How to dilute tile adhesive: cooking with your own hands
When laying the tile it is very important to properly dilute the glue, otherwise problems will arise. Firstly, with a liquid or too thick mass is much harder to work with, secondly, the quality of the masonry suffers. exept this, it is important to choose the right composition for specific conditions.
Reliability of fixing of a tile directly depends on correctness of preparation of an adhesive solution
Types of glue and their features
- Universal cement. The most popular composition. Made of Portland cement with additives, modifying, contains particles of latex and other materials. It is easy to dilute such glue, just follow the instructions on the back, adhering to the correct ratio of dry matter and liquid.
- Reinforced. Used to glue heavy elements, and also allows the coating to withstand more intense loads. This effect is achieved by adding tonic ingredients.
- Moisture resistant. Mainly used for surfaces, which are in constant contact with water. Unlike conventional mixtures, which are destroyed under the influence of moisture, this glue has a repulsive ability, and therefore insensitive to its influence. This is an ideal choice for swimming pools, saunas and bathrooms.
- Polymeric. Used indoors, as it does not tolerate temperature fluctuations and environmental influences.
- Special types. Modified samples of mixtures, which are designed for specific works. Example, for plasterboard and wood (the composition compensates for the movement of the material), and also under a heat-insulated floor and facing of furnaces (heat-resistant and fire-resistant), external works (do not be afraid of frost) etc.. D.
Prepare the solution yourself. It's easy to do with your own hands, as available components are used: sand, cement, water and sometimes slaked lime.
The principle of preparation of mixes is identical.
A good replacement for tile adhesive will be homemade mortar
How to choose a quality product
Because it is not always possible to make tile adhesive correctly at home, it is much easier to buy a ready-mix. We will give some recommendations, which will help not to make a mistake with the choice:
- Trust only proven manufacturers. Firms with a good reputation monitor product quality. Little-known brands of mixtures do not guarantee, used raw materials and production conditions meet the standards.
- Pay attention to the composition. Each type of glue has its own specific recipe. In addition, the brand of components must meet the standards.
- Date of production. From the moment of production to the deadline for use is only six months. Expired mixture loses some properties and glue the tile with this composition is no longer possible.
- Storage conditions. Dry powders should be kept indoors with low humidity. This is important to preserve their qualities.
- Freezing time. Normal glue sets quickly, but at the same time the master has the opportunity to adjust the position of the tile during the first 20 minutes after laying.
- Fixing ability. The solution must securely hold the ceramic tile, that does not slip and does not deform.
- Adhesion level. Adhesion to the surface is ideally 1 N / mm2. This figure also makes it clear, how much effort you have to put, to remove the lining after the solution dries.
When choosing a quality glue, its fixing ability plays an important role
Kneading rules
Dilute the mixture in small portions, therefore you have an opportunity to work without haste and qualitatively to put a tile. The proportions of cooking tile adhesive are indicated on the package, but do not be in a hurry to follow them blindly. First, just take it 2/3 liquid and mix with a full portion of dry powder, gradually add water, the rest, until the solution acquires the appropriate consistency. If necessary, add more liquid.
Since it is difficult to mix tile adhesive with your own hands, use a construction mixer. Check the density of the mass with a spatula, it must be sufficiently elastic, that does not fall into lumps, but also do not spread. Leave the glue on for minutes 15-20, so that all the components are finally swollen and combined into a homogeneous mass.
It is best to use a construction mixer to thoroughly mix the glue
How to make a solution yourself
As to prepare tile glue it is simple, you can save money on materials. To make the solution correctly, will need sand, cement and water. The proportions of dry components are approximately 5: 1. Plasticizers of glue are replaced by slaked lime. You can use PVA instead, washing powder or liquid soap. At the same time watch the amount of water.
Ask for materials in advance, to remove lumps and impurities.
This is a standard tile adhesive recipe. For laying tiles in the house - quite a decent option. In general, to make a solution is not so difficult, even a beginner can handle it. And if you use ready-made glue, you will save yourself time.
