Choosing the best adhesive for tiles in the bathroom. How to choose bathroom tile adhesive? High quality bathroom tile adhesive

Carrying out repairs in the bathroom, everyone is faced with the problem, which is the choice of tiles, as well as high-quality glue, so that the cladding will last for many years. Due to the fact that when choosing an adhesive, all the nuances, composition and rules are taken into account, which means that the selection of the adhesive is carried out correctly, this indicates half the success of the repair work done. Therefore, this article will tell you in detail how to choose a good adhesive for ceramic and tile in the bathroom.

According to the compositions and properties, adhesive mixtures for ceramic tiles offered on the modern market vary significantly. More about them below.

Thin layer adhesive. A characteristic feature of this composition is its limitation on the thickness of the layer during laying. Such a composition is often used in work with flat surfaces. The presence of differences should not be more than 10 mm. The pluses include moisture and frost resistance.

Thick adhesive. A great solution for walls with some irregularities. If the layer of thin-layer adhesive could be up to 1 cm, then in this case it can be applied with a thickness of more than a centimeter. Moreover, the adhesive mixture is also a kind of primer, smoothing the surface and masking some of its defects at the same time.

Flexible tile adhesive. Its characteristic feature is the finishing of strong concrete vertical and horizontal surfaces, using ceramic tiles or tiles made of natural or artificial stone (this does not include mosaics and marble). Elastic adhesive composition is easy to apply to the surface. It is able to withstand significant loads during the deformation of the base, as well as the ceramic tile itself.

Epoxy adhesive. This material is 100% waterproof. This is the best solution for rooms with high humidity and sudden temperature changes. The mixture is also used for grouting, guaranteeing absolute moisture resistance.

Fungicide glue. The mixture in its composition contains substances that prevent the occurrence of mold and fungus, which often spoil the beauty of the bathroom, and which can also become a threat to human health.

Elastic adhesive is often applied to drywall, cellular concrete, cinder blocks and gypsum blocks, heated surfaces, as well as an elastic membrane for waterproofing. Such compositions are somewhat more expensive than the above, but this does not mean that the use of this tool will give a full guarantee that the ceramic tile will last a long time and will not crack.

Which bathroom adhesive is best

Adhesive for ceramic tiles is applied according to certain rules. If the tiles are not firmly glued, and the gaps are not taken into account, moisture can accumulate in them, which will then adversely affect the strength of the fastening of the cladding. To avoid this, waterproof glue should be used. The ideal solution would be to use a mixture that contains an antiseptic.

waterproof glue. This type of mixture is the most common among adhesives for ceramic tiles for the bathroom. Such glue is made on a cement-sand basis with additives that allow it to resist moisture, be characterized by safety for people, resistance to chlorine-containing materials and substances, as well as constant high adhesive properties.

Compounds with latex. This option of using glue allows you to ensure absolute reliability and strength of joints and seams between ceramic tiles. If you are thinking about choosing a quality and durable tile cleaner, a latex compound is perfect for this.

resin adhesive will help protect the tile from moisture absorption, but its use is ideal only on flat surfaces. How to find out which adhesive is most suitable for laying tiles in the bathroom. Professionals advise considering three main factors:

The size. Due to the dimensions of the tile, the composition that must be used for high-quality and reliable fastening depends. That is, such products should be mounted on glue with increased adhesion. To avoid future peeling, do not use adhesives with a low bond level.
Conditions. Place of use of facing tiles. If you have a floor heating system in your bathtub, you must use the appropriate adhesive. Masters advise using an elastic mixture with high heat resistance.
Surface. What surface will the cladding be attached to. Due to temperature changes and high humidity, the base may collapse. Therefore, the adhesive composition must be moisture resistant.

Among the tile mixes presented, there is also a universal tile adhesive. But as for uniqueness, this is a moot point. Such substances are not suitable for all tile laying situations. Most buyers believe that this is the only tool that allows you to use it for all situations. But this opinion is wrong. If you decide to lay ceramic tiles in the bathroom, then the universal adhesive composition will not work for this, as the result will be the appearance of fungus and mold on the tiles and gaps.

How to properly spread tile adhesive on the surface

It should be understood that universal glue is not always suitable for use. It is necessary to purchase moisture-resistant adhesive for bathroom tiles, as well as grout with moisture-repellent compounds. If the cladding is attached to a plasterboard surface, then it is better to choose a plastic adhesive. Before laying tiles on the surface, it should be primed with a deep penetrating agent. In places where the primer is absorbed in large quantities, the surface should be primed twice.

Underfloor heating tile mix

Today, one of the relevant solutions is the installation of "warm floor" systems in apartments, in particular, in bathrooms. Ceramic, marble and granite tiles are mainly laid on such surfaces. And for gluing tiles to underfloor heating, you need a high-quality and suitable adhesive. Changes in temperature can cause cracking and flaking of tiles, gaps, air-filled voids appearing under the tiles. For such solutions, ordinary tile adhesive is not suitable. Therefore, it is necessary to select compositions that perfectly cope with temperature changes, are elastic and easily applied to the surface, and also have good adhesion.

Correctly kneading adhesive for ceramic tiles

Tile adhesive for underfloor heating contains polymer modifiers. Among the presented assortment, beginners do not see much difference on which composition to lay tiles on. The result will be repeated repairs and a waste of money. Therefore, it is necessary to know which tile adhesive is better to choose for the bathroom before proceeding with the repair work.

We glue tiles

Since most inexperienced buyers purchase inexpensive adhesive options for laying tiles in the bathroom, various unpleasant and unexpected consequences can result. Therefore, it is necessary to understand that there can be many adhesive compositions and they all perform a certain function.

