Adhesives (for newbies)

[brian c]

When i started tiling i was getting all confused with the different types of adhesives,so i will try and explain for the sake of new members.


Rapidset- this is a cementious tile adhesive for wall and floor applications and sets in approx 3hrs,allowing the tiler to grout the same day.(it is also usually water and frost resistant)


Single part Flexible-same as above but has the added properties making it flexible ,allowing for tiling on non cementious products such as plywood,mastic asphalt.

In addition,these products are mixed with water to get the proper consistency for fixing tiles.

Dispersion adhesive- this is sold in tubs usually 10l and under.This is the product that is used straight from the tub onto the walls.It IS FOR WALLS ONLY.There is lots of different makes with different fixing properties for example some are water resistant and can be used in wet areas whereas some dont have these properties and therefore cant be used in wet areas.

with dispersion adhesive you usually go back and grout the next day,this allowing time for the adhesive to dry out.

I hope this thread is helpful to some new members to the forum...Bri

[deanotile]

What about biscem timber fix that’s in a tub and that’s for tiling on to wood floors?

[brian c]

its just a quick guideline for newbies m8 and not a product guide.this is why i havent elaborated about other products such as timberflex and 2 part flexi

[deanotile]

Maybe you should it’s good for the new tilers to hear about the different adhesives. Personally I think you have started a very helpful thread. If the more experienced tilers chip in to help the less experienced then it’s all good.

[brian c]

BISCEM TIMBER FLEX- Tubbed gear,used for fixing ceramic tiles to t&G flooring,wood and composite boards.If screwed correctly,then the use of plywood overlayment is removed.This product is also used as a grout aswell as adhesive.

On a personal note,i have used the product before but i dont like it,so i dont use it.

[davy_G]

Im with Brian, anything that claims to be both adhesice and grout is probably neither. Get two good products that are designed for purpose. Your reputation depends on it

[deanotile]

I have to say in principal I agree that products that clam to be all singing and all dancing often are in reality inferior products. Having said that these types of products do have their uses. Fix’n grout for instance is probably the worst adhesive I have ever had the misfortune to use and as a grout it is even worse. But there is always a small tub in the van for the little patching jobs.
In the case of timber fix I only wanted to make the observation that not all tub adhesive is for walls. I can say I have used the stuff in the past but I am of the same opinion as brian c didn’t like it.
I have herd tile shop sales staff telling customers that if you use this stuff you can tile straight on to the floorboards but in my experience it is not a good thing to do with any adhesive not even BAL fast flex. Always overboard preferably with a tile backer board.

[brian c]

sensible comments there dean

[deanotile]

sensible comments there dean

I can be sensible sometimes but most of the time I am just an a hole.