11 Tips on Selecting, Mixing and Applying Tile Mortar or Adhesive the Right Way

by Sarah B. Marketing Writer | Thinker | Environmentalist

At a number of times, when your tile flooring doesn’t work durably as per your expectations is because of thin set mortar or tile adhesive that you have used for installation.

There might be some issue with the consistence of the mortar or adhesive, or the way you apply it on the substrate or tile back, or the type of mortar or adhesive you have selected for your project. Ideally, you should choose adhesive based on which area of your home you are tiling. In addition, it should be mixed and applied correctly to ensure a strong and durable installation.

This article offers a few valuable tips on selecting, mixing, and applying tile adhesive and mortar the right way to help you build stress-free, long-lasting tile floors and walls –

Use waterproof thin set or tile adhesive in areas exposed to water.
Don’t use grout paste as a substitute for tile adhesive. Both are two different materials.
Tile adhesives are available in two forms – power and paste. Both are offered in bags.
Powdered adhesive requires you to mix it in the right proportion as recommended by the manufacturer. And adhesive paste is ready to use; you just need to take it in a bucket and use it the right away.
The best time to mix the adhesive or mortar is when you are working on a tile project, and are ready to apply tiles on the substrate. Open the bag when you need it.
To mix the adhesive, you will need – a bucket, adhesive, notched trowel, mixer, and water.
Read the instructions carefully to understand what amount of water should be used for preparing the adhesive paste.
Take the water into the bucket and add adhesive power into the bucket afterward.
Mix the adhesive into water until it is smooth and until it is in toothpaste like consistency.
Don’t mix too much quantity to avoid the drying of adhesive.
Use a notched trowel to apply the tile adhesive on the back of the tile or substrate.