How to lay tiles on glue

Dry mixes. Their components are cement in combination with sand, as well as the inclusion of additional modifying substances. The formulations used are often diluted with water and immediately used immediately. Adhesive mixtures are packed in bags weighing from two to five kilograms and more.
Ready-made adhesives. Most often, such mixtures are made using polymers. In practice, such compositions are extremely convenient during operation. They do not need to be diluted with water, they are already presented in finished form and they are applied with brushes or a roller to the surface. The building materials market offers a wide range of such adhesive mixtures from different manufacturers of different pricing policies, so everyone will be able to choose the option that will be most convenient for him.

How to choose the right glue

A wide range of adhesive compositions varies due to its features and conditions of use. The task is to clearly decide what result you want to get in the end.

It is worth noting specialized adhesive mixtures. They are better than generic ones. Only for floors and walls there are different compositions. So it will be not only stronger, but also cheaper.

Regardless of which tile option you choose, in addition to the size of the product, they do not differ much from each other. When choosing an adhesive composition, one should consider on what basis it will be applied. Unstable and loose surfaces are ideally combined with compositions that are applied in a dense layer. The use of polymer adhesives is possible only after a thoroughly primed surface. Also consider the color of the glue. For ordinary ceramic tiles, you can use, for example, gray adhesive, but if you use mosaics in your work, it would be better to give preference to white compositions.

How to properly apply glue to the surface

It should also be noted the environmental friendliness and safety of the components of the adhesive mixtures. But there are also a number of adhesives that are highly undesirable for use in residential areas. It is preferable to purchase products from well-known brands and buy tile adhesives at specialized points.

So, we have already figured out which is the best tile adhesive in the bathroom. Feedback from customers and specialists has become a great advantage in this business and a support for beginners. Now everyone understands that the adhesive composition needs a special one. How to apply glue correctly? The following steps should be followed:

The room should not be hot.
The surface must be free of debris and dust.
Preparation of adhesive solution.
Humidification of the surface (walls or floor).
Applying adhesive to a wet surface.
Laying tiles.

Regardless of the surface on which ceramic tiles are laid, it is important that it be as even as possible. Well, the surface itself must be pre-treated with a waterproof primer.

Mixing glue in the bathroom

In order to choose the best tile adhesive for the bathroom, you need to know about the types of mixtures and the features of their application. Manufacturers have taken into account most of the nuances of finishing work, so you can choose an adhesive whose properties will be optimal for the existing conditions.

Most commercially available adhesive mixtures are suitable for laying tiles in the bathroom. The best choice will be the one that will provide the highest quality adhesion to the surface of the walls and floor. The basis for laying tiles can be different:

brick;
concrete;
drywall;
foam block or gas block.

Surfaces for gluing tiles can be complex, with large height differences and unstable (wood or chipboard). In this case, a mixture with enhanced fixation is required. Bathroom tile adhesive is selected based primarily on these criteria.

Then pay attention to the type of tile to be laid. If it is porcelain stoneware, a mixture with high adhesion rates will be required. For facing underfloor heating, a heat-resistant compound is needed. For laying thin tiles or mosaics, you will need mixtures with other properties. Therefore, the choice of adhesive for tiles in the bathroom is based on several parameters:

base type;
type of tile;
tile size;
is it necessary to level the walls with glue;
operating conditions of the premises;
the presence or absence of additional heating.

Types of tile adhesive

Glue for laying tiles in the bathroom is of three types:

Based on cement.
Dispersion (one-component).
Epoxy (two-component).

cement mixtures

The most commonly used mixtures are cement-based. They are sold in powder form and require the preparation of a working composition by adding water. The main component of such compositions is Portland cement. Its share is at least 90%. The remaining 10% includes quartz sand and various additives that provide specific properties.

Cement based adhesive suitable for all types of surfaces. Moreover, it is able to even out their small defects. In the assortment of this product there are mixtures of thermo-, frost- and moisture-resistant, with a particularly strong fixation. Any of them is easy to prepare with a mixer and a drill. The advantages of this glue include its low price.

For tiles in the bathroom, compositions are suitable that have the optimal laying and leveling time for the master. When choosing a mixture, you need to take into account that a beginner and a professional have different speeds. In the first case, you need glue with a slow setting, in the second - with a fast one.

Dispersion

The composition of dispersion mixtures includes:

acrylic;
astringent additives;
resins.

The main feature of these mixtures is that they weakly penetrate into the structure of the surface on which they are applied. Therefore, they are best used for tiling drywall, plastic, wood. Dispersion compositions are sold in a form ready for use. The advantages of one-component adhesives include:

high elasticity;
low consumption of the finished solution;
increased adhesion to various, including smooth and slippery surfaces.

Despite all the advantages, a mixture based on acrylic and resins is not recommended for laying floor tiles. A layer of dispersion adhesive is less resistant to weight and other loads than a cement layer.

elastic

Elastic - these are the same cement-based mixtures, but with the inclusion of special additives. This is the best choice for a beginner in decorating. Such glue is easy to prepare and apply, thanks to its mobility it allows for quite a long time to adjust the position of wall or floor tiles in any direction.

Elastic bathroom tile adhesive has all the other advantages of cement. Recommended for wall and floor cladding in new buildings, because as the building shrinks, the tile will hold well. Ideal for application to non-hygroscopic surfaces.

Epoxy

Epoxy adhesive is made from epoxy resin. It has a distinctive feature - water resistance. Due to this property, it is widely used for finishing surfaces that are in contact with water for a long time. Indispensable for the walls of swimming pools, hammams, saunas.

Mixtures of this type are classified as two-component, which determines the peculiarity of their preparation. There are three types of compositions:

with mineral filler;
ultrathin;
fluid.

But, regardless of the type, each of the listed adhesives is waterproof.

