Adhesive Advice

Types of Adhesive Is the Substrate Ready for Adhesive? Required Tools Instructions

Tile adhesive is a viscous substance used to bond tile backgrounds to a substrate surface. Choosing the right adhesive is dependant on the type of tile, substrate make-up and location (i.e. wall or floor, internally or external use etc.). The London Tile Co. offers a comprehensive range of world class adhesive for every tiling application; choose between top brands; Ardex, BAL, Bostik, Dunlop and ProFix.

Types of Adhesive

There are four main types of adhesive to choose between; cement-based, ready-mixed, elastomeric and epoxy - all of which have a variety of different qualities suitable for a range of different tile types, substrates and situations.

Keys Features & Applications

Cement-Based

A powder adhesive which requires mixing with water to form a slump free mortar (following the manufacturers instructions located on the packaging)
Versatile
- Available in standard 24 hour set AND rapid setting varieties
- For use internally and externally
- For use on walls and floors
- Available in thick and thin bed formats
- For use in continuous wet locations, i.e. swimming pools (can set chemically underwater - do not pour any residues down drains as they will block)
Polymer modified** cement-based adhesive has enhanced adhesion (ideal for porcelain, glass and other non-absorbent tiles: the majority of floor tiles are porcelain therefore it is advisable to only use polymer modified cement-based adhesive on ALL floor tiling applications)
Polymer modified grout has increased flexibility (ideal for floor tiling adhesion where movement / vibration is likely to occur i.e. especially over wooden substrates & with underfloor heating systems)

(** Polymer modified adhesives, can be recognised by the inclusion of 'flex', 'flexy' or brand name 'porcelbond' in their title)

Ready-Mixed

Acrylic / PVA based adhesive
Easy to use
No acrylic primer required - saves time and money
Excellent non-slip and adhesive properties
Suitable for all tile types including porcelain and glass
Suitable for use in dry or intermittently wet areas
Suitable for internal use ONLY
Suitable for use only on walls
Suitable for commercial and domestic use

Elastomeric

Rubber-based solvent, cementitious adhesive
Highly flexible (ideal for floor tiling adhesion where movement / vibration is likely to occur i.e. especially over wooden substrates)
Water resistant (suitable for use in wet rooms, bathrooms etc.)
Suitable for use internally and externally

Epoxy

Resin based, chemically enhanced adhesive
Suitable for commercial and domestic use
High impact (Ideal for areas of high traffic)
Excellent adhesive properties
Highly flexible
Suitable for use in areas of heat and chemical resistance
Can be developed to suit almost any application (i.e. suitable for use on wood, metal, glass, stone and some plastics)
Available in standard 24 hour set AND rapid setting varieties

Types of Adhesive Is the Substrate Ready for Adhesive? Required Tools Instructions

Is the substrate ready for adhesive?

The substrate must be fully prepared prior to applying adhesive, i.e. the substrate must be sounds, straight and true and free from contamination (i.e. grease, dirt, dust) etc. Follow the substrate preparation guidelines lain out for you in the Planning and Preparation advice page, once complete, begin tiling

Types of Adhesive Is the Substrate Ready for Adhesive? Required Tools Instructions

Required Adhesive Tools

Gauging trowel - a round-nosed trowel used for mixing mortar and applying small amounts in confined areas
Notched trowel - a flat-bladed hand tool with rectangular or v-shaped notches or teeth, for leveling, spreading and shaping setting material to a substrate

Note. establish what size notched trowel you will require for the project. This is determined by the size of tile, type of surface to be tiled and the type of adhesive (setting material) to be used

Recommended Trowel Types

Mosaic Tile: 3mm square notched
Average Wall Tile: 6 - 8mm square notched
Average Floor Tile: 10mm square or round notched
Laminate / Carpet Tile or DITRA Matting: 3mm V-notched

These are rough recommendations, based on averages, so it is advisable to confirm which trowel is appropriate for your particular project, on purchase from your local London Tile Co - our experts are always on hand to assist you with any queries

Types of Adhesive Is the Substrate Ready for Adhesive? Required Tools Instructions

Instructions

Mix a small amount of adhesive at a time following the manufacturers instructions located on the packaging
Once mixed, the mortar will have a pot life (the time you have which to use it) and an open time (the length of time you have to bed the tiles into the spread adhesive) - read the instructions carefully before use
Scoop the adhesive on to the short square end of the trowel
Drop the adhesive onto the substrate
Use the long, flat edge of the trowel and holding it at a 45° angle, smooth the adhesive over the surface (comb the bed to the required thickness ensuring all the ribs run in the same direction)
Only work in small areas at a time and ensure to fix the tiles quickly and efficiently before a skin forms on the adhesive (if a skin has already formed, remove the adhesive and apply a fresh layer)
Press the tiles firmly into the adhesive, twisting the tile to ensure the tile receives optimum adhesion
Clean off surplus adhesive from the tile face and between the tile joints

If you are still not sure what type of adhesive to use with your project, please give us a call on 0845 051 5145

Trading for over 50 years - we are your tiling experts