I just wanted to contribute my experience with this product. They come in 10lb bags and recommend mixing 2.5 qts per bag. This is not the right ratio because it will be too unworkable! My advice for the newbie like myself is to make a small batch of the product using a 1/4 liter per pint of the feather finish (the instructions say 1 part water per 2 parts of the feather finish, but that is not an ideal ratio). This will provide the creamy milkshake consistency that you need, while at the same time, not compromising the strength of the mixed product. Hand mix it in with a margin trowel and apply away! Just my two cents worth. By starting out with smaller amounts and with the ratio that I have provided, you will get accustomed to working with the product in no time.

1/4 liter of water per pint of feather finish, is that right? One pint is about 1/2 liter, which would be the same 1 part water to 2 parts mix that Ardex recommends. I just used this feather finish for the first time this morning. It was hand mixed at the 1p water 2p mix ratio, and was very stiff. I'm glad I started out with a very small batch.

To clarify, I had originally did the 1 part water to 2 parts feather finish as Ardex suggests, but that was too darn thick.

So...I decided to use a little more water in my mix. For the small pot that I mixed, I combined 16 oz of feather finish with 1/4 ltr of water (instead of the 8oz that would be recommended by Ardex). This was the winning ratio for those amounts. I have not made larger batches though.

Neat thing about that product is you can simply stick in your mixer paddle and it will retemper without adding water.

I always mix with my hammer drill driver and paddle. Also in the summer you need to use ice water in that and any patch which makes it workable longer. Yes I take ice cubes to work when doing prepp. You do gotta be quick with it at warm temps. I use an 18 in trowel.