medium sized installations. Glazed or textured tile surfaces should first be sanded back to ensure a good bond with the concrete, wide grout joints should be sealed to avoid obvious outlines and sinking, and several coats of primer should be used to prepare the site. If the existing slab is clean concrete - wet it, prime it with a cement slurry and lay a strong cement + sharp sand screed. but you should always prime the subfloor first, I believe you need to give the bitumen a slurry coat first. 2 - 12mm Application. GB Carpets. Remove any loosened grout with a chisel and hammer. You will have to latex screed over minimum of 3mm, for the finished floor to look good this latex screed needs to be as smooth as glass. Use a large carpenter's level to identify low areas of the floor. ARDEX Abacrete. We get loads of sub floored Ashphalted as it’s great for a Dpm and building the levels up from parquet wood being taken up. Water or latex based screed. C. Maximum depths are around 10-15mm, however with the addition of bulking aggregates. Continue until the entire floor is covered, smoothed, and rollered. Hence they need to screed, because dont have ppl who put 30mm of cement before laying tiles. I was charged £2,600 and although I knew this was expensive I put. Its on your back if you risk 30 quid of screed over a few hundred of tiles!Firstly, paint the quarry tiles with a liquid damp proof course, let it dry. Thirdly, paint again with the liquid DPM and let that dry. Ceramic tiles: 3-5 days : 50-70mm: Carpet: 6. FAMILY HANDYMAN. I've gone over vinyl tiles with green bag and 300 and got away with it. Lee Allen New Member. The first thing to consider is the condition of your ceramic tiles. Epoxy DPM * Existing Adhesive Residues. Many modern mastics are latex, or water-based, and can be softened with water. It varies by manufacturer but it pretty much seems to average 4. Work the chisel between the tiles and the concrete, hammering them up with a 2-lb. ARDITEX NA can be applied on all common subfloors such as concreteStep 4: Mix Mortar. AS 3740-2021 – Waterproofing of domestic wet areas 3. 1-2007. Please help !!! I've had a 4mm-5mm latex screed laid using mapei renovation screed as I was advised this was the best option for a final floor finish as I was only left with about 7-8mm to work with as a microcement floor I had laid had gone wrong. UltraFloor Prime IT Multi-surface Primer is a moisture tolerant, water based acrylic primer, sealer and bonding aid, suitable for porous and non-porous substrates. co. Measure the gap between the floor and the raised end to check how far out the floor is. Scotts Plumbing & Property Maintenance Limited. Tiling floorboards with wood effect tiles offers a variety of benefits over natural wood, including being more durable, and easier to maintain and keep clean. As it might sound, a bonded screed is applied directly to the. Strike the face of stubborn tiles to break them up for easier removal. Mixing and application of Nitotile GP shall be as follows; 20kg of Nitotile GP shall be mixed with 4. Be careful of latex compounds that say they can go over ceramics with no primer. A chipboard floor will move when walked upon. 2. 3 Comb the mortar. Installation of Ceramic Tile . Screed: A layer of well compacted material, commonly a mixture of cement and fine aggregate, that is applied to a base at theIt is possible to tile directly onto tongue and groove wooden floors, but the high amounts of deflection/movement will mean that an ultra-flexible (S2) tile adhesive is required. Self levelling compound will put a lay of 2mm ish if spread on 2sq Mt. 50 per square metre. application of an impermeable layer beneath tile and bedding to prevent water penetration into. Pour as much Easy Mix Traditional Floor Screed into your mixing bucket as you feel you can comfortably mix in one go. Vinyl planks represent perhaps the best option for installation over ceramic tile. A latex screed is a mix of powder, and liquid latex poured over a concrete slab to provide a flat, level surface. LATAPOXY® 310 Stone Adhesive. Pro Flow can be applied from depths of 2 – 12mm in one application. Country. Adding a little extra water to a thick mix can make it spread easier, might increase drying time slightly. Superior general purpose Cementitious Tile. Hi Pete, I have the answer. But even if large areas and/or large-format tiles are bonded, above-average stresses can occur overall. SR2 5mm. Overlap sheets by at least 20 cm (7. If there is a significant trench where the grout is – fill it and seal it. Using the notched side of the trowel, comb the mortar to produce an even surface.