Expert: Bruce E. Johnson - 5/11/2010

Question
I'm having trouble using a grout bag.  Mortar doesn't want to come out.  I've played around with ratio of portland to sand/water.  I'm using all purpose sand.  Is that too course?  Does it matter whether the sand is damp or dry?  What is the optimum formula of portland to sand and water??  I've seen various posts but the variety out there is too much. Can't figure out what's wrong!

Answer
Hi Ken, you have to find what works best for you but the more cement to sand ratio the better, usually it's one cement to three sand but by bumping it up to one cement and two sand it will flow better.  Keep adding water to it until it is the consistency of cake frosting.  The grout bag is the same as a cake frosting bag.  Too much sand packs the end of the bag and doesn't allow the grout to flow. I hope this information helps, please feel free to write again regarding this or other matters, sincerely bruce e johnson..bejohnsonconsulting.com