How to Choose the Best Tile Adhesive for Different Tiles

Got a flooring project or a few different types of tiles that need some fixing? Well for that, you will need some top-class tile adhesive. 

During tile installation, most of the people are always concerned about the tiles' design and quality. However, what is below the tiles is also important— the tile adhesives. The right adhesive plays a major role in forming a solid bond. Not every tile adhesive is the same. If you use the wrong tile adhesive, it can cause loose tiles, cracks, and even fail during installation.  

In this blog, we will look at the best tile adhesives for different tile types. This will help you choose the right one for your surface, environment, and needs.  

Tile adhesive is the binding agent between tile and substrate; it holds the tiles in place to protect them from shifting or cracking over time. Tile Adhesive is a polymer modified flexible adhesive that is compatible for setting all types of Mosaics, ceramic, clay, natural stone tiles and any kind of small to medium to large dimension tiles. Tile adhesive is a special glue used to bind tile to various substrates like floors, walls and countertops. It eliminates the need for traditional methods using mortar cement, and results in less installation time and effort. It is designed to withstand stress that tiled surfaces are subjected to, such as temperature fluctuations, moisture, and foot fall. With advancement in technology, suitable adhesives for tile fixation have entered the market. With high bonding strength it prevents the tiled surface from losing its stability, integrity and longevity. Knowing about various kinds of tiles and tiles adhesive is important to have a long-lasting tile installation.

The first step involved in selection of tile adhesive is to understand the types of tiles available in the Indian market. Tile comes in various types with different surface, textures, porosity and weight — and each has its own type of need for adhesive. 

Here are the most popular types of tiles in India: 

• Ceramic Tiles: They're also easy to clean and available in a variety of styles. It is the most common type used for kitchens and bathrooms.
• Porcelain Tiles: Heavier, less porous and more dense than ceramic tiles. They are made from durable materials which make them suitable for both indoors and outdoors.
• Natural Stone Tiles (Marble or Granite): Marble and Granites are heavy and porous. They need unique care and the right adhesive to avoid staining and breaking.
• Glass Tiles: These non-porous, decorative tiles require a smoother adhesive that will not show through the glass.
• Mosaic: Small tiles, usually ceramic. They require an adhesive that offers both strong bonding and flexibility.
• Large Format Tiles: They are modern wide style tiles and are available in large sizes. Since they are bigger and cover a large space, they need adhesives that bond effectively as well as are flexible.

Tile type has varying effects on the way adhesives react depending on the weight, how smooth the surface is, and how much water they absorb. So, it is crucial for you to choose the right tile adhesive.

Using the wrong adhesive can cause a lot of problems after installation. Some common issues include: 

• Tile coming off (delamination) due to poor bonding 
• Cracks appearing on the tile surface 
• Water damage, especially in bathrooms and kitchens 
• Hollow sounds when tapping the tile, a sign of poor adhesion 

A good tile fixing adhesive needs to have strong bonding, flexibility, and resistance to heat and water. It also keeps tiles permanently in place, for many years. 

And that’s the reason why builders and tile installers must always select the right tile adhesive according to the tile type and the location (floor, wall, indoor, outdoor, wet area, etc.). 

The selection of best tile adhesive is essential for a number of reasons: 

• Bond Strength: Tiles are well bonded for a long period. 
• Durability: Prevents tile lifting or cracking. 
• Water-Resistant: Used in wet areas and for water damage protection. 
• Easy Application: The correct adhesive makes the installation process smooth, saving time and labor. 

Tile Type or Material: Different types of tiles require different types of tile adhesives. Natural stone and glass tiles will need a different tile adhesive than ceramic and porcelain tiles. Porcelain tile, for instance, requires stronger adhesives in order to hold tile in place as well as bond strongly.

Type of Surface or Substrate: While choosing a tile adhesive also consider the material of substrate (Concrete, plywood, etc.) upon which the tile is applied. Select a tile adhesive that will provide strong bonding of substrate or surface with the tile. Adhesive used for tile installation on dry wall is different than adhesive used for concrete surfaces or metal sheets. Compatibility check of adhesive with substrate will prevent tile settling or weak bonding issues.