Features of choice for different types of tiles

On the packaging, manufacturers indicate the type of tile recommended for this product. It is unwise to disregard this information, as proper application guarantees the quality and durability of the finish. Therefore, you need to know what properties glue should have for different conditions and situations.

Mixtures with increased adhesion are necessary in several cases:

when working with porcelain stoneware;
when facing complex vertical surfaces;
on hygroscopic bases.

Masters advise choosing moisture-resistant and high-strength cement-based mixtures for floor tiles, and elastic ones for wall tiles. Mosaic is recommended to be laid on white glue. A similar choice must be made when working with glass tiles. White glue has high adhesion and is in no way inferior to gray cement, but, unlike it, will not spoil the appearance of a translucent mosaic. Dispersion adhesive can be used instead of cement.

The choice of composition also depends on the size of the ceramics. The larger and thicker the tile, the greater the weight load the adhesive must withstand. For large-sized tiles, you should choose a reinforced fixation composition. With it, the tiles are laid in the direction from top to bottom. For lining bathrooms, moisture-resistant mixtures are always chosen.

Difficult surfaces require a ceramic tile adhesive that sets slowly and has high strength once cured. The same composition is used for laying on unstable surfaces made of drywall, wood or chipboard, as well as for gluing tiles on old tiles without dismantling them. Universal mixes are recommended for finishing works in dry rooms.

How to calculate consumption, calculator

Product	Tile adhesive UNIS 2000 / UNIS 2000 (25 kg) Tile adhesive UNIS PLUS / UNIS PLUS (25 kg) Tile adhesive UNIS XXI / UNIS XXI (25 kg) Tile adhesive RUSEAN FIXATOR (25 kg) Leveling tile adhesive OSNOVIT MASTPLIKS AC12 T (T -12) (25 kg) Fast setting tile adhesive OSNOVIT SCORPLIX T-15 (25 kg) OSNOVIT STARPLIX AC11 (T-11) tile adhesive (25 kg) White reinforced fixation tile adhesive OSNOVIT BELPLIX AC17 W (T-17) (25 kg) ) Tile adhesive reinforced fixation gray OSNOVIT MAXIPLIX AC16 (T-16) (25 kg) Tile adhesive OSNOVIT BAZPLIX T-10 (25 kg) Elastic tile adhesive OSNOVIT GRANIPLIX AC14 (T-14) (25 kg) Effective tile adhesive OSNOVIT MASTPLIX AC12 (T-12) gray (25 kg) Plaster and adhesive mixture OSNOVIT CAVERPLIX TS117 (T-117) (25 kg) Tile adhesive ECO Basic (25 kg) Adhesive for tiles and porcelain stoneware VETONIT EASY FIX / VETONIT EASY FIX (25 kg) Adhesive for tiles and porcelain stoneware VETONIT PROFI PLUS / VETONIT PROFI PLUS (25 kg) Adhesive for indoor tile work VETONI T OPTIMA / VETONIT OPTIMA (25 kg) Tile adhesive LITOKOL K17 / LITOKOL K17 porcelain stoneware (25 kg) Tile adhesive LITOKOL K47 / LITOKOL K47 (25 kg) Tile adhesive LITOKOL LITOFLEX K80 / LITOKOL LITOFLEKS K80 facade (25 kg) Tile adhesive LITOKOL LITOFLEX K81 / LITOKOL LITOFLEKS K81 (25 kg) Tile adhesive LITOKOL LITOFLOOR K66 / LITOKOL LITOFLOR K66 for thick-layer porcelain stoneware (25 kg) Tile adhesive LITOKOL LITOPLUS K55 / LITOKOL LITOPLYUS K55 white (25 kg) Tile adhesive LITOKOL LITOSTONE K98 (LITOKOL LITOSTONE K98) kg) Tile adhesive LITOKOL LITOSTONE K99 / LITOKOL LITOSTONE K99 white ultra-fast setting (25 kg) Tile adhesive LITOKOL SUPERFLEX K77 / LITOKOL SUPERFLEX K77 for large-format underfloor heating (25 kg) Tile adhesive LITOKOL X11 / LITOKOL X11 for swimming pools (25 kg) Tile adhesive IVSIL TERMIX / IVSIL TERMIX (25 kg) Tile adhesive VOLMA CERAMIC PLUS (25 kg) Adhesive for white marble. glass and mosaics PERFEKTA / PERFEKTA HARDFIX WHITE (25 kg) Adhesive for ceramic tiles and porcelain stoneware PERFEKTA / PERFEKTA SMARTFIX (25 kg) Adhesive for ceramic tiles and laying porcelain stoneware on the floor PERFEKTA / PERFEKTA STARFIX (25 kg) Adhesive for ceramic tiles. porcelain stoneware and stone PERFEKTA / PERFEKTA SMARTFIX PLUS (25 kg) Adhesive for ceramic tiles. porcelain stoneware and natural stone PERFEKTA / PERFEKTA MULTIFIX (25 kg) Adhesive for ceramic tiles. porcelain stoneware and natural stone PERFEKTA / PERFEKTA MULTIFIX WINTER (25 kg) Adhesive for porcelain stoneware. natural stone and clinker tiles PERFEKTA / PERFEKTA HARDFIX (25 kg) Adhesive for porcelain stoneware. natural stone and clinker tiles PERFEKTA / PERFEKTA HARDFIX WINTER (25 kg) Adhesive for glass. mosaics and stone PERFEKTA / PERFEKTA MULTIFIX WHITE (25 kg) Mounting adhesive for thermal insulation PERFEKTA / PERFEKTA EKOTEK (25 kg) Reinforced adhesive for porcelain stoneware and ceramic tiles PERFEKTA / PERFEKTA HOLDER (25 kg) Elastic adhesive for natural stone and porcelain stoneware PERFEKTA / PERFEKTA GREEN LINE ECOFLEX (25 kg) Adhesive for all types of tiles on complex substrates BERGAUF Maximum / BERGAUF Maximum (25 kg) Adhesive for ceramic tiles BERGAUF Keramik / BERGAUF Ceramic (25 kg) Adhesive for large and heavy slabs BERGAUF Granit / BERGAUF Granite (25 kg) ) Adhesive for mineral wool expanded polystyrene and reinforcing layer BERGAUF Isofix / BERGAUF Isofix (25 kg) Adhesive on white cement for transparent tiles and mosaics BERGAUF Mosaik / BERGAUF Mosaic (25 kg) Reinforced adhesive for ceramic tiles BERGAUF Keramik Pro / BERGAUF Ceramic Pro (25 kg )
Surface area m 2
Layer thickness, mm

