Tiling adhesive / grout recommendations please

[scrapbook]

Hi there,

I am just about to start my bathroom project in the next week and was wondering what opinion there are on tile adhesive / grout?

Are there all a much a muchness or some better then others?

What about compounds that do both jobs?

 

[Richard C]

No they are definitely not “much of a muchness”; you generally get what you pay for with this stuff & don’t even think about “tile-n-grout" products. Buy only good quality trade products, BAL, Mapei, Webber etc. & avoid cheapo DIY shed crap at all costs. Use the correct type of addy for your tiles & tile base & follow the manufacturers instructions with regard to prep.

Also have a look at the tiling sticky & read through the archive posts, it may just prevent you making some potentially expensive mistakes; come back with any questions.

 

[scrapbook]

Avoid the likes of unibond then?

How about these..

http://www.screwfix.com/prods/71930...Grout/BAL-Blue-Star-Non-Slip-Tile-Adhesive-5L

http://www.screwfix.com/prods/81520...l-Adhesive-Grout/Mapegrip-Tile-Adhesive-7-5kg

I see Bal produce and tile / grout combination
http://www.screwfix.com/prods/25925...rout/Wall-Adhesive-Grout/BAL-Tile-Grout-7-5kg

Would this be useful for priming parts of exposed plasterboard?
http://www.screwfix.com/prods/87305...Adhesive-Grout/Mapei-Tile-Adhesive-Primer-1kg

 

[Richard C]

Avoid the likes of unibond then?

I never said a word

Both BAL (which I use) & Mapei are quality products as are Webber & others but it’s very important the type of adhesive/grout you choose is suitable for the type & size of tiles you pick & the base your tiling onto. Large format tiles (300 x 200mm or more) need cement based addy not tub mix but plaster or plasterboard must be primed beforehand. It's generally best to use products from one manufacturer rather than mix & match; you will find that the specialist internet tiling/products suppliers offer a much wider choice than Screwfix.

I would suggest you read the tiling sticky & have a look through the Tiling Forum archive which should give you the basics & then come back with specific questions.

 

[scrapbook]

I have had a good read and usual it instills me with fear

Looking at the Bal products there doesn't seem to be a huge difference between Bal Blue Star, Bal Grip and Bal Green Star...or am I missing something?

I would prefer to go with the ready mixed stuff to keep things simple and they seem to tick all of the right boxes.

 

[Richard C]

I have had a good read and usual it instills me with fear

No need to be fearful just take your time & if you cant work your way through it, just post your questions on here; just dont rush it, hold back until your sure you know what to do

Looking at the Bal products there doesn't seem to be a huge difference between Bal Blue Star, Bal Grip and Bal Green Star...or am I missing something?

They all have their own niche in the adhesive range but the corners do get blurred somewhat; personally I nearly always use White Star for tub mix unless there is a reason not to.

I would prefer to go with the ready mixed stuff to keep things simple and they seem to tick all of the right boxes.

Decent tub ready-mix is fine depending on your tiles & for the correct application but for large format tiles, you need a cement based addy & then you have to pick the right one & be careful with how you prep.

So far given you've not given any clue what type/size of tile you propose or what type/where the tile base is; why don’t you post more details of what you’re up to then you will get advice tailored to what you’re doing.

 

[scrapbook]

Reasonably straight forward, although this is me first large scale effort.

My previous experience consists of removing half a dozen tiles from the downstairs toilet in order to replace a single cracked tile in the en-suite and then tiling up the downstairs toilet again!

The tiles we have chosen this time are 25x33.

I have two areas that need tiling in the ensuite.

The first area is around the basin which consits of about 10 tiles plus border. The second area is roughly the height and width of a 760 x 760 shower enclosures.

Going to have a ceack at the basin area first to see how I get on and then decide whether i need a professional in!!. Generally I am a reasonably decent DIYer and tend to be a bit of a perfectionist.

