Can You Use Thinset On A Tile Redi Pan?

If you’re in the middle of a bathroom remodel, chances are that you’re pretty pleased with the invention of Tile Redi shower pans. Tile Redi shower pans make it possible to get a gorgeous tiled look in the exact dimensions you need. Adding tile to a Tile Redi pan can prove to be tricky at times, especially when it comes to the “glue” holding your tiling together.

Using thinset when tiling a Tile Redi shower pan is not a wise idea. Along with being a higher-cost option, the preferred method of tiling a shower with this pan involves epoxy, which is usually shipped with the Tile Redi. Thinset can be more difficult to clean and may also leak into other areas in or around the pan.

If you have a little leftover thinset, chances are that you might be tempted to try to use it on your Tile Redi pan. However, it’s really not a smart idea. Here’s what you need to know…

Thinset needs porous surfaces in order to “stick” well, and Tile Redi pans don’t have that. If you were hoping to use thinset directly on the pan, this just won’t work out well for you. You will need to have a more solid base before you start working.

Despite this, it is still possible to use thinset somewhat successfully on a Redi Pan if it’s used marginally over a layer of epoxy mortar base or if you sand down the bottom of the tiles and have another material as a “go between.” Still, it rarely ends well compared to regular epoxy mortar.

The best thing that you can use to tile a shower pan is epoxy mortar. In most cases, your Tile Redi pan should come with the necessary amount of epoxy as a part of your purchase price. So, when in doubt, use what it came with. RediPoxy can also be used as a tile adhesive once you have a mortar base.

If you are unable to finish your project using the amount of mortar included in your package, it’s a smart idea to call up Tile Redi’s hotline to get a more concrete answer on what you should do. Tile Redi does have a line of epoxy mortars and adhesives that might be able to work for your particular project.

There are ways to use thinset on a Tile Redi shower pan, but that doesn’t mean they’re good to use. Tile Redi only backs up their products if the installation instructions they have are followed to the letter, and that includes the part about using the epoxy that comes with the shower pans.

If you do decide to use thinset on your shower pan, don’t apply it directly to the pan and make a point of avoiding non-epoxy thinset. Tile Redi pans do not have the surface required to work directly with non-epoxy thinset.

When in doubt, it’s better to call the Tile Redi hotline to find out what materials you can use in your installation. After all, these shower pans are pricey and it’s better to remain safe than have to replace your shower pan due to a bad installation.