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How to choose tile adhesive, dry mixes for tiles. Answers on questions

This WordPress post provides answers to the essential questions regarding the selection of tile adhesive and dry mixes for tiling. It explains how various factors such as the substrate surface, the type of tiles and adhesive being used, and the tiling environment all come into play when selecting the most appropriate adhesive and mix. The post provides an overview of the different types of tile adhesive and dry mixes available in the market along with their distinctive features, advantages and potential drawbacks. It also sheds light on the importance of accurately assessing the requirements and conditions of a specific project and provides some guidance on choosing the right tile adhesive and dry mix for the job.

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How to choose the right tile adhesive?Still, tiles or decorative facing stone are not the cheapest material and I really don’t want this material to crumble at the most inopportune moment. And the complexity of the work, unlike wallpaper, for example, does not allow replacing the entire tile regularly. Therefore, when purchasing wall tiles, do not forget to reconcile your budget with the need for purchasing and related materials. However, this thesis applies to all other types of expensive materials, it is unreasonable to spend money on a good quality finish and at the same time save on the means of its implementation.

So, what tools do we need to lay out ceramic tiles, porcelain stoneware, mosaics, artificial or natural facing stone? In addition to standard tools – a notched trowel and trowel, rubber spatula, crosses, a bucket or a trough, a mixer, not necessarily – a trowel, tile cutter, level, rubber mallet, we also need tile glue and grout for joints.

Tile adhesive

Each manufacturer has different names for adhesives, so we will introduce a conditional division, for example, let’s take brands of two or three manufacturers.

Primary tile adhesive(Eunice 21, Plitonit A, Petromix-base) – usually the most inexpensive of the entire line, suitable for small format wall tiles 20×20, 20×30.

Reinforced tile adhesive, the second in the line (Eunice 2000, Plitonit B, Petromix K) – good for large-format and floor ceramic tiles, for small and medium-sized porcelain stoneware, including for outdoor use. There is no strict purpose boundary between these adhesives, but it is better to adhere to the recommendations.

Tile adhesive for difficult surfaces(Petromix KU, Plitonite S) you will need for very difficult substrates – wood, old tiles, very smooth surfaces and even glass.

Adhesive for very strong and heavy tiles, natural stone (Eunice granite), for example, for laying tiles on the floor of a car dealership, finishing stone on a plinth.

Specialized adhesives– can be used for ordinary finishing, but due to their properties they are very expensive:

Tile adhesive for finishing stoves and fireplaces(Plitonite W) – temperature resistant up to 600 degrees. Here I would like to clarify right away – many ask, and not a little, they say, there are adhesives up to 1000 degrees. In this regard, the question arises – are you going to lay tiles on the fireplace from the inside? I am afraid that on any surface in the “home” conditions you will not reach this temperature with all your will..

Pool Adhesive (Eunice-pool) – the purpose follows from the name.

White glue(Belfix) – for laying transparent and translucent mosaics, so as not to spoil the final color and shade of the finishing material.

Additional insulation(Eunice-teplokley) for laying building blocks, foam concrete, for example, and mats – significantly reduces thermal conductivity. By designation closer to masonry mixes.

Also can be floor tile adhesive leveler and others.

In addition, almost all types of adhesives can be used for both indoor and outdoor use, although for outdoor it is still better to prefer dry adhesive mixtures, starting with reinforced ones. Also, almost all tile adhesives are suitable for use with a warm floor system, although this information is not indicated in large letters on all packages. Some formulations allow the use of laying tiles from top to bottom, while the classic version of laying from bottom to top, this property is very convenient for laying out complex collections without upper undercuts.

Glue consumption

The consumption of the adhesive composition depends on the glue itself and its manufacturer, but to a much lesser extent than on the professionalism of the master and the basis of application. Under ideal conditions – a completely leveled surface, tiles with good geometry, a professional craftsman, high-quality glue from a well-known manufacturer, diluted in the correct proportion – an application layer of only 4 mm is enough. The glue mixture is applied to the base surface, however, good craftsmen still recommend “staining” the tile for better adhesion, but only slightly smear on the surface, and in no case apply.

On average, when buying tile glue, the consumption is considered 5 kg of dry mix per square, i.e. bag of 5 square meters. This calculation can only be guided by, however, a significant excess of such consumption should alert you, one or more parameters of the above “ideal conditions” in this case, you are significantly “lame” and this will definitely negatively affect the quality of styling. Pre-leveling of the surface is mandatory for further work with tiles, however, as well as for work with any other finishing material, the attitude to this issue “at random” and “level with tile glue” will entail an increase in the consumption of the dry mixture exponentially, and in the future and possible peeling and / or cracking of tiles.

Joint grout

The grout serves to protect and strengthen the joint, giving it aesthetics. Basically, grouting from different manufacturers is not much different, they all contain moisture-resistant and antifungal additives, although of course there are specialized ones – for swimming pools, for example. According to the colors of the grout, they are chosen to match the tile, on the contrary, contrasting or universal – white and gray. For floor tiles, it is better not to use light pastel colors, over time, the color will be lost, darken and “washed out”.

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Comments: 3
  1. Piper

    such as durability, drying time, and compatibility with different types of tiles would be greatly appreciated. Also, what factors should I consider when selecting the adhesive for a specific project? Any recommendations for trusted brands or types of tile adhesive would be helpful too. Thank you in advance for your advice!

    Reply
  2. Cambria

    such as the ideal consistency, drying time, and compatibility with different tile types would be greatly appreciated. Additionally, are there any specific brands or products that are commonly recommended by professionals in the industry? Thank you!

    Reply
  3. Sebastian Marshall

    Hi there! I have a question about choosing tile adhesive and dry mixes for tiles. Can you provide me with some guidance on what criteria I should consider when selecting the right product? What are the key factors to keep in mind, such as type of tile, surface, or application method? Any tips or suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thank you in advance for your help!

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