Bathroom adhesive consumption can be calculated in many ways. Manufacturers always indicate the amount of dry or wet mixture required to cover 1 m² of surface. But these figures are approximate. The condition of the walls or floor may require a much larger volume of the finished mixture. There are some tips from the masters to help beginners:

If the height differences on the base do not exceed 3 mm, in calculating the consumption of glue, you can focus on the manufacturer's data and increase the volume obtained as a result of calculations by another 15%.
When laying tiles on other, more complex surfaces, leveling of the base will be required. To do this, add the consumption per 1 m², equal to ½ the thickness of the tile used, to the number obtained in the previous step.
The larger the tile, the larger the adhesive layer required. The optimal layer for tiles measuring 100x100 mm is 2 mm, 200x300 mm is 3 mm.

Popular manufacturers

In order to understand which tile adhesive is better, you need to know the range offered by leading manufacturers.

Ceresit is the largest supplier of adhesives and grouts for tiling of premises for various purposes. In the assortment of the brand there are several positions suitable for facing the bathroom:

"Ceresit CM11". The most popular adhesive for self-repair from the universal category. Suitable for porous tiles.
"Ceresit CM 11 PLUS". Improved formula of the previous product, elastic, moisture resistant. The working mixture is ready for use within 3 hours. After gluing the tiles to the wall, correction can be carried out within 10-15 minutes.
"Ceresit CM12". Has a reinforced hold. Good adhesive for laying porcelain stoneware and large tiles.
"Ceresit CM16". Recommended for laying tiles no larger than 400x400 mm. Possesses moisture resistance and elasticity.
"Ceresit CM17". Suitable for difficult surfaces.
"Ceresit CM115". Adhesive white, recommended for work with small translucent tiles.
"Ceresit CM117". Possesses the increased moisture resistance.
Ceresit SM. It is an excellent choice for laying heavy porcelain tiles.

The second most popular brand is Eunice. This is a Russian manufacturer offering no less wide range of building mixtures than Ceresit. Among them:

Eunice Plus. It is widely used in the production of finishing work in interior spaces, when repairing a bathroom. Suitable for laying tiles and porcelain tiles. It has heat resistance, therefore it is suitable for facing "warm floor".
"Eunice 2000". It has enhanced fixation, recommended for complex surfaces with height differences up to 15 mm. Porcelain stoneware and tiles up to 600x600 mm in size can be laid on this adhesive.
Eunice 21. Suitable for laying tiles in rooms with high humidity.
Eunice Granite. Good high-strength glue of the strengthened fixing. Designed for the installation of heavy porcelain tiles. It is an excellent choice for laying tiles on uneven, fragile and moving surfaces. Heat resistant, moisture resistant. Sufficiently elastic.
Eunice HiTech. It has a strong fixation, allows you to lay tiles in the direction from top to bottom.
Eunice Belfex. White glue.

For laying ceramics in the bathroom, 4 products from this manufacturer are suitable:

KNAUF FLIESEN. Universal moisture-resistant cement-based tile adhesive, used for laying wall tiles and floor porcelain tiles. Possesses high adhesion to any surfaces.
KNAUF Fleece Plus. Moisture, frost-resistant, slip-resistant. Suitable for indoor and outdoor use.
Knauf Flex. Possesses the strengthened fixing, elastic, moisture resistant. Suitable for working with porous tiles, recommended for laying floor tiles in high traffic areas. With this adhesive it is possible to glue tiles on old tiles, on wooden surfaces.
Knauf Marble. Adhesive white, designed to work with mosaics and translucent tiles. Heat resistant.

The manufacturer Vetonit offers two lines of adhesive mixtures: standard and improved. For laying tiles in the interior, mixtures of both directions are suitable. From the standard range, you can choose:

Vetonit Optima;
Easy Fix;
Granite Fix.

Improved blends.

Profi plus. Universal glue.
Ultrafix. Possesses moisture resistance and frost resistance.
Marble. Mixture of white color for laying mosaics.
Absolut. Has the strongest hold.
RF. Adhesive for working on difficult surfaces.

By choosing an adhesive mixture suitable for the existing conditions, there is no doubt about the quality of the final result. Tiled surfaces will last for many years.

August 15, 2016
Specialization: Capital construction works (laying the foundation, erecting walls, constructing the roof, etc.). Internal construction works (laying of internal communications, rough and fine finishing). Hobbies: mobile communication, high technologies, computer equipment, programming.

Long gone are the days when tiles on the walls and floor in the plumbing room were laid using homemade cement mortars. Nowadays, tile adhesive for the bathroom is always used by everyone. This composition allows you to qualitatively fix the tile on the surface and securely hold it during the entire period of operation.

In this material, I decided to tell you which adhesive for tiles in the bathroom to choose when facing walls and floors with my own hands.

Features of the operation of the adhesive composition in the bathroom

For the installation of ceramic tiles on vertical and horizontal surfaces, ready-made adhesive solutions are usually used, which have the following qualities:

high astringent properties;
good adhesive qualities;
increased adhesion to various surfaces;
the optimal hardening time (this gap should be such that it is enough for the correct placement and alignment of the decorative material).

