Practical Advice for Using Tile Adhesive

Tile adhesive is a special kind of glue that is used to fix tiling into place around the home. Selecting the right tile adhesive is a very important part of your tile projects. This will ensure that the tiles stick to the wall/floor properly and create a watertight surface.

Different Types of Tile Adhesive

There are a number of different tile adhesive products available. You will need to read the manufacturers instructions before using this type of adhesive in the home. The type of tile adhesive you use will depend on the surface that you are fixing tiles to (drywall, plywood, concrete etc). It will also depend on whether you are fixing tiles inside or outside and to walls or floors. By taking the time to research which tile adhesive you need you can make sure you get the right product for your project.

To help you get started here are just a few of the most common tile adhesive products available:

• Organic Mastics – these are useful products as they come pre-mixed. This means you can use the adhesive straight from the tube. Organic mastic is useful for wall tile projects as it offers instant hold. This means that tiles will not slip out of place as you are fixing them. However organic mastics are not very effective in areas which are exposed to heat or the elements such as cooker splashbacks and outside spaces.

- Thin-set Mortar – this is a popular type of tile adhesive that can be mixed to the exact consistency required. Thin-set mortar is widely used as it offers a much stronger bonding finish and more flexibility than other adhesives. This means it can be used in areas with varying heat temperatures and air moisture such as kitchens, bathrooms and exte
al spaces. There are several different types of thin-set mortar mixes available. This provides plenty of choice when it comes to your home DIY projects.

• Latex Mortar – this type of tile adhesive has additives that reduce the water absorption and increase the bonding strength. Latex mortar can be used for both wet and dry installations. It can also be mixed to a thicker consistency to make a suitable adhesive for handcrafted tiles that have uneven rear surfaces.

Using Tile Adhesive

When you are using tile adhesive you do need to make sure you understand the drying times. If you remove the spacers between the tiles too soon they could slip out of place before they are dry. With the faster drying tile adhesive products you will need to work more quickly to put the tiles in place before the adhesive hardens. Double check all the manufacturers instructions before you start your project so that you can plan each step accurately.