Tile installation is something many do-it-yourself homeowners may attempt at one point in time or another. Before installing tile of any kind, be sure that the tile adhesive being used is the most effective for the tile and the surface.
Mastic
Mastic in regards to tile installation is a type of material used to adhere ceramic and porcelain tiles to walls. Often pre-mixed, it can be difficult to use for a first time tiler, and should never be used with glass tiles, natural stone tiles or on a floor.
When used properly, mastic tile adhesive is strong enough to hold a 16” porcelain tile to a ceiling. A fairly thick layer of this adhesive will need to be used, and there is little room for error in removing and replacing tiles as they are going up, so work slowly and carefully when using mastic.
Thinset
Thinset is a type of tile adhesive that gets its name from the fact that an extremely thin layer of adhesive is needed to adhere a tile to a surface. This differentiates the material from mastic or from “mud jobs” of years past, when up to an inch of setting material was required to hold a tile in place.
There are a few types of thinset on the market. Depending on the type of tile, one of the following should be used:
- Standard gray thinset can be used with porcelain or ceramic tiles on walls or floors
- White thinset is what is used with the majority of natural stone tiles
- White, latex additive thinset should be used with glass tiles, which need additional flex
- Epoxy thinset should be used with green, black and some red natural stone tiles to prevent spalling or curling of the tiles
Peel and Stick Adhesive
Formerly used primarily with vinyl or linoleum tiles, peel and stick tile adhesive is becoming a popular product for do-it-yourself homeowners. Peel and stick adhesives, such as Bondera are available for wall applications of many kinds of tile.
The adhesive is available on a mat which covers the substrate. The tile is the pressed into place. There are size limitations to the tiles used with this adhesive, and translucent tiles such as onyx or glass may lose their color as they are best installed over a white adhesive.
For small do-it-yourself jobs, however, peel and stick tile adhesive can save a lot of time and mess for a novice tiler. If in doubt about what type of adhesive to use, ask the tile’s manufacturer as they will typically have installation guidelines. Mix adhesives and tile in small batches until proper technique has been established, or try practicing on a piece of plywood first.
Use the right tile adhesive for the job and ensure a long lasting, beautiful tile installation.
Sarabeth Asaff - Sarabeth Asaff is a freelance writer and artist with a passion for cooking and good food. Growing up in the kitchen of her Lebanese ...
