In the past, for installing tiles and ceramics, a mixture of stone powder and white cement was used. However, today, thanks to advancements in the construction industry, tiles are adhered to the desired location using specialized adhesive. Tile adhesive is an excellent product that can securely hold tiles in place without the mess and hassle associated with mortar.
This product is available in various forms, including paste and powder, and is very easy to work with. However, you must be well-acquainted with the preparation method of tile adhesive to ensure that it provides sufficient bonding for the tiles. In this article, we will teach you how to prepare this product and share important tips regarding its use.
Understanding the Characteristics of Tile Adhesive
Before anything else, let’s take a brief look at the features of porcelain tile adhesive and understand why it should be used. As mentioned earlier, this modern method has replaced traditional, cumbersome tile and ceramic installation methods and offers many advantages for those working in construction. Some of the key features and benefits include :
- The preparation method for paste and powder tile adhesives is very easy.
- There is no mess.
- Installing tiles using this method can be done in the shortest possible time.
- It significantly reduces costs.
- It performs well and has high adhesive strength.
- The final appearance is very clean and tidy, and the tile surfaces are not damaged.
- The likelihood of errors is minimized with this adhesive.
- It considerably reduces the final weight of the building.
- It requires less space for installation.
You can use these adhesives for installing porcelain floor tiles and wall tiles without any concerns about the outcome.
Preparation Method for Powder Tile Adhesive
The preparation method for this type of adhesive is relatively straightforward and does not involve any complexity; you just need to follow the ratios carefully. For this purpose, simply perform the following steps :
- For every 25 kg of adhesive powder, approximately 6 liters of water is needed (adhering to the exact mixing ratio according to the manufacturer's instructions is mandatory).
- First, take a large container and pour the water into it.
- Gradually add the adhesive powder while continuously mixing with an appropriate mixer.
- Continue mixing until a uniform, homogenous mixture is formed. This process takes about 10 minutes.
- Let the mixture rest for about 5 to 10 minutes, then mix again for approximately 2 minutes; it will be ready for use afterward.
The resulting adhesive mixture can be stored for up to 3 hours in an environment with a temperature of around 25 degrees Celsius (be sure to check the specific usability duration based on the manufacturer's information).
Preparation Method for Paste Tile Adhesive
Paste tile adhesive is another type of tile and ceramic adhesive found in gray or white colors in the market. This type of adhesive contains some cement, giving it very high adhesive strength. You can obtain this type of adhesive in volumes starting from one kilogram at construction supply stores.
Paste adhesive prepares faster than powder adhesive and seems easier to work with. However, when using this type, you need to act quickly; paste tile and ceramic adhesives are usable for up to 20 minutes after opening, and afterward, they will lose their adhesive properties upon exposure to air.
To learn how to use tile and ceramic adhesive, you should pay attention to the instructions provided on the product packaging, as each manufacturer may have specific guidelines for using their product. Generally, the preparation method for paste tile adhesive is as follows :
- First, ensure the surface is completely clean, free from dirt, stains, dust, or grease.
- Make sure the surface is completely smooth. If not, use tools like a notched trowel or concrete repair mortar to level the surface.
- After confirming everything is ready for installation, open the adhesive container.
- Apply the adhesive in a thickness of 5 mm over different parts of the surface.
- Carefully press the tiles onto the surface and gently push to ensure they fit well and adhere completely.
Note that paste tile and ceramic adhesive is primarily used for repairs and renovations; therefore, it may not be a suitable option for waterproofing bathrooms or sanitary facilities.
Conclusion
In this article, we aimed to teach you the method of preparing tile adhesive and discussed the use of paste and powder adhesives. You can replace traditional methods with a suitable, standard adhesive from reputable brands to enhance the speed and quality of your work.