The house I live in is 10 years old so of course I will be tiling on plasterboard.

I iintend to be giving myself 5 days to do the shower part if i proceed.

1 day to sort out the shower tray which either needs replacing or resitting as the shower enclosure is right on the inner edge of the tray.

1 day to strip the tiles off and prepare the surface

2 days to tile

1 day to grout

 

[scrapbook]

My conceern with the powedered stuff is that it seems to refer to needing some sort of primer on the plasterboard before use?

 

[Richard C]

As long as you prepare correctly & use the correct materials there is no reason why you shouldn't achieve results as good as a professional &, in the case of some “pro” efforts I’ve seen, better. Don’t give yourself targets that will make you rush it, you don’t have the same constraints as a pro where time is money, just take your time.

Tiles of the size youve chosen will really need a powder cement adhesive but the primer is no big deal, all you need is an acrylic tiling primer which is necessary to prevent an reaction between gypsum & the cement in the adhesive; tile weight shouldn’t be a problem with the size you have.

If replacing any plasterboard (which is very likely) use Moisture Resistant generally but in wet areas, your better off using waterproof tile backer boards; if you use PB here, you should tank it. For the adhesive use a Rapidset powder cement adhesive; it must be a flexible type when tiling onto boards of any sort. Only mix what you can use within a ½ hour & clean your tools & bucket thoroughly before you mix the next lot; use a 20mm x 10mm deep round notch trowel. Grout with an antibacterial flexible grout. Remember you shouldn’t use the shower for 14 days!

 

[jctilingservices]

The tiles we have chosen this time are 25x33.

Flexible powdered adhesive, "simples"

 

[scrapbook]

okay, well I am on plan g of the adhesives so far!

For primer I am looking at Bal Primer APD
http://www.toppstiles.co.uk/tprod3072/section885/Bal-Primer-APD-25LTR.html

For adhesive I am looking at Bal Single Flexible
http://www.toppstiles.co.uk/tprod2949/section172/Bal-Single-Part-Flexible-White-20KG.html

Bingo?

 

[Richard C]

For primer I am looking at Bal Primer APD

Fine

For adhesive I am looking at Bal Single Flexible
http://www.toppstiles.co.uk/tprod2949/section172/Bal-Single-Part-Flexible-White-20KG.html

That’s also fine but I usually use Rapidset Flexible;
http://www.bal-adhesives.co.uk/products/rapidset-flexible

You should find it a bit cheaper but what ever you do don’t pay the those silly Topps DIY price unless you really have to. Wear scruffs, look/act like a pro tiller & ask for a discount; most branches will give discounts to non account holders if you look genuine but not all will play Bal(l) . Have you checked on line? There will be a delivery charge but it can work out much cheaper depending how much your ordering in one hit.

 

[jctilingservices]

[/quote]
That’s also fine but I usually use Rapidset Flexible;
http://www.bal-adhesives.co.uk/products/rapidset-flexible

quote]

spot on info

 

[scrapbook]

Being an amateur is it not sensible to go for the non rapidset stuff to allow me more time to faff around with the tiles if needed?

Also, do you agree with the sticky not to leave the spacers in between the tiles once set?

 

[Richard C]

Being an amateur is it not sensible to go for the non rapidset stuff to allow me more time to faff around with the tiles if needed?

Not necacerrily, just mix up as much as you can handle in 30 minutes (& you'll be surprised how many sq/m that can be when your used to it) allowing time to wash off your tools & bucket in between. If your laying large format tiles on a wall you will want them to grab & hold as quickly as possible or you WILL be faffing around + there is more chance they will move & that won’t look good when it’s set. You’re paying a price premium for the time given you with single part flexible for no gain IMO.

Hey, what’s with the rolly eyes, if you want further advice, I don’t appreciate them.

Also, do you agree with the sticky not to leave the spacers in between the tiles once set?

Peg the spacers end on & remove before grouting.