I'm looking at alternitives to using SLC @ 32 (US) dollars a bag here in Nashville at the big box store. My main goal is using it to cover my tile floor heat without nicking it with my trowel. This is a fairly small pour, 5 X 8 ,and plan on using the plastic lathe and primer over my plywood. What's the outcome of overwetting Thinset,besides losing some of it's internal strength?

It's extremely hard to trowel out because it's so sticky, and it takes forever to dry. If I was spending the bucks to put in a heated floor, I'd spend the extra to do it right. If you have a Lowe's there, I believe their Mapei SLC is around $25 a bag. I don't think any of it's cheap, no matter what brand you buy.

Thanks,you're right on both of those.We have Lowe's and it's worth doing right,I guess I needed to hear it from someone and I was curious if anyone had tried it,to save $

Sometimes when trowelling thinset fairly thick,as an alternative to a levelling and patching mortar,the mortar can "tent" and crack.It will be unbonded at that spot.

This is because the thinset screed dries inconsistently due to air movement on the top.Thinset mortar should be covered by something when it is thick,such as with a tile. Levelling mortars are designed so that the screed dries within.It has different drying properties.

Excellent explanation,where do I send the check for this info from everyone?