Area of Application: The selection of the appropriate tile adhesive depends on surface orientation and site of application. Vertical surface (wall) applications, horizontal surface (floor) applications, and roof installations all need different adhesives for effective bonding. Moreover, outdoor adhesives need to deal with external conditions such as moisture and temperature, whereas interior adhesives concentrate on maintaining stable conditions.

Environmental Conditions: The choice of tile adhesive is also influenced by temperature, humidity and water exposure. Select the adhesive that can resist environmental factors in the installation area. For example, a water-resistant glue can be used for outdoor places or wet locations while the high heat area will require heat resistant adhesives.

Difference between Tile Adhesive and Cement

Traditionally, tiles used to be bonded with cement mortar and cement slurry. Due to the drying nature, cement after application would create vacant spaces below the tile surface eventually leading to cracked and chipped tiles in short time. As for the bonding strength, tile adhesive is superior to cement mortar mix, providing greater durability.

IS 15477:2019 and Adhesive Classes

When choosing the right tile adhesive, one should consider the different types as defined in the Indian Standard (IS) code IS 154772019. The code classifies adhesives into three types (Type 1, Type 2, Type 3, Type 4 and Type 5) depending on their composition, strength, and purpose of use:

Type 1 adhesives: These are general purpose adhesives suitable for residential and commercial uses. They're ideal for dry, stable surfaces similar to walls and floors in interior areas.

Type 2 adhesives: With a stronger bond, Type 2 adhesives are best suited for spaces that are exposed to moderate humidity or temperature changes, such as bathrooms or kitchens. They offer better resistance to moisture and can be applied to floors and walls.

Type 3 adhesives: These adhesives are specifically designed for harsh surroundings like out-of-door or high- moisture conditions. These are best suited for heavy rain or direct sun exposure and used in exterior walls or balconies.

Type 4 adhesives: These adhesives are specifically designed for dry wallboard substrates like gypsum boards, plywood, wood, and other dry base surfaces. They form a strong and stable bond between the substrate and different types of tiles, which makes them perfect for interior walls where normal cement-based adhesives can be ineffective. Although they are versatile for application with most stone and ceramic tiles, they do not work well on metal tiles or engineered stone.

Type 5 adhesives: Created specifically for high-performance, Type 5 adhesives are used when tiles or stones must be bonded to non-conventional substrates such as metal or glass. They provide excellent bonding strength and flexibility, therefore ideal for metal tiles, glass tiles, engineered stones, and other heavy-duty or premium finishes. They also work with cement-based surfaces and provide unparalleled durability for interior and exterior environments.

They all are polymer-modified cement-based adhesives that provide more flexibility and bonding. Opting the proper adhesive by the IS code helps you to choose the correct product for the application to achieve longevity in your tile work. Always review the adhesive specifications to match the requirements of the project for better performance.

As discussed above, tile adhesives of several types are available in the market. Each type is suitable for specific applications and tile types.

1. Cement-Based Adhesives

These are the most used adhesives. Suitable for ceramic and regular porcelain tiles in indoor areas. These are powder-based adhesives that require mixing with water. They are mixed with water on-site. These types of adhesives are high strength and typically used in regions subject to moisture. 

Applications: 

• Laying of ceramic and vitrified tiles on floors and walls.
• Suitable for living spaces such as living rooms, bedrooms, hallways, and other home flooring.
• Works well on cement plastered or concrete surfaces. 

Advantages: 

• Cost-effective and easily available.
• Good initial bonding for standard tile sizes.
• Easy to apply and suitable for most general tiling needs. 

2. Epoxy-Based Adhesives 

Epoxy adhesives consist of a resin and a hardener, which are combined together. They are waterproof, chemical-resistant and very strong. Epoxy adhesives are mostly used in spaces that encounter high traffic or even wet areas as they are water resistant and resistant to many chemicals. These are pre-mixed ready to use adhesives. Best suited for small DIY or indoor wall tile installations. Ready-mix adhesives are pre-prepared and come in buckets. They don’t require any mixing and are very easy to use. Best suited for bonding with metallic surfaces, generator room, dry wall etc. 