But the bathroom is a room with a specific microclimate, so the tile adhesive in the bathroom must have specific properties. The most important of them I outlined in the table below:

Characteristic	Description
Temperature resistance	The air in the bathroom during the adoption of bath procedures is often heated to a high temperature, after which it cools down. Accordingly, the adhesive on which the tiles are glued must withstand these fluctuations and have a minimum coefficient of thermal expansion.
moisture resistance	The content of water vapor in the air in the bathroom is also higher than in other areas of the apartment or house. The cured mortar holding the tiles must retain its performance properties even in direct contact with water (when liquid leaks through the joints).
High strength	The adhesive composition (especially for floor tiles) must withstand significant operational loads. Firstly, heavy household appliances and plumbing fixtures are often installed on the tiles in the bathroom, and secondly, this room is one of the most visited in the home.
Environmental friendliness	The glue will be used indoors (sometimes with poor ventilation). Therefore, the material must be as safe as possible for humans and have zero emission of chemical compounds harmful to health.

These are the most important features. But when choosing which tile adhesive is best in the bathroom, I advise you to take into account other points:

what material is the surface made of, which will be tiled;
what size tile will be used for work;
whether the floor heating system will be used (water or electric).

Well, now more about the currently existing varieties of adhesives for tiles.

Varieties of glue

All existing tile adhesives can be classified according to several criteria, as indicated in the diagram below.

And now I will tell you how to choose glue for work. Of course, this is not a comprehensive instruction, but you will definitely get the information you need.

For adhesive material

Let's start by describing adhesives by the type of adhesive used.

cement

Cement-based adhesive is one of the most popular materials for wall tiling in the bathroom. It is usually sold in the form of a dry powder, 90% consisting of a cement binder mixed with fillers, plasticizers, modifiers and other substances that improve its performance.

The most important, in my opinion, the advantages of cement glue are:

versatility of use - it can be used to lay almost all existing types of ceramic tiles on a pre-prepared base;
low price - this option is cheaper than the alternative options that I describe below.

Before preparation, the adhesive must be mixed with water using a low-speed drill with a mixer attached to it. Usually you need 3 parts of water and 1 part of dry powder, but manufacturers indicate the exact amount of components on the package.

Cement tile adhesive is great for laying tiles on a subfloor with minor imperfections. However, if the wall or floor has a strong horizontal or vertical drop, additional leveling with screed or plaster will be required.

Dispersive

The main feature of the dispersion adhesive is a very high adhesion to smooth surfaces.. With it, I usually lay tiles on such bases:

surfaces painted with paint (not peeling off);
drywall;
wood.

Limitation - concrete walls to which dispersion adhesive does not adhere well.

The considered adhesive composition consists of acrylic diluted with binders and synthetic resins. It usually comes in jars or buckets of various sizes and is ready to use with no extra effort on your part.

The advantages of dispersion adhesive are obvious:

the time for finishing work is reduced, since there is no need to be distracted by self-preparation of the solution;
during work, the amount of dust in the room decreases (dry cement powder is very dusty before moistening);
the adhesive is already supplied in the right consistency, so you don't have to check if the mixture is sufficiently fluid and plastic. This is important for novice craftsmen who cannot choose the appropriate proportions of powder and water themselves.

The polymerization time of the finished adhesive composition is about 40 minutes, which is quite enough for gluing and leveling the cladding.

However, ready-made tile adhesive in the bathroom has a big drawback. Opened packaging must be used within a strictly allotted period of time, after which the material becomes unusable.

That is, an open jar cannot be left the next day. And in the case of using cement glue, you can prepare a small amount of mortar that you can use until the end of the working day.

Epoxy

Epoxy-based adhesive, usually consisting of two components - a base and an activator. The solution becomes usable after mixing the components with each other.

Epoxy tile adhesive is commonly used for gluing ceramics to the following types of substrates:

wood, including plywood, OSB boards and so on;
concrete and reinforced concrete;
metal and others.

Due to its rather liquid consistency, the epoxy-based adhesive fills even the smallest cracks and defects, ensuring the most reliable fixing of the material on the surface being trimmed.

Two-component epoxy adhesives are divided into three different groups:

fluid;
pasty with finely dispersed filler;
pasty with mineral filler.

Features of use

When choosing a mineral-filled adhesive, choose those formulations that use quartz sand with the same fraction size.
For work it is better to use mixtures with liquid latex additives. They significantly increase the adhesion of the composition and provide tight retention of the lining throughout the entire life of the material.
For floor cladding, it is necessary to use mixtures with high elasticity. Especially if a floor heating system is provided. Elastic glue will not allow the tile to peel off or crack with minor changes in the size of the base (due to shrinkage or thermal expansion).

When working in the summer and at high air temperatures, it is necessary to use cement adhesive with plasticizers, which increase the time of its dehydration and, accordingly, setting.
If you do not have much experience in laying glue, get dispersion glue. It does not need to be cooked and has an extended setting time. That is, you have enough time for high-quality laying and leveling the tiles on the surface.
Two-component adhesive is difficult to prepare and use, so it is better not to buy it in the absence of at least a minimum experience in laying tiles.

By type of tiles

There are several specific types of tiles for which special types of adhesives are suitable. I want to talk about them in this section.

Porcelain stoneware

This type of material is rarely used for work in bathrooms. The bottom line is that ceramic granite tiles have a low water absorption coefficient and, as a result, a low adhesion density with the mounting solution.

It is best to use a cement-based adhesive with certain synthetic modifiers for this purpose. To ensure the reliability of laying tiles, the composition of the components and their quantity are just as important. The main thing is that on the packaging with the material there is a separate mention that the adhesive you have chosen is suitable for working with porcelain stoneware.

