Choosing the best glue for porcelain tile - an overview of varieties and brands of adhesive mixtures
For each facing material, it is important to choose the right adhesive composition, which will ensure the reliability and durability of the coating. Porcelain tile imitating a natural base is not only distinguished by improved aesthetic indicators, but also by increased strength. However, its ability to withstand significant loads directly depends on its installation, where the type of adhesive used plays a key role. After reading this article, you will find out which glue is best suited for porcelain stoneware used in certain conditions.
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What are the requirements for glue for porcelain tiles
Ceramic granite, which appeared in the 70s of the last century, quickly took its rightful place in the market of finishing materials, displacing ceramic tiles and seriously competing with natural stone products. In terms of physical and mechanical properties, it is absolutely unique. A wide range of color solutions allows you to create aesthetically attractive coatings, almost regardless of the application of the material.
The most relevant today is the use of porcelain stoneware at facilities with increased operational load. In particular, this applies to railway stations and airports, subway stations, large trade pavilions, industrial premises and industrial warehouses. At the same time, finishing work requires a careful selection of the adhesive composition, based on both the characteristics of the material itself and the conditions in which it will be used.
In the process of laying granite, it is necessary to use strictly specialized mixtures.
They are made taking into account the following properties of the facing material:
1. The minimum level of water absorptiondue to the density of the structure. Unlike ordinary tiles, such products are not able to absorb water and glue. A reliable connection in this case can only be ensured by a composition supplemented with special substances that increase adhesion to a value of at least 1 MPa;
2. Porcelain stiffness, which does not allow products to bend, and, at the same time, makes them quite fragile under the influence of increased loads and temperature extremes. The adhesive composition must be flexible enough to compensate for the resulting stress between the outer coating and the base on which the tile is laid. This applies to the decoration of not only objects with increased traffic, but also balconies, verandas, terraces. In addition, elasticity indicators play an important role if a “warm floor” system is installed under the facing surface.
3. Resistance to temperature changesthanks to which it can be successfully used to decorate the terrace or to equip the porch. Based on the climatic conditions of a particular region, it is possible to determine which frost-resistant adhesive for porcelain tiles is better to choose for outdoor work. The number of cycles indicated in the specifications must be at least 50.
Varieties of glue for the installation of porcelain tiles and their proper application
When choosing glue for porcelain stoneware, in addition to adhesive and strength characteristics, it is necessary to take into account the operating conditions and installation of porcelain stoneware.
Quick hardening adhesive
A feature of this adhesive is the minimum working life of the finished solution. The final hardening occurs after 3 hours, while the other compounds are set not earlier than in a day. In this case, surface operation is allowed almost immediately after finishing.However, it is inconvenient to use quick-hardening glue for working with large areas, since the prepared solution must be used up within 30 minutes. Such compositions are excellent for wall cladding indoors, in particular when arranging a kitchen apron, but can also be used during certain types of outdoor work.
Leveling adhesive
To eliminate large irregularities in the base, plaster or screed is usually used. However, minor bulges and depressions will not become an obstacle in the process of finishing, if you know exactly which tile adhesive for porcelain tile it is better to choose in this case. Leveling adhesives are used both for facing surfaces indoors and for laying facade coatings. When arranging balconies, attics, terraces or basement floors, such glue often allows you to do without preliminary processing of the base.
Elastic and highly elastic adhesives
Under the conditions of operation of underfloor heating, as well as internal walls with heating, often deformation of the tile, resulting from changes in temperature. To prevent cracking of porcelain stoneware, an adhesive with optimal elasticity will help. For the inner surfaces of pools where the tiled coating is subject to constant external influences, highly elastic compounds are recommended. In addition, such mixtures perfectly fit on various building materials, including drywall, plywood and any wood species.
Heat resistant adhesive
In this case, the name of the composition speaks for itself. The ability of heat-resistant adhesive to withstand elevated temperatures makes it possible to use it when facing very hot surfaces. To understand which glue to choose for porcelain stoneware, it is necessary to determine the level of maximum temperature that the base reaches. The most resistant to thermal effects is a mixture designed for finishing fireplaces and stoves. It is designed for temperature conditions within 600 ° C. In addition, there is a heat-resistant adhesive for porcelain tile.
Thick glue
For interior finishing work, often facing material is selected in the form of large-format products, which are used, as a rule, when creating floor coverings. In this case, the estimated thickness of the adhesive used should be at least 10-12 mm. It should be borne in mind that certain types of mixtures are intended for outdoor use.
Reinforced Fixing Compounds
The main difference between the adhesive that provides the most reliable fixation is its ability to withstand significant loads. Mostly, such tools are used to work with large-format plates, which can be stacked both on a horizontal base, and on any vertical surface.
Frost resistant adhesive
For tiles used in low ambient temperatures, a special mixture is used, including non-degradable under the influence of moisture. It is mainly used for surface finishing of balconies, terraces, socles. In addition, such mixtures have proven themselves as reliable fixers for expanded polystyrene, mineral wool and other heaters.
