Tile Adhesive Formulation And Application

Common Tile Adhesive Formulas

What Makes Tile Adhesive Work?

• Cellulose Ether (HPMC/MHEC): Keeps the adhesive moist (water retention) and adds thickness for easier application.

• Latex Powder: Boosts tile adhesion. Common types include vinyl acetate copolymers and acrylics. It also makes the adhesive more flexible, helping it handle stress without cracking.

• Other Additives (For extra needs):

• Wood fiber: Improves crack resistance and extends working time.

• Modified starch ether: Adds anti-slip properties.

• Early strength agents: Speed up hardening.

• Water repellents: Reduce water absorption for better waterproofing.

  
  

Key Features

• Strong adhesion: No need to soak tiles or wet walls before use.

• Durable: Resists water, heat, cold, and aging.

• Flexible: Prevents hollowing and cracking.

• Eco-friendly: Non-toxic and safe for indoor use.

• Easy to use: Simple mixing and application.

Where to Use It

• Sticking indoor/outdoor ceramic wall tiles, floor tiles, and mosaics.

• Waterproofing areas like walls, pools, kitchens, bathrooms, and basements.

• Tiling on external thermal insulation systems (with a strong base layer).

Note: The surface must be dry, firm, flat, and free of oil, dust, or release agents.

How to Prepare the Surface

1.  Check the base: It must be solid, dry, and clean—no loose bits, oil, or wax.

2.  Painted surfaces: Roughen them up so at least 75% of the original surface shows.

3.  New concrete/plaster:

• New concrete needs 6 weeks to cure before tiling.

• New plaster needs at least 7 days.

4. Old surfaces: Clean with detergent, rinse, and let dry.

5. Tough cases: For loose, highly absorbent, or dirty surfaces, apply a bonding primer first.

Mixing the Adhesive

1.  Ratio: Use 1 part powder to 0.25–0.3 parts water (e.g., 25kg powder add 6.0–7.5kg water).

2.  Mixing steps:

• Add powder to water (not the other way around).

• Stir with a manual or electric mixer until smooth.

• Let it rest for 10 minutes, then stir again.

3. Timing: Use the mixed adhesive within 2 hours (faster in hot weather). Don't add water to dried adhesive—throw it away.

Application Steps

1.  Apply with a toothed trowel: Spread the adhesive evenly on the surface, creating ridges. Adjust the trowel angle to control thickness.

2.  Work in small areas: Cover about 1 square meter at a time (adjust based on temperature; ideal range is 5–40°C).

3.  Set the tiles: Press tiles into the adhesive within 5–15 minutes. You can adjust their position for up to 25 minutes.

4.  For large/heavy tiles: Apply adhesive to both the surface and the back of the tile (double coating).

5.  Let it dry: Wait 24 hours for the adhesive to fully harden before grouting or walking on the tiles.

6.  Cleanup: Wipe tile surfaces with a damp cloth while the adhesive is wet. For dried stains, use a tile cleaner (avoid acidic ones).

Important Tips

• Check that the surface is flat and vertical before starting.

• Always leave expansion joints to prevent cracking.

• Don't reuse dried adhesive by adding water.

• Wait 24 hours after tiling before stepping on or grouting.

• Use only in temperatures between 5°C and 40°C.

Technical Standards 

(per EN 12004 standard, C1 & C2 tile adhesives)

• Tensile bond strength: ≥ 0.5 N/mm² for C1 and ≥ 1.0 N/mm² for C2.

• Typical usage: 4–6kg per square meter (with a 3mm application thickness).