How to choose a two-component tile adhesive?

The correct choice of adhesive for tiling various premises with ceramic tiles plays an important role in the process of their decoration. An example is a special two-component elastic adhesive for ceramic tiles, which compares favorably with traditional sand-cement mixtures with the addition of PVA.

Such composites must have a high adhesion capacity, superior to other types of adhesives, and the ability to firmly adhere to smooth, non-absorbent surfaces. Such materials include glass surfaces, the glazed side of tiled ceramics, dense stone.

Due to the high content of binders, the bulk of elastic mixtures are waterproof and frost-resistant. They can be used instead of conventional adhesives, which significantly improves the quality of the facing work. In addition, they greatly facilitate and speed up the work process in comparison with any other types of adhesives. Working with them, you can get an additional 5-10 minutes to adjust the tiled masonry.

The use of composites such as quartz sand, andesite or graphite, as well as a variety of polymer plasticizers give them greater plasticity in comparison with conventional analogs.

A strong connection of the tile to the surface is a basic requirement for all adhesives intended for this purpose. However, its implementation largely depends on the degree of elasticity of the tile adhesive, because the probable temperature drops can give some mobility to the base on which the tile is mounted. This can lead to peeling or cracking of the ceramic veneer. Therefore, the use of elastic adhesive composites protects the tile layer from deformation.

When choosing between a cement-based composition and an epoxy adhesive, preference should be given to the latter due to its greater ductility.

One-component pasty compositions, which are commercially available in a completely ready-to-use form, are very convenient. They are flexible enough to prolong the life of the cladding and to protect it. They do not require mixing, you can work with them immediately after purchase.

Such a ready-made adhesive is most suitable for interior decoration of premises with a small area. It is used for fixing tile cladding in bathrooms and kitchens when it is necessary to minimize the amount of dust during operation.

One-component mastic compositions based on latex or other petroleum products are distinguished by increased fixing properties, are very elastic and waterproof. They are easily applied on a pre-primed base in a thin layer and do not create any inconvenience when working with them. The tile is pressed against the glue layer, and then lightly tapped on it. The excess composition is removed with alcohol, white spirit or acetone.

Cement-based formulations, which sometimes have plasticizer additives, are cheap, fast-setting white tile adhesives with relatively little elasticity. They are based on white cement with additives to increase the viscosity and elastic properties of the composition.Such mixtures are often used to create mosaics.

If there are no plasticizers in this composition, then it solidifies very quickly.... If, for example, there is a bucket of such glue, then it is very likely that it will be possible to use only one fifth of this volume.

It is the simplest type of bonding mortar, consisting of cement and refined sand. Massive porcelain stoneware tiles, natural stone or its artificial analogue and large-format tiles are placed on it. The high grasping characteristics of such a composition can be significantly enhanced by adding slaked lime to it.... The result is a highly elastic mixture capable of providing both horizontal and vertical cladding. It can be used both for interior decoration of premises and for exterior work, for example, facade.

Besides, the performance characteristics of such a mixture, in addition to lime, can be improved by adding PVA glue, liquid glass or latex to it. However, in this case, you can be mistaken with the proportion. Therefore, it is better to purchase a ready-made dry composition with improving ingredients already added to it.

Any adhesive adheres the worst to a smooth surface. The creation of high-quality adhesion requires roughening the base to be treated with glue. For such work, it is advisable to purchase glue in tubes and tubes for construction guns. These formulations include liquid nails.

Working with these composites does not require notched trowels or separate mixing vessels. An acrylic-based gel adhesive is applied to the surface of a wall or tile in the form of stripes or drops. The composition of this kind got its name "liquid nails" because it creates a point connection of the tile with the base. They are easy to use and ensure that the cladding is firmly glued..

Liquid nails are a separate type of modern neoprene-based cementitious composites with additives from polymers and synthetic rubber. This type of glue belongs to toxic substances, has an unpleasant odor, and work with it must be carried out with the use of protective equipment. Water-based liquid nails are used in dry rooms for minor restoration work, as they do not tolerate moisture.

Dispersion binders are paste-like tile adhesives. This form of delivery of this product completely excludes consumer mistakes that appear when trying to self-connect components of other types of adhesives.

These mixtures are composed of organic binders in the form of polymers, bitumen and various types of tar. They contain high-quality modifying additives and mineral fillers of natural origin in the form of quartz and silicate sand, as well as graphite and andesite.

For laying tile ceramics, dispersion mixtures are an excellent glue that makes it possible to veneer plastic, wood and metal surfaces with it with low consumption of the binder composite. It can be used to renovate floor and wall tiles directly on the old tiles.

The disadvantage of dispersion adhesive mixtures is the absence of the possibility of their dilution, thickening or mixing with other ingredients, as well as their long hardening period, which can last up to 7 days.

For those situations where the tile is attached to plywood, particle board or wood, the use of reactive adhesives, formed as a result of the reaction of two different components, becomes a more rational option. This, first of all, should include a universal resin-based epoxy adhesive composite formed after mixing it with a hardener.The setting time of the composition depends on the content of the latter, therefore do not increase the concentration of this component... Otherwise, they will not even be able to lubricate the tiles - it will simply freeze.

Epoxy tile adhesive composition is not only two-component - it can also be a multicomponent binder composition consisting of several types of epoxy resins with additives and a hardener catalyst. "Epoxy" of modern grades is also enriched with various modifying and plasticizing additives and additives from fillers and solvents.

The delivery forms of epoxy compounds are kits of a paste or liquid mixture and a catalytic hardener, packaged in separate containers and kits, which include resin, hardener and filler.

As the latter, additives in the form of quartz sand, cement, alabaster, aerosil, various fibers, marble chips, sawdust, metal powders, microscopic hollow balls - microspheres can be used.

The advantages of epoxy glue include its ability to reliably fix the tile coating, mechanical strength and elasticity, resistance to ultraviolet light and aggressive chemicals, frost resistance and water resistance, and the ability to be used as a grout.

Among the disadvantages of the epoxy adhesive composition, it should be noted that it is necessary to prepare it by hand, its high cost, sensitivity to errors in observing the proportions of its ingredients, and the impossibility of removing this composite from the ceramic surface after it has hardened.

Regarding the specifics of the application of the epoxy adhesive composite, it should be noted that it is desirable to use it, taking into account the air temperature. For example, at 25-35 ° C, the curing of the glued surfaces takes on average about 5 minutes, and the curing time is about 1 hour.

Epoxy adhesives in liquid or paste form should be applied to the tile surface with a brush, spatula, or sprayed with a gun.

The reaction between the epoxy resin and the hardener is irreversible; therefore, installation work using this type of adhesive requires a certain professional skill and appropriate dexterity.

Epoxy composite is an ideal adhesive for working with glass mosaics, bright types of decorative smalt, elite ceramic coatings, graceful stone and marble types of decor.

It should be noted that whichever composition of the adhesive is chosen, it must be handled carefully, using safety equipment for the respiratory tract and hands. Otherwise, the consequences can be unpredictable.

How to dilute two-component epoxy glue, see the video below.