Applications: 

• Wet areas such as bathrooms, toilets, kitchens.
• On commercial area kitchens, hospitals, swimming pools, industrial floors.
• Fixing natural stones, heavy-duty tiles, and tiles in chemical-prone environments.
• Challenging substrates like metal sheets, glass, plywood, etc. 

Advantages: 

• Very high bonding strength & flexible.
• Resistant to stains.
• Suitable for high-traffic areas.
• Long-lasting with excellent durability. 

Choosing the right tile adhesive is now easy! Explore Magicrete’s tile selector tool for expert guidance. 

When looking for a tile adhesive, it’s important to check certain features that guarantee strong bonding, durability, and ease of installation. Below are important points about adhesive that every builder, architect, or homeowner needs to look out for:

Flexibility and Bond Strength 

A strong and flexible tile adhesive keeps the tiles intact over time and helps prevent cracks. Adhesives with high bonding are used for large tiles or exterior surfaces like balconies, vertical walls or high-traffic areas to hold the tiles in place.

Water and Heat Resistance 

Water-resistant adhesives prevent mold formation and tile lifting in damp areas. While Heat resistance adhesives are for outdoor areas exposed to direct sunlight or temperature changes. Used for bathrooms, kitchens, terraces, swimming pools and areas exposed to moisture or temperature changes.

Setting Time and Workability

Adhesives come in different setting times depending on project needs. Fast-setting adhesives are ideal for emergency repairs or places that need to be activated quickly. Standard-setting adhesives set more slowly and allow for adjustments during tile placement. Good workability means that adhesive should be easy to mix, apply, and spread without lumps. Opt for a quick-set adhesive for use in time-sensitive work, or a regular-setting adhesive when you want time to readjust.

Here’s a quick guide to match tiles with the right adhesives:

Using the best tile adhesive helps with proper bonding and longevity with various tile types. Choosing the right tile adhesive is now easy! Explore our tile adhesive selector tool for expert guidance. Or you can watch our visual guide on ‘A Complete Range of Tile Fixing Solutions’

Here are some practical tips to avoid common installation mistakes: 

1. Choosing Adhesive Without Considering Tile Porosity and Size 

Not all tiles are the same. Don’t choose adhesive without knowing the tile type – Check for porosity, size, and surface. Porcelain and vitrified tiles are low-porosity and require adhesives with stronger bonding. Ceramic tiles, on the other hand, are more porous and suitable for standard adhesives. Special adhesives with high flexibility and strength are required for large-format or heavy tiles.  

Tip: Choose the adhesive according to the tile type and size. Check the product label or consult a brand expert if unsure. 

2. Using Too Much or Too Little Adhesive 

Avoid using too much or too little adhesive – It can lead to weak bonding and tiles popping out. 

Tip: Follow recommended trowel sizes and spreading techniques. Maintain consistent thickness across the tile area. 

3. Ignoring Substrate Condition 

Don’t ignore the surface condition – Clean and level the substrate before applying adhesive.  

Tip: Before you begin, clean and level the surface. Old or painted surfaces should be treated with a proper primer or surface preparation product as recommended by the manufacturer of the adhesive. 

4. Not Following Instructions 

Not Following Manufacturer’s Mixing Instructions. Failure to follow these guidelines will lead to weak adhesive mix, poor workability or dry out faster. Always follow manufacturer instructions. 

Tip: Always read the label or product brochure before use. 

Selecting tile adhesives is more than just fixing tiles, it’s about durability and long-term contentment. Whether it’s ceramic tiles in your kitchen or natural stone in a commercial lobby, choosing the correct tile adhesive according to tile type, location, and environmental conditions is vital. From cement-based, and epoxy-based, to polymer-modified, each type serves a specific purpose. Again, avoiding installation mistakes and using quality brands like Magicrete tile adhesive will make your project easier, faster, and more successful.

Need help choosing the right adhesive? Get in touch with us to get expert recommendations and choose what suits your tiles best.