DIY: How to choose the right tile adhesive for the job
Choosing the right tile adhesive for the job is just as important as choosing your dream tiles. Here's what to look for.
With so many different substrates and myriad types of tiles out there, choosing the right tile adhesive to fix your tile to its surface can be a make-or-break decision. That's because tile adhesive is essentially the glue that's going to bond your tile to the wall or floor. Just as not all tiles are made equal, so not all tile adhesives are up to every job. Here's a handy guide on what to choose for different tiles and substrates to help ensure your tiles stay put.
Get to know the different kinds of tile adhesives
There are two forms of tile adhesives, namely ready-mix and powdered adhesive.
Ready-mix, as the name suggests, is pre-mixed in a tub and very popular among DIYers because it cuts the sweat out of mixing and getting the right consistency. The downside is that ready-mix tile adhesive does come with limitations and generally can only be used on walls with small-format ceramic tiles, so it's important to read the product information on the pack beforehand.
Professional tilers choose thin-set mortar, which is a powdered sand-based adhesive similar to cement, and is often referred to as tiling cement. As it comes in powdered form, it needs to be mixed proportionally with water, but the pros prefer that as it gives them more control over the consistency and they can use it with all types of tiles.
3 Questions to ask yourself when choosing a tile adhesive
1. Where am I tiling?
If you're tiling internal walls you may get away with a ready-mix, depending on the type and size of your tile. Internal floors have greater durability demands and will require a stronger bond and external tiles will require a tiling adhesive that can cope in wet and icy conditions.
2. What type of tile have I chosen?
Tile choice is going to make a big difference. For small-format ceramic tiles up to 20 x 30cm installed indoors, a ready-mixed tiling adhesive will suffice. Larger ceramic tiles and porcelain tiles as well as natural stone, however, should be installed with a powdered cement.
3. What material are the tiles being applied onto?
The substrate, or material that the tiles are being adhered to, will also need to guide your decision on which tile adhesive to choose. For example, plaster, cement board and plasterboard work well with ready-mixed adhesives and standard rapid-set cement. However, timber and substrates prone to movement or vibrations will need flexible adhesive. If there's under-floor heating, flexible adhesive rated for this is a must.
Choosing between rapid-set and standard-set tile adhesive
Tile adhesives are either rapid set or standard set. In most cases, the faster the tile adhesive sets the sooner you can get to grouting and finishing the project. So the obvious choice is to go for a rapid-set adhesive. However there are may instances where the longer-setting alternative is a better choice. Any intricate tiling jobs such as herringbone floor patterns, or when you're fixing larger format tiles to a wall and want the end result to be flawless, are best done using the standard-setting adhesive as it gives you that extra bit of wiggle time to get things perfect. On the package you will see what is called an open time, which refers to how long you can leave the adhesive exposed on the floor or wall before placing a tile on it. Large-format porcelain tiles, particularly rectified ones (with exact, sharp edges) which need to be placed precisely to ensure a professional finish, are typically fixed with an adhesive that has a longer open time, usually 30 to 40 minutes.
Products to choose
Arc Rapid-Set Tile Adhesive
This is a grey, cement-based, thin-bed ceramic tile adhesive suitable for fixing ceramic floor tiles to concrete, render, blockwork and brickwork. Arc Rapid-Set adhesive is fully water-resistant, frost-resistant and is suitable for interior and exterior use as well as wet environments such as showers, saunas and bathrooms.
Arc Rapid-Flex Tile Adhesive
Available in grey or white this is a cement-based, highly polymer-modified thin-based tile adhesive. Arc Rapid-Flex tile adhesive is suitable for fixing all types of ceramic floor and wall tiles including mosaics, porcelain, fully vitrified tiles, marble, natural stone and slate. It can be applied to timber panels, plywood, waterproof composite boards, concrete and power-floated concrete. With improved flexural strength and water resistance, it is suitable for swimming pools, underfloor heating and outdoor use. If you're using translucent, glass or very porous tiles, it's best to use the white version of this adhesive as the light will reflect off the white background and keep the tile colours looking bright and clean.
Arc T-20 Tile White Tile Adhesive
À white, cement-based and polymer modified thin-bed ceramic tile adhesive, Arc T-20 is suitable for fixing all types of ceramic floor and wall tiles. It has is a water-resistant tile adhesive with improved strength and grab and is suitable for swimming pools, interior and exterior use and with underfloor heating. In addition, Arc T-20 can be used on vertical wooden surfaces (if properly prepared), but for timber floors you should rather use Rapid-Flex. Arc T-20 will adhere to most common surfaces including plaster, concrete, screeds, tile backer boards and brick and mortar.
Arc Pro-Flex Tile Adhesive
A white, flexible, regular-setting, cement-based tile adhesive, Arc Pro-Flex is highly polymer modified. A thin-bed ceramic tile adhesive, it is suitable for fixing all types of ceramic floor and wall tiles. It's ideal for fixing tiles to timber panels, plywood, waterproof composite boards, concrete and power-floated concrete without the need to include a flexible admixture in the mix. With improved flexural strength and water resistance, it is suitable for swimming pools, underfloor heating and exterior use.
Arc Fix Ready Mix Tile Adhesive
Arc Fix is an acrylic-based, non-slip, quick setting ready mixed adhesive that is only suitable for interior use, fixing small-format (max 20 x 30cm) ceramic tiles to walls. It has a short open time of 20 minutes, so you will need to work quickly.
