As already mentioned, if you haven't purchased tile adhesive before, it can be confusing as there a number of different types, designed to suit a variety of applications.
Fundamentally, tile adhesive is simply a way of securing tiles onto a surface; however, thanks to improvements in modern technology, it can now do more if required to. Some of the more standard and general-purpose types of tile adhesive are what's called ‘rapid set'. As the name suggests, these types are generally suitable for a range of applications including on floors and walls, and will set within a matter of hours.
More specialised varieties of tile adhesive can be tailored to the type of material that you're laying such as ‘Natural Stone' and ‘Flexible' varieties. Flexible adhesive is generally recommended for use where some degree of movement is anticipated in the floor, for example, with floating floors. This added flexibility will reduce the risk of tiles breaking free from the subfloor and coming loose.
When it comes to applying tile adhesive, there are a number useful tips that may help the process go that bit smoother. First and foremost, don't mix all your adhesive in one go, as it's never possible to predict whether you'll be able to complete the whole job in one go or not. If you do find yourself side-tracked from the job at any point and you've already mixed all your powder, you may end up wasting a significant amount of it, or else rushing the job to avoid it drying up. Instead, divide the surface up into sections and mix fresh batches of adhesive as necessary. A professional mixing bucket can often help when calculating the correct quantities you'll need for a specified area, and further help in reducing wastage.
You can easily mix your tile adhesive using a power drill with a paddle drill bit attached. This will help to ensure that all of the power is adequately mixed with your water. Take care to use protective eye glasses and a mask when mixing. Using your trowel you can check the consistency is right before applying to your surface. Aim for a reasonably thick consistency, similar to very thick cream. It should take about two seconds to fall from your trowel when inverted.
Using your trowel spread the tile adhesive roughly onto your surface. Once you have enough to provide adequate coverage onto your surface, use the edge of your trowel and begin working the mixture out. Aim to achieve a fairly consistent coverage, avoiding uneven build ups. Once you've achieved this, run your trowel carefully and thoroughly through the tile adhesive maintaining the same direction to leave neat lines within the mixture, which is going to help provide a firm hold.
You are now ready to lay your tiles on top, taking care when lifting particularly heavy tiles such as natural stone.
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About the Author
Topps Tiles offers a wide range of high-quality Tile Adhesive, and offer expert advice on how to use and apply it.
Article Source: Working With Tile Adhesive
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