Some people think that mortar and cement are the same because they have the same function. Mortar and cement are two different materials. In short, if you use cement, you mix it with sand. While mortar, you don’t need to mix it with sand anymore. You need to add water according to the measurements, the mortar can be applied.

So, mortar is an instant adhesive mixed with other materials used for gluing, both walls and floors. Another name for mortar is instant cement because you don’t need a mixture.

As a Brick Adhesive
Like cement, mortar also functions to glue one stone to another. But because it is instant, you need to note the use of mortar. This is because the composition of the mortar that functions to glue lightweight bricks must be different from the one used to glue red bricks. Mortar for plaster is also distinct from the one that functions as glue. It would help if you noticed when you buy it.

Wall Plaster
The second function of mortar is wall plaster. Plastering is the next step that you must do after the wall is made. Plastering needs to make the building walls smooth and even. Usually, the thickness for plastering is only 10 – 20 mm. The mortar used for plaster consists of cement, filler, sand, and additives. The preparation process is the same as the plaster used to glue bricks. You only need to add water. You no longer need to mix cement and sand when using it.

Ceramic Adhesive
Usually, ceramics are glued with cement and sand mixture. However, mortar can also be used to glue ceramics. Mortar that functions to glue ceramics consists of several types: ceramic adhesive mortar, granite or homogeneous tile adhesive mortar, ceramic adhesive mortar on ceramics, and others. The selection of products can be adjusted according to the intended use and type of ceramic to be installed. You should not use the wrong one because it will affect the quality of the ceramic installation results.

–sh