Why not use ready mixed adhesive?

[mikeyb2]

Hi Forum, just bought some 100x100mm tiles from B&Q to do the kitchen bits from worktop to wall cupboards 450mm height. The tiles on display had a sticker on them saying use only powder adhesive, not ready mixed. I asked an assistant who said it probably would be alright to use ready mixed but wasn't sure. Nowhere on the packaging does it mention this, and the tiles are not natural stone and don't look like porcelain.Any ideas on this would be welcome.
Secondly, as I was browsing the adhesives the preparation advice suggests removing paint from surfaces before applying, on some adhesives but not on others.I am putting these tiles onto recently plastered walls which have been emulsioned, so they are perfectly flat. Is it really necessary to remove the paint or are there some adhesives that would be ok?
thanks Mike

 

[Dontiler]

remove the paint, you can do that with coarse sandpaper, prime the walls. make sure plaster is dry,
I wouldn't use ready mixed adhesive.
good luck

 

[DHTiling]

Hi mike...

Seen as tubbed adhesive dries by dispersion ( loses it moisture into substrate and tile biscuit) and keys onto the surface capillaries , then yes sand back the emulsion... sometimes a wetting with a sponge and then scrub with a scotch pad brings it off..depends on how many coats and paint type.

As for your tiles, then they might be moisture sensitive and using a slow setting tubbed adhesive might cause staining to the tile from the biscuit through to the face... if it say's to use powdered then use it IMHO.. and flat back skim each tile in-case they are moisture sensitive... but with out actually knowing or seeing the tile, then it is hard to say why they advise this..

 

[mikeyb2]

Hi mike...

Seen as tubbed adhesive dries by dispersion ( loses it moisture into substrate and tile biscuit) and keys onto the surface capillaries , then yes sand back the emulsion... sometimes a wetting with a sponge and then scrub with a scotch pad brings it off..depends on how many coats and paint type.

As for your tiles, then they might be moisture sensitive and using a slow setting tubbed adhesive might cause staining to the tile from the biscuit through to the face... if it say's to use powdered then use it IMHO.. and flat back skim each tile in-case they are moisture sensitive... but with out actually knowing or seeing the tile, then it is hard to say why they advise this..

thanks for the replies, so i think I'll sand back the paint. I'm not sure about the dispersion thing though, as powdered adhesive dries by dispersion once you have mixed it with water and if the tiles are water sensitive, surely neither tubbed nor powder would do. Or am I missing something here?

 

[DHTiling]

Powdered adhesive dries by chemical hydration and this can be dry in as little as 2 hrs.. tubbed adhesive will take a min of 24 hrs.. so the tiles are subject to moisture a lot longer...hence moisture can soak back into the tile over a longer period... but i will say that if the tiles are ceramic, then really little chance of this being a concern... just needed to point this out though..

 

[Muse2k8]

Just play it safe and get some powder 😉

 

[mikeyb2]

Powdered adhesive dries by chemical hydration and this can be dry in as little as 2 hrs.. tubbed adhesive will take a min of 24 hrs.. so the tiles are subject to moisture a lot longer...hence moisture can soak back into the tile over a longer period... but i will say that if the tiles are ceramic, then really little chance of this being a concern... just needed to point this out though..

thanks Dave, that makes a little more sense so I'll take your advice and go the powder route. Is there a Powder you could recommend which would be suitable for most materials regardless of what the tiles are made of?( I've seen some that are for ceramic only and some porcelain etc.)

 

[Muse2k8]

What colour are the tiles?

 

[mikeyb2]

What colour are the tiles?

they're called metallic cream but more of a light beige to me.

 

[Muse2k8]

I would suggest BAL CTF3 (White) adhesive.