The amount of glue used is also very important. To securely hold porcelain tile in place, it is necessary that the layer of mortar under the tile is equal to its thickness.

Mosaic

For gluing small ceramic tiles, not only the composition is important, but also the color of the adhesive, as it will be clearly visible in the gaps between the parts.

The same material is also used for jointing seams.

Special adhesives

With the help of special additives, manufacturers give adhesive compositions various specific properties. They will be discussed in this section.

Quick dry

The use of such adhesive for work in the bathroom implies the possibility of normal operation of the coating (in most cases, floor) after 4-5 hours after installation.

The quick-drying adhesive is suitable for gluing classic tiles, porcelain tiles and even natural stone. It has good adhesion to surfaces, but requires preparation of the wall or floor for application. In particular, I recommend leveling surfaces with screed, plaster or.

Another important property of quick-drying glue is hydrophobicity. Therefore, it is often used to work in sanitary facilities. It retains its properties at a fairly low temperature, so you can lay tiles in the winter in the country, when the house is not heated.

Waterproof

These adhesives are specially designed for use in bathrooms and other areas with high air humidity. Waterproof glue is made from cement with mineral aggregate (sand), as well as special additives.

Thanks to the latter, the glue acquires specific properties:

repels moisture;
well tolerates the effects of chlorine-containing detergents;
has high adhesive properties which remain during all term of operation.

Waterproof tile adhesive can be modified with additives that give it additional properties:

liquid plasticizer for underfloor heating - is used when a screed with a heating system or other surface that can change dimensions during operation is tiled;
latex polymer - greatly increases the adhesion of the adhesive, as well as its bending strength, provides additional water resistance;
hardening additive - increases the strength of the adhesive composition and the reliability of fixing the tile on the surface being trimmed.

There are several more compositions designed to work in very specific conditions, but they are of little relevance to the bathroom, so I will simply list them without description:

heat-resistant;
frost-resistant;
acid-resistant.

Manufacturers and brands

To facilitate the choice, I will tell you about several manufacturers of tile adhesives and their range of products.

Eunice

One of the popular manufacturers of tile adhesives is Unis. This manufacturer offers the following types of adhesives:

It is used for laying all types of ceramic tiles weighing up to 40 kg/m2. Suitable for finishing wet rooms, including those that are not heated and freeze in the cold season (for example, a bathroom in a country house). Not suitable for underfloor heating. Porcelain tiles up to 30 cm in size can be glued with this adhesive.

Adhesive composition used for laying classic and mosaic tiles, as well as porcelain stoneware with a water absorption coefficient of at least 0.5% and up to 60 cm in size. Withstands tiles weighing up to 80 kg per square meter. Suitable for facing rooms with a high level of humidity without floor heating systems.

High-strength tile adhesive used for laying all types of tiles, natural stone and porcelain stoneware weighing up to 100 kg per square meter. It can be used for finishing underfloor heating, laying tiles using the top-down method and gluing tiles on an old decorative coating (tile). The material is completely safe and approved for use in children's and medical institutions.

Specialized adhesive composition suitable for wall and floor cladding in rooms with high humidity, including freezing ones. The main scope of application is the decoration of surfaces that are in constant direct contact with water (pools and so on). Withstands lining weighing up to 60 kg per square meter.

High-strength tile adhesive that is used for bonding heavy large-format slabs of porcelain stoneware, marble, natural stone, and so on. Perfectly withstands a significant load during operation. Can be used for underfloor heating and tiling on old tiles.

Belfix. White adhesive used for the installation of decorative tiles, mosaics, glass tiles and blocks, natural stone slabs and so on. Withstands a tile weight of 80 kg per square meter. It can be used for cladding complex surfaces, including old cladding. Excellent as a grout when creating artistic coatings (panels and so on).

Can be used for wall and ceiling cladding, as well as tiling ceilings and sloped surfaces. Withstands material weight up to 50 kg per square meter. Has the increased time of laying and viability of solution. Suitable for top-down installation of tiles and underfloor heating.

Eunice FIX. Adhesive for laying tiles in the bathroom and other rooms with a high level of humidity. It can be used for mounting cladding on walls and floors without heating. Withstands material weight up to 30 kg per square meter. It can be used for laying porous blocks indoors and enclosing walls made of aerated concrete.

This manufacturer also produces primers, grouts and other materials necessary for the job.

Knauf

Knauf products are no less popular in our country. Here I can highlight the following compositions:

Knauf Fliesen. It is used for wall cladding with tiles no larger than 30 by 30 cm and surface water absorption of at least 3%. can be used for flooring (without heating) with porcelain stoneware. I recommend using this adhesive for laying tiles on even, non-deformable substrates (concrete, screed, plaster, plasterboard).
Knauf Fliesen Max. Cement-based tile adhesive used for bonding ceramic tiles weighing up to 60 kg per square meter. Not suitable for underfloor heating.
Knauf Flisen Plus. Reinforced adhesive cement composition. Can be used for gluing tiles, natural and artificial stone up to 40 cm in size and weighing up to 60 kg. I recommend using this adhesive for underfloor heating in damp areas.
Knauf Schnel. Adhesive in the form of a dry powder, which has a reduced curing time. It can be used for facing heated floors, as well as surfaces in rooms with high humidity.
Knauf Marble. Adhesive composition based on white cement. Used for wall cladding with marble, granite, glass mosaic, transparent tiles and other decorative materials weighing up to 60 kg per square meter. The adhesive tolerates significant temperature fluctuations well and can be used for arranging indoor pools and other similar hydraulic structures.
Knauf Flex. Adhesive with increased elasticity, used for gluing any decorative materials (tile, porcelain stoneware, natural stone) without weight and size restrictions. Great for arranging floors, which will be subjected to increased load during operation. Can be used for bonding tiles to deformable substrates (e.g. cement-bonded particle boards).