Universal compounds
Today on sale you can find tile glue designed for different types of facing materials, including porcelain stoneware. In this case, it is intended to use the mixture both for finishing surfaces indoors and for some outdoor work. Such formulations are suitable for most products having standard sizes. Only their use when laying large format tiles is excluded.
Fields of application of various adhesives for porcelain stoneware
| Hardening fast | Leveling | Elastic | Heat resistant | Thick layer | Reinforced fixation | Frost resistant | Universal | |
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| Outdoor application | ||||||||
| Porch |  |
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| Balcony, Terrace | |
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| Parapets, stairs | |
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| Cap | |
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| Internal application | ||||||||
| Walls | |
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| Floor | |
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| Heating floor | |
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| Bath, toilet | |
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| Kitchen apron | |
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| Pool | |
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| Stoves, fireplaces | |
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| Permitted base types | ||||||||
| Concrete | |
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| Lightweight concrete | |
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| Aerated concrete and slag concrete | |
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| Heated screed | |
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| Stucco, putty | |
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| Plasterboard, OSB | |
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| Tree | |
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| Plywood | |
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The best manufacturers and brands of glue used for porcelain stoneware
Next, we offer you an overview of the best brands and manufacturers of glue for porcelain stoneware.
Litokol
Litokol is an Italian brand that launched its first tile adhesive in 1968. After 10 years, the production of paste-like one-component materials that did not need complicated cooking procedures was established. Currently, for the manufacture of adhesive mixtures, the most refined technologies for many years of work are used, as well as modern high-precision equipment. This makes it possible to constantly increase the number of products in the conditions of automated production.
Litokol Litoflex K80 - a composition made on the basis of cement, the elasticity of which is achieved thanks to the presence of special additives, which also provide improved adhesion. High rates of water and frost resistance allow this mixture to be used both for decoration of rooms with high humidity and for outdoor work. Laying of facing material on deformable as a result of thermal or mechanical effects of the base is allowed.
Litokol Litostone K98 - glue with increased frost resistance. It is made on the basis of cement and can be used for laying both tiles or porcelain tiles, as well as any types of natural as well as artificial stone. Due to its ability to withstand low temperatures, this mixture is excellent for decorating facades and arranging other coatings used outdoors. It is allowed to use the composition in areas with increased mechanical stress, provided that the facing material is not prone to deformation.
Litokol Litofloor K66 - tile adhesive designed for installation of floor coverings. The main component of the dry mix is high-quality Portland cement, to improve the properties of which the manufacturer uses special chemical additives. The material completely hardens within 24 hours, showing perfect adhesive abilities and avoiding shrinkage of the tiles. The characteristics of water and frost resistance allow it to be used, including for outdoor work.
Ceresit
Ceresit is a product of Henkel, which was born over a hundred years ago and works in different areas of chemical production. Currently, there are numerous Henkel production sites in the CIS, including those engaged in the manufacture of adhesive mixes for tiles manufactured under the Ceresit brand. If you ask yourself which tile adhesive is best for porcelain stoneware, it should be noted that most consumers prefer to use specialized compounds of this brand.
Ceresit CM 11 Plus - a mixture that is suitable, including, for outdoor use. However, in cases with laying porcelain stoneware, exclusively internal use is allowed during installation of tiles with dimensions not exceeding 50x50 cm.The adhesive is intended for vertical and horizontal coatings in rooms with moderate humidity, where the base is concrete, cement screed and other types of non-deformable surfaces. In special conditions it can be used in combination with a flexible emulsion CC 83.
Ceresit CM 14 - glue that provides reliable fixation of tiles or porcelain stoneware on both horizontal and vertical surfaces. It is perfect for coverings used in the conditions of the existing underfloor heating system. It is allowed to use this composition in bathrooms and other rooms with high humidity. For the exterior decoration of the building, it is used only in work with artificial stone made on a cement basis. The maximum permissible size of the mounted elements is 45x45 cm.
Ceresit CM 12 - waterproof adhesive designed for the installation of floor coverings made of porcelain stoneware and other tiled products. It is used exclusively for internal work, including when laying large-format elements with sizes up to 60x60. Suitable for rooms with high humidity. It well fixes the coating mounted on the waterproofing material CR 65. The scope of this adhesive significantly expands when SS 83 is added to the mixture.
Ceresit CM 16 - adhesive suitable for any type of tile, acceptable for use in both external and internal finishing work. As the facing material, ordinary tiles, ceramic granite, clinker tiles, as well as stone products, with the exception of marble, can be used. This composition has high adhesive properties, regardless of the characteristics of the base on which the coating is mounted. Equally well fixes trim elements on horizontal and vertical bases.
Ceresit CM 17 - a special type of glue, the main direction of use of which are complex, non-standard and subject to deformation of the base. It is used for laying completely different floor and wall facing materials, including porcelain stoneware. Drywall, screed with an integrated heating system, painted structural elements, etc. can serve as a base. Fixing of facing material is allowed without preliminary dismantling of the old tile coating.
