How to Choose the Right Tile Adhesive for Your Project?

There are many factors to consider when choosing the right tile adhesive for your project, including the substrate, the type and size of the tile, and the environment. Choosing the wrong adhesive for the intended context/application can lead to undesirable consequences, including cracking or debonding of tiles, which can result in financial losses to you in terms of repairs and compensation.

Choosing an adhesive or grout based purely on BS classification is not always a panacea - as other factors may invalidate your choice.

Substrate or background

First, let's look at the substrate or background. Whether you are tiling over a tile liner, tongue and groove flooring, tiling over sand: cement grout or existing tile can have a huge impact on the adhesive to be considered.

For example, if the floor needs to resist some limited movement or vibration, choose a flexible/deformable adhesive

Polymer modified adhesives/grout are added with powdered polymers, pre-mixed at the manufacturing stage, or can be modified with liquid polymer additives. This enhances the physical and mechanical properties of the product.

 HPMC for Tile Adhesive    

In building materials, the addition amount of HPMC is very low, only 0.1%-1%, but it plays an irreplaceable role and can significantly improve the water retention, fluidity and lubricity of building materials. tile adhesive added with HPMC are easier to mix and use, improve the work efficiency of construction workers, extend the open time, improve the bonding strength, and form a smooth and delicate surface coating. Click here to view the section of our website that offers best tile adhesive for large wall tiles.

Tile type and size

Tile type and size are also important factors in determining adhesives and grouts. Ask yourself "Are my tiles porous?" , or are they glazed, fully vitrified, light/translucent or natural stone. Is the material you are using susceptible to water contamination? Are you using large format tiles or mosaic tiles, and are they reticulated?

For example, premixed adhesives may be suitable for porous ceramic tiles, but for porcelain, a highly polymer-modified cementitious adhesive is recommended. Pre-mixed adhesives are also not suitable for floor tiles or tiles larger than 300x300 mm.

In the case of light or translucent natural stone, a fast setting and drying white cementitious adhesive is recommended to minimize any potential risk of staining. A ceramic tile adhesive  is also suitable for floor tiles with large size tiles.

This is because they can be built up to large bed depths when using uncalibrated stone or repair patches - up to 25 mm in a single application for Pourable One. 

 HPMC for Tile Adhesive 

Where do I tile?

While premixed adhesives are adequate for interior walls, interior floors may require standard fast-setting cements for increased durability. When it comes to exterior tile, you may want to seek some professional advice so that someone can visit your home and the area to be tiled.

What type of tile do I use?

Small glazed tiles installed indoors can usually be fixed with ready-made tile adhesive. However, glazed tiles and tiles larger than 30cmx30cm should be installed using standard quick-setting cement.

If you are using other natural stone tiles, you will need to ensure that you use a fast setting multi-flexible adhesive.

What material are the tiles affixed to?

While smaller tiles can be applied to interior walls with premixed adhesives, you will also need to consider what material the tiles will be applied to.

For example, plaster, cement board and gypsum board work well with premixed adhesives and standard quick-set cements. However, wood materials are only suitable for fast setting multi-flex adhesives.

Always read the labels of adhesives

Because of the wide variety of tile adhesives available, it is important that you read the label of your chosen tile adhesive to ensure that the adhesive is compatible with your tiles and tile surfaces.

Let us help you find the best tile adhesive for your needs. Welcome to contact us today or visit our website to learn more about best wall tile adhesive.