Summary

Based on the information above, you will be able to choose which adhesive to use for cladding surfaces in the bathroom. By the way, its use is not necessary in all cases. There is a self-adhesive tile that is mounted on walls without mortar. You can learn about it from the video in this article.

You can leave your opinion about the information presented in the material in the comments.

August 15, 2016

If you want to express gratitude, add a clarification or objection, ask the author something - add a comment or say thanks!

It can be very difficult to make the right choice of a product that is available in a wide range in a store. This often applies to bathroom ceramic tile adhesives. Each of the available mixtures has its own unique composition and purpose. If you are going to lay tiles not only on the walls, but also on the floor, then special compositions have been developed for these purposes, as well as what to glue on, how to glue and how to glue tiles, how to choose a tile in the bathroom, you can also learn from articles.

Bath wall adhesive

What adhesive is needed for the walls? Here, each buyer can choose the necessary composition for a long time, since their quantities are really huge. Based on consumer and expert reviews, only the highest quality adhesives can be distinguished.

Tiled

Knauf Fliesen

This German-made adhesive for bathroom tiles occupies the leading position. In addition to walls, tiling with this composition can also be carried out on the floor.

The drying speed here is slow, which makes it possible to carry out all the work carefully and slowly. KNAUF Flisen is an economical solution, because it is necessary to apply glue in a thin layer, the thickness of which is 0.7 cm. At the same time, the quality of the coupling does not get worse from this. The adhesive is characterized by high plasticity, which means that the adhesive can be used to finish areas of complex configuration. The product costs 250 rubles per bag. But what glue for tiles will be the best, you can find out from the article.

This glue very often fights with Kneif for leadership and very often finds himself in a winning position. Compared to the previous version, this mixture is characterized by excellent adhesion and drying rates. If the tiles were laid on the floor (it can be used both for walls and for the floor), then you can walk on it the very next day.

The composition is not affected by high humidity and low temperatures, and high plasticity prevents the adhesive from deforming during sudden temperature fluctuations. The cost of goods is 250 rubles per bag. But it is important to know that any tile is attached to some kind of coating, such as drywall. perfect for this case.

Founds Mastplix T-12

Compared to its competitors, this adhesive has better leveling properties. If there are minor irregularities, then the Mastplix T-12 perfectly eliminates them. In addition to laying tiles in the bathroom, this adhesive can be used when finishing with natural stone. Due to the high adhesion, the material can be laid from top to bottom. The cost is 250 rubles per bag. It will probably be interesting to know that you can use glue not only indoors, but also outside, so it’s suitable for this, using which there will be no problems.

Ceresit CM-11 (Ceresit)

This glue is in great demand among consumers today. And this is not surprising, because it has a lot of advantages. But he did not rise to the first place because of his excessive versatility: glue cannot be used for certain types of tiles. well suited for bathrooms.

Laying tiles with Ceresit CM-11 can be carried out even on surfaces with defects. The composition has high adhesion, provides excellent adhesion and does not allow the material to slide off the wall. It can be used for facing the bathroom by a person who does all the work with his own hands. The cost of goods is 265 rubles per bag. Before each use, it is necessary to study how to use, its basis and what it consists of.

Ceramic

This composition combines two important qualities, thanks to which the adhesive is included in the ranking of the best products for laying ceramic tiles. These advantages include snow-white color and excellent hitch strength. The mixture has high adhesion, and it can be used when laying mosaic, glass or translucent tiles. The cost is 480 rubles per bag. As mentioned earlier, when used are required to study.

For porcelain stoneware

Despite the fact that the presented product is used for laying porcelain tiles, it is successfully used to work with wall tiles in the bathroom. Due to the presence of high adhesion, high elasticity, the adhesive is gaining the attention of more and more people. The composition is applied in a very thin layer, which saves its consumption. The cost of goods is 530 rubles per bag. You can find out which tile adhesive is the best from the article here.

For mosaic tiles

It is advisable to use this composition when laying mosaic tiles. But this does not limit its use for ordinary tiles. The color of the mixture and the finished solution is white. It is allowed to use the composition when laying white tiles, marble or mosaics on a translucent or plain base. It has high adhesion, elasticity, which allows the mixture to be used for finishing in the bathroom. However, there is an excellent substitute that is not inferior in quality - Eunice Plus glue, the technical characteristics of which can be found.

No preparatory measures are required to apply the adhesive. The products cost 630 rubles per bag.

For laying tiles

The presented product is ideal for laying tiles in the bathroom. It can be used to decorate shower rooms. It is also approved for use for such whimsical materials as mosaics or transparent tiles. If you use the presented composition, then you don’t even have to worry that after a couple of days the tile will begin to fall off. The glue has high plasticity, adhesion, water resistance and frost resistance, so it is better to use it for seams. The cost is 650 rubles per bag. When using tile adhesive, it is important to know how long it dries, all information can be emphasized for yourself from.

This mixture is reinforced, as it contains cement for professional use. If you use this mixture, you can ensure a long service life of the facing material. After finishing the bathroom with tiles, you can not worry that cracks will occur or the material will somehow be damaged during operation. Causing a hundred that the adhesive contains a mixture of reinforcing fibers. Sopro has high rates of plasticity and adhesion.

Compared to the mixtures presented, this adhesive is characterized by increased water-repellent properties. Thanks to this, you can finish the pool or sauna. Mosaic, tile or natural stone can be laid on such a composition. The cost is 700 rubles per bag. Using any material, it is important to know what its consumption per 1 m-2, which can be found in the description of all processes.

