Tiles, in all their shapes and substrates, add beauty and charm to a home’s walls and floors. From commercial to residential, the top-notch tiles create an aesthetic look around the interior. 

Large-size ceramic tiles give a monolithic appearance with a seamless finish while covering a wide surface. The fewer gaps left between the tiles need to be covered with the grout and tile adhesive. 

Only fewer spaces or gaps are found in the ceramic tiles covering the larger area. Larger tiles offer sleek, expansive surfaces and they can be used to transform any space that needs to be done. With this, choosing the right adhesive for your tiles application is the most crucial yet important thing to consider. The right adhesive will properly stick to the wall while ensuring durability and longevity.

Read this blog to find out everything you need to know about tile adhesive for large-format tiles.

Tile Adhesive for Large Format Tiles

Appropriate tile adhesive is essential for a big-format tile installation to provide a strong and long-lasting connection. They are versatile and provide good strength and durability for both indoor and outdoor applications.

The adhesive that is selected should not be chosen without careful consideration. Aspects such as substrate compatibility, tile size and weight, and environmental conditions must be considered. To get the best effects, surface preparation, mixing, and application methods must be done correctly.

Yes, it is possible to guarantee a successful installation that will highlight the elegance and practicality of big format tiles.

Types of Adhesive Can Be Used for Large Format Tile Wall

The larger tile surface is embedded with the larger stress. Hence, it becomes very important to find the best tile adhesive to ensure the tiles’ future detachment or damage. Let’s have a look at the most common large-format wall tile adhesive. 

Cement-based adhesives:

• Cement-based adhesives are considered among the most preferred options for the majority of installations.
• Cement-based glues are the most common adhesive used for big format tiles.
• They are made of sand, cement, and other ingredients to increase flexibility and bonding.
• Cement-based glues are strong and long-lasting.
• They are completely safe for indoor and outdoor usage.
• Cement-based adhesives ensure the beauty of the tile while filling the gap area between the tiles. 

Modified cement-based adhesives

• Modified cement-based adhesives are fortified with polymers or additives offering superior adherence and flexibility, rendering them perfect for substrates that are subject to moisture or movement.
• Adhesives that have been modified using cement contain polymers or additives that improve adherence and flexibility.
• Large format tiles installed on substrates that are prone to movement or dampness are a perfect fit for them.

Epoxy Adhesives:

• Epoxy adhesives offer higher bonding strength and chemical resistance for more demanding installations, such as high-traffic areas or settings with harsh conditions. They might, however, call for specific application methods.
• Epoxy adhesives offer exceptional chemical resistance and bonding strength.
• These adhesives are appropriate for difficult installations. They are dust-proof and they can avoid high chemical exposure and extremely cold or hot temperatures.
• Epoxy adhesive is the strongest wall tile adhesive for large tiles. It can be tricky enough to apply on the wall and floor; however, it ensures the longevity and durability of the tiles.

Ready-to-Use Adhesive:

• Ready-to-use adhesives are pre-mixed and are ideal for small-scale projects.
• Ready-to-use adhesives are simpler to employ and take less time in application; however, their performance might not be as good as that of traditional cement-based or epoxy adhesives.

Factors to Consider While Choosing Tile Adhesive for Large Format Tiles

Substrate Compatibility:

• Whether the substrate is made of plywood, concrete, or already-installed tiles, be sure the adhesive is compatible with it.
• There are differences among adhesives in terms of priming and substrate preparation.
• Always choose the adhesive that is compatible with the tile substrate.

Tile Size and Weight:

• Large format tiles require adhesives with a higher bond strength to sustain their weight and avoid slipping.
• While choosing the glue, you must consider the tiles’ dimensions, composition, and thickness.
• Also, you need to consult your engineer and workers to know more details about an adhesive.

Conditions of the Environment:

• Environmental conditions are the most crucial point to consider. Before choosing the tile adhesive, examine if it has the compatibility to sustain unfavorable environmental factors, such as humidity, temperature, and moisture exposure.
• Select adhesives that are appropriate for the particular circumstances to ensure the tile’s sustained performance.

Application Method:

• Various application techniques might be needed depending on the tiles’ size and format.
• To ensure adequate coverage and adherence, abide by the manufacturer’s instructions for trowel size, notch configuration, and open time.

Application Methods for Large Format Tiles

Surface Preparation: Cleaning dust and polishing the substrate to a high shine.

Whether the substrate base is completely flat or not, this needs to be assured to fix any fractures or uneven surfaces.

Mixing: To get the right consistency, proper adhesive mixing is recommended by the manufacturer.

Mixing the paddle with clean water will ensure the durability of the tiles after application.

Application: Applying glue to the substrate with the help of the trowel will help to get the proper spacing and notch design.

Before installing the tiles, work in small pieces to keep the adhesive from drying out.

Installation of Tiles: Make sure