Ceresit CM 117 - adhesive composition intended for fixing tiles to a rigid base. The quality of fixation is not affected by environmental conditions, therefore, the product can be used both for internal work in arranging heated flooring and for exterior decoration of various objects, including indoor pools. High adhesion virtually eliminates tile slipping from a vertical surface. For deformable substrates it can be used in combination with CC 83 elasticizer.
Knauf
Knauf is a German company whose products have proven their worth, thanks to their relatively high quality indicators. If you do not know which glue for porcelain tile to choose from those offered by the domestic market, you can safely say that the compositions represented by this brand are one of the most universal. Each mixture is designed to work with a certain type of coating, which guarantees the longest possible life. Many masters especially distinguish adhesive mixtures of the Flizen series, since due to their transparency the facing material remains clean during installation.
Knauf Fliesen - a mixture used for both internal and external finishing work. It can be used for arranging vertical coatings, however, in cases with porcelain stoneware, laying of material on the floor is supposed, and exclusively inside the building. The maximum allowable tile size is 60x60 cm. In this case, the requirements for the base must be observed: the surface must be smooth and not subject to deformation. Such glue is rather economically consumed due to the possibility of thin-layer application.
Knauf flex - elastic adhesive composition, which can be used in the installation of wall or floor coverings.In this case, both internal work and the finishing of the exterior structural elements of the building, including the terrace or ground floor, are meant. Glue provides reliable fixation of almost any tile materials, including porcelain stoneware, without limiting the choice of products in format and weight. The hardened mixture can withstand significant loads, as well as withstand the effects of moisture and low temperatures.
Knauf Fleece Plus Reinforced - adhesive with enhanced adhesive properties, designed for laying facing materials on vertical and horizontal surfaces. Porcelain products, the size of which does not exceed 60x60 cm, can be used as floor covering elements. In this case, the concrete base must be pre-aligned. Installation of tiles on drywall and other lightweight structures is also possible. It is allowed to use this type of adhesive mixture in the arrangement of the "warm floor" system.
Knauf marble - a special adhesive composition designed to work with products from marble, granite and other types of natural stone. It can be used to decorate walls and floors with traditional facing materials, in particular tiles and porcelain stoneware. The highest adhesion allows the use of this mixture for reliable fixation of coatings in conditions of significant temperature fluctuations. However, the base must be non-deformable and have a completely flat surface.
Knauf Flex with increased elasticity - glue used in places with high traffic, as well as for facing surfaces experiencing constant loads. Ceramic granite in this case, like any other finishing material, should be laid on a perfectly flat base. To prepare the floor, the screed is most often poured, and the walls are leveled with cement-sand plaster. Flex refers to water and frost-resistant products, and is also able to withstand thermal effects.
Weber vetonit
Weber Vetonit is one of the leaders in the production of dry adhesive mixtures. The products manufactured by this company are manufactured using advanced techniques, and technical equipment includes the most advanced high-tech equipment. This allowed not only to achieve the highest possible performance indicators, but also to establish an automated production process, so that the cost of materials became affordable for different categories of consumers. Weber Vetonit is a leader. The product range includes various compositions that are in demand when facing certain objects.
Weber.Vetonit Granit Fix - glue with which you can smooth the surface, easily compensating not only for uneven surfaces, but also moderate deformation of the facing material, due to the high elasticity of the mixture. This composition is used for the installation of porcelain stoneware, as well as all types of ceramic tiles, including products made by the double firing method. It is allowed to lay on both horizontal and vertical surfaces when performing interior or exterior finishing work. The glue is frost resistant.
Weber.Vetonit Ultra Fix Winter - an adhesive designed for finishing facades in conditions of subzero ambient temperature. The characteristics of the mixture allow dispensing with the use of heating devices during the installation process. This also applies to the laying of porcelain stoneware or ceramic tiles with large dimensions. Indicators of frost resistance according to GOST - at least 150 cycles. The mixture is excellent for abrasion resistant coatings. In addition, cladding materials can be attached directly to the waterproofing.
Weber.Vetonit Ultra Fix - the composition recommended for use when performing outdoor work. Thanks to its high adhesion, it is able to reliably fix not only ordinary ceramics and porcelain stoneware, but also massive stone products, regardless of their format.Also suitable for different types of mosaics. The main area of application is the facades of buildings, all kinds of extensions and basement floors.
Weber.Vetonit Profi Plus - an adhesive mixture with optimal adhesive properties and characterized by increased elasticity. It is noteworthy that during the preparation of the solution in the room there is practically no dust, so the composition is ideal for use on objects with a finished interior. Exterior mounting of ceramics, clinker or porcelain stoneware is also allowed. Various materials, including gypsum board, can serve as a base for laying.
Weber.Vetonit Easy Fix - glue characterized by increased moisture resistance. It is mainly used for interior work when decorating horizontal and vertical surfaces in rooms with a high level of humidity. In combination with porcelain stoneware, it exhibits ideal adhesion abilities. Withstands more than 100 cycles of freezing and thawing, which allows it to be used in the decoration of the exterior surfaces of a building.
