For setting shower bases and toilet pans, bedding pavers, or patching concrete walls, brickwork, and rendered surfaces, Sand & Cement (Screed) provides a pre-blended, general-purpose mortar. This "Just Add Water" mix combines graded sands and cement in predetermined ratios, eliminating the need to source and proportion raw materials on site.
Sand & Cement (Screed) functions as a stable bedding and repair mortar. It delivers a reliable consistency for plumbing installations, landscaping edge work, and vertical patching on brickwork or rendered surfaces. By adding clean drinking water, the dry mix forms a workable paste that can be finished with a sponge, steel trowel, or wooden float once it sets touch-dry.
Prepare the receiving concrete, brickwork, or rendered surface by ensuring it is clean and free of oils, grease, dust, and loose debris. Empty the dry mix into a wheelbarrow, concrete mixer, or non-porous vessel. Add clean drinking water gradually while blending thoroughly to achieve a workable consistency. After placing, allow the mortar to set to touch-dry before completing the final finish with a clean damp sponge, steel trowel, or wooden float. Clean all tools with water immediately after use.
If colouring is required, add Cement Australia Oxide colours directly to the mix. Ensure all ingredients, particularly the oxide and water, are measured identically across subsequent batches to prevent shade variations.
Q: How much water do I add to Cement Australia Sand & Cement?
A: Add clean drinking water gradually and blend thoroughly until you achieve a workable mix. The amount of water will vary depending on the specific application and desired consistency. Start with a smaller amount and add more as needed, being careful not to make the mix too wet, as excess water can weaken the mortar.
Q: Can I use Cement Australia Sand & Cement for bricklaying?
A: Yes, Cement Australia Sand & Cement is suitable for general bricklaying, especially for smaller projects. However, for larger bricklaying jobs, Cement Australia recommends adding lime to the mix for improved workability or using their ‘Mortar Mix’, which is specifically designed for bricklaying.
Q: What is the coverage of a 20kg bag of Cement Australia Sand & Cement?
A: One 20kg bag of Cement Australia Sand & Cement covers approximately 1.1 square meters at a thickness of 10mm. This will help you estimate how much product you need for your specific project, whether it's setting pavers in your backyard or patching a concrete wall.
Q: How long does Cement Australia Sand & Cement take to set?
A: The setting time will vary depending on environmental conditions such as temperature and humidity, which can differ across Australia. Allow the applied Sand & Cement to set to touch dry before finishing. Avoid walking on the area for at least 24 hours to ensure it sets properly and achieves good strength.
Q: Can I colour Cement Australia Sand & Cement?
A: Yes, you can colour your Sand & Cement mortar by adding the required amount of one of Cement Australia’s suitable Oxide colours (black, brown, or red) and mixing thoroughly. If mixing multiple batches, ensure accurate measurement of all ingredients, especially the Oxide and water, to prevent colour variations.