If you do not want the presence of dust in the process of stirring the glue, then the presented composition is ideal for you. In addition, it has excellent performance in all respects, so tiling can take place without first leveling the surface. The solution is simply kneaded, has high plasticity and is easy to use. Perfectly holds the material on vertical surfaces, which made it possible to lay large-format tiles. There is no material slippage during the laying process. It is characterized by excellent elasticity and practicality, has no restrictions in the field of use, although it has a high price - 1120 rubles per bag.

This adhesive contains an antiseptic component, thanks to which you can forget about the formation of mold. Possesses high adhesion to a ceramic tile. It is not affected by UV rays, has a light specific aroma, and after application it immediately disappears. Such a product costs 250 rubles.

For bathroom floor

For flooring in the bathroom, there are also many high quality compositions.

This composition is characterized by high moisture resistance, due to which it is chosen for flooring in the bathroom. Also, glue can be used in the arrangement of the "Warm floor" system. The solution is characterized by high adhesion, strength, reliability and plasticity. The cost of the product is 250 rubles per bag.

Have you bought a brand new tile and are excitedly rushing home in anticipation of getting a beautiful bathroom design? And the glue, what about tile glue?

Remember the instructive tale about the thread and the bead? In the same way, the glue inconspicuously performs its function, ensuring the reliability and durability of the finish. Today I want to tell you about the intricacies of selecting and applying various adhesives and, of course, I will not leave you without a rating of the most popular brands.

Classification

The classification is based on the composition - the ingredients that are included in the recipe.

In the photo - Glims adhesives

The most common group is cement compositions, which in the circle of professionals bear the proud name of "cement colloidal mastic". They received their popular love due to their low cost.
Already from the name it becomes clear that you will have to deal with a mixture of cement, sand and a small amount of polymer additives that increase the adhesion and plasticity of the mass. Most often it is sold in the form of dry mixes, which require preliminary dilution with water.

Cement mastic is actively used for laying tiles indoors.

You can even improve the characteristics of cement compositions with your own hands, for example, by adding latex additives. The latter increase the elasticity of the mass, expand the deformation range of the layer and impart moisture resistance.

Dispersion adhesive mixtures are located one step higher in the price range. More often they are used for finishing, wooden, plasterboard or metal surfaces.

With its help, tiles are laid on a vertical slippery surface without additional priming and grinding, as well as on gypsum-fiber and plywood sheets that are prone to bending.

Such glue is sold in finished form, carefully packed in a plain bucket.

The high price is leveled by a modest consumption (almost 2 times lower in comparison with the cement mass).

Epoxy adhesives are multi-component mixtures into which a catalyst is introduced before application. The material requires scrupulousness and virtuosity in preparation and use.

Technical documentation and standards

Thin-layer mortars for laying tiles must comply with a number of specific technical requirements specified in PN-EN 12004 (or ISO 13007 part 1).

Designation:

C - cement;
D - dispersion;
R - based on reaction resins.

Classification of cement compositions is carried out on the basis of peel and bending strength. The test is carried out on samples that are stored under four different conditions. Getting into category C1 or C2 provides an indicator of ≥0.5 N/mm² and 1.0 N/mm², respectively.

In dispersion and reactive adhesives, peel strength is important. The dispersion category is designated D1 if the initial and final adhesion values do not exceed 0.5 N/mm². D2 obtains a compound with a peel strength of 0.5 N/mm² when stored in water.

Additional properties are indicated by Latin letters:

T - reduced slip;
F - fast binding (applicable to cement mixtures);
E - extended open time (applicable to cementitious and dispersion adhesives D2).

The degree of elasticity of the cement mortar is assessed by the PN-EN 12002 standard, for bending - S1 or S2. Category S1 requires a bending index of at least 2.5 mm, S2 - more than 5 mm (such an adhesive is called elastic with high deformation strength).

Selection criteria and flow calculation

The type of glue depends on several factors, including:

type, thickness and size of tiles;
foundation features;
selected laying technology;
terms of Use.

Type of tile

The porosity of the tile determines the consumption of adhesive. The higher the hygroscopicity, the more glue will be required for styling. Almost all tile manufacturers take this fact into account when releasing adhesive mixtures, however, there is also a ready-made universal adhesive that is suitable for laying both wall and floor coverings.

Tile size and thickness

The greater the weight of the tile, the higher the consumption of glue and the more durable it should be. Let's look at an example with the calculation of the cement composition: a 10 × 10 cm tile requires a 2 mm adhesive layer; 200 × 300 mm - 2-3 mm; 300×300, 450×450 and 500×500 mm - from 4 to 4.5 mm.

You can reduce consumption with a properly selected spatula, information and recommendations for choosing are contained in the instructions for the adhesive.

For large tiles, I advise choosing an adhesive from the Mapei, Litokol, Sopro, Lugato, Kerakoll, Ceresit or Knauf catalogs.

Laying and foundation technology

Before you undertake to glue the tiles, critically assess the condition of the base. If the height difference does not exceed 3 mm, the thin-layer laying method can be used.

If you have to work with an uneven surface, choose a leveling adhesive that you can safely apply with a layer of up to 3 cm.

Polimin P9/12/14/16/22;
Ceresit 11/12/17;
Siltek T80/81.

Tile adhesive for a bathroom with a steam room (fireplace or stove)

Siltec T84;
Polimin P11.

Finishing the warm floor in the bathroom

Polimin P24/25;
Siltec T84;
Ceresit 17.

Sticking, light and marble tiles

Siltec T82;
Ceresit 115;
Polimin P23.

Bathroom stone finishing (natural, artificial)

Master Stonefix;
Polimin P14/22;
Ceresit 117;
Siltec T81.

Summing up

Now you know which bathroom tile adhesive is better, how mixtures with different compositions differ, and how to calculate consumption. If you still have questions or doubts about the correctness of the choice, ask our experts in the comments and be sure to watch the video in this article.

Categories

Popular