mortar problem Pompeii Oven Construction Discuss mortar problem in the Pizza Oven Design and Installation forums; I just ordered a bag of high heat mortar from the FB store and it came in today. there were ...

[Matt916]

I just ordered a bag of high heat mortar from the FB store and it came in today. there were two bags encolsed. one was the mortar, and the other i thought was a little extra mortar. so I began using it and found that the consistency seemed different than the bag i ordered before. upon examining the box again, i found an instruction sheet that said the extra bag was activator. i have already laid four bricks without using the activator. there were very vague instructions on the rest of the sheet. i was hoping someone could shed some light for me. do i have to mix in the whole bag of activator before i can use the mortar? and if so, do i have to take out the four bricks that i have already laid? i tried calling, but there was no response. i'm on sort of a rushed timeline with this one, but if someone could help i would greatly appreciate it. Thanks

[james]

Hi Matt,

The additive makes the mortar more sticky and adhesive, so it is easier to work with. You just mix the contents of the small bag with the big bag. The mortar without the additive is fine and sets well, it just isn't as nice to work with.

Sorry about the confusion. We have started pre-mixing the mortar to eliminate the extra step.

I hope it goes well!
James