The Tool Barn


Adhesive Choices

There are generally two types of adhesives used for setting tile: mastic and thinset.

Mastic

Mastic is basically glue for tiles.  The knock against mastic is that it is not tough enough for floors.  Mastic is not recommended for floors by most professionals.  Mastic cannot be used to set tiles on concrete or in wet areas.  It also cannot be used for floor tiles larger than six inches. However, mastic is easier to use and has a longer working time than thinset.  If you choose mastic, make sure that you get the type recommended for floors.

Thinset

Thinset is basically a modified cement and is the preferred adhesive for floor tiles.  Thinset adheres better and can carry more weight than mastic.  Thinset should have a latex additive which helps it resist cracking and adhere better.  Thinset is available with with the latex additive already mixed in or without.  If you get it without, you should purchase  liquid latex to add to the mix.  Follow the directions for mixing.

Applying mastic

Applying mastic

 

Applying thinset

Applying thinset

 


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