Abstract: Masonry cement additives are provided which, when interground with Portland cement, produce a masonary cement having superior workability, plasticity and board life, while unexpectedly also having advantageously low levels of entrained air. The additives of the invention enable the masonry cement producer to obtain these desired properties without replacing the limestone component of the masonry cement with more costly lime.The additives of the invention may be provided in aqueous solution, and thus, unlike emulsion additives, are stable for long periods of storage, even when subjected to extreme temperature excursions and cycling.The additives of the invention comprise a salt of stearic acid; a set retarding carbohydrate; an ethylenic glycol elected from the group consisting of mono-, di-, tri-, and tetraethylene glycols; and a cellulose ether.