One, what are the differences between tile adhesive and tile bonding agent?
1、Different characteristics
Tile adhesive: High bonding strength, fast curing speed; Easy to apply, can be directly pasted; Excellent resistance to pressure, tensile strength, water, alkali, and weathering; Enables ultra-thin layer application; Non-toxic, odorless, and free of pollution.
Mortar: High adhesion, no need for wet brick and wet wall during construction, good flexibility, waterproof, anti-permeation, anti-cracking, anti-aging, high temperature resistance, freeze-thaw resistance, non-toxic and environmentally friendly, easy to construct.
2、Different construction methods
Tile adhesive: Mix one package of material with the specified amount of water, stirring until fully mixed and free of lumps. Allow the mixture to rest for 3 to 5 minutes, then stir again before use.
Tile adhesive: Apply the adhesive using a notched trowel to create a uniform coating and create a series of notched patterns on the substrate. The application should be approximately 1 square meter per coat (depending on weather temperature, with a required construction temperature range of 5～40℃). After applying the adhesive, press the tiles onto the surface within 5～15 minutes.
Two, can self-leveling mortar be used for laying tiles?
1、Ceramic tiles can be applied using tile adhesive, as tile adhesive is specifically designed for this purpose. The application results in a strong bond, and the tiles are less likely to detach.
2. Additionally, no need to wet the wall or soak the bricks before pasting. Minimal preparation is required, which significantly reduces the construction time, and the resulting effect is also excellent.
III. Process for laying tiles on the ground
Step 1: Prepare and treat the substrate for tile laying, including leveling.
Since the application of tile adhesive on tiled floors typically involves a thin-layer method, high requirements are placed on the floor's flatness. Additionally, the presence of significant surface defects such as pits and unevenness is not permitted, as this can negatively impact the tile's adhesion.
Step 2: Mixing of tile adhesive.
Before using tile adhesive, it must be mixed according to the product's instructions. After thorough mixing, the tile adhesive is ready for use. Typically, a small amount of water is added to the ready-mixed tile adhesive, and then it is mixed using an electric mixer. After allowing it to rest for approximately five minutes, it should be mixed again before use. Therefore, proper mixing of tile adhesive is crucial.
Step 3: Tile installation.
According to my experience, the application of tile adhesive should be divided into two steps: First, use a notched trowel to apply a layer of tile adhesive on the ground. Second, use a notched trowel to apply a layer of tile adhesive on the back of the tiles to be laid. Finally, place the tiles with applied adhesive onto the adhesive already applied on the ground, and then use a rubber mallet to firmly press them together.
Step 4: Maintenance and protection of the laid tiles.
After tile installation is complete, it is essential to maintain the tiles. Immediate foot traffic is not allowed, as this can cause tile displacement and potentially lead to issues such as tile loosening, blistering, and warping. Additionally, tile surface protection is necessary for other aspects of the home renovation project.