Hello,

I have a 20sqm shower cubicle to tile, the tiles are 600mm x 300mm and my plan was to use bal gold star and their epoxy grout. But as this is onto plaster and plasterboard I reckon it should really be tanked first.

But tanking 20sqm is going to be expensive, so I started thinking. Bal gold star is a waterpoof adhesive so why can't I tank with that? Apply a continous layer of adhesive and then rib the surface slightly and place tiles on that. Would that be enough to prevent any water getting to the substate?

Or am I being foolish!

Thanks,

Graham

Gold Star isn't water PROOF. It's water resistant. Which means water can pass through it, and still get to the background (plasterboard), but the adhesive will not fail (doesn't mean the plasterboard will be safe still).

Pretty sure Epoxy is waterproof though. But it's still not fool proof.

I'd tank.

Also an adhesive can't be used for tanking like you suggest. No matter what it is. You could be applying a layer too thick for the adhesive.

Checkout a range of taking kits from different suppliers. Mapei do a good one.

I'm guessing you're not a tradesman then? So DIY?

Ok, I see. Yes DIY is that a problem, is it only trade here?

I guess I need to cough up some more cash then!

So is there any truly water resistent tile adhesive?

What about:

Cromwell Industrial Tools UK: Ever Build : WATER RESISTANT TILE ADHESIVE 2.5LTR : EVB-716-8040M

Would this do the job?

Thanks,

Graham

So is there any truly water proof tile adhesive?

Graham

Hi, no it's okay we don't mind DIY. It's just I can't tell you where to get the cheapest trade price now that's all.

No adhesive is water PROOF. You can use Epoxy as an adhesive and then it would be (but that would be very very expensive).

You need a tanking kit, then adhesive, then tile, and you can then leave out the epoxy perhaps to save a few quid.

A tanking kit is cheaper than re-doing your tiling, think of it that way.

But cement-based adhesives (so power in a bag you mix with water - cures by chemical reaction) or dispersion adhesives (in a tub ready-mixed - cures by 'drying') can both be water resistant (so they don't break back down when getting wet) but neither are water PROOF.

So protect your plasterboard as when that gets wet it'll eventually crumble or rot. Either could cause tiles falling off on a naked body and you don't want that!

Worth noting that you want to use a decent adhesive make such as Mapei or Weber and not a DIY brand like Unibond or Everbuild.

Mapei Mapelastic AquaDefense
- the best defense against water

• One Component ready to use
• Ultra quick drying, tile after just 4 hours
• Bonds to a wide range of surfaces such as concrete, screeds, timber or existing tiles.
• Re-sealable ensuring none of the product is wasted.
• Creates a watertight and seamless elastic membrane

PHG wetrooms for the best prices on Tanking kits etc..

PHG Wetrooms - The Perfect choice for all your wetroom supplies

Tubbed adhesive and wet areas generally don't mix.

Probably works out just as cheap to use a bag of powdered single part flexible adhesive.