How do you mix cement?

[madonna-fan]

Can anyone tell me the proper MIX for cement?
I have different answers from different people. i have 1/2 parts 1/3, and 1/4,
also lime and fairy liquid get a mention.
would appreciate it if could someone could help?

[HowardKennitby]

For Portland cement a typical mix is 3 sand to 1 cement. No idea about lime mortar.

[wendilla]

http://www.howtodothi...ow-to-mix-cement.html

[The Builder]

What do you want to use it for? .............. and also, the type of sand you have in your area?

[Mick-Talbot]

3-1 MAY BE OK FOR UNDERGROUND BUT i WOULD NOT USE A MIX THAT STRONG ABOVE GROUND.
OOps caps

[Mosaic]

Depending on how much work you have to do, go to a DIY store like Homebase and get a ready-to-go tub.

[fender62]

2/1

[Mick-Talbot]

2-1 ?

[cupid04]

Ask me cement else!!!

[cupid04]

Not even a little lo. I'm going to sulk now!

[cupid04]

I meant lol not lo!

[Psybbo]

lol cupid

[ZebUK]

The reason washing up liquid gets a mention is it helps to make the mix more pliable. We've added it to coarse sand to make it easier to smooth and in the winter during silly cold temperatures.

Usually 3:1 (sand:cement) although the more cement you add the stronger the mix will be.

[ZebUK]

Sorry I meant 4:1 (had not long read Mick-Talbot's reply and was thinking of that)

[gordyagusta]

Just to correct everyone interested in this topic, the correct term that should have been used is.... How do you mix MORTAR..?? Cement is only one ingredient in the mix not the whole mix, its like asking how to bake a flour when you really mean how to bake a cake..........just saying....and for the record above ground 1:4 ratio mix, below ground 1:3 ratio thats 1 part cement to 3 parts sand... the use of washing up liquid helps prevent the mix from drying out to quick but is infact against building control regulations, so ok if its a small diy job but not if your building a proper structure.....you can buy plasticisers from local builders merchants to add to the mix as an alternative to washing up liquid....

[peterbaz]

depends on what your using it for but in general 3 sand 1 cement you need to mix it dry well this is lmportant good luck

[The Builder]

Strange how some people ask a question but don't come back for the answers.
Peter's quite right. That's why I asked what it was for. There are so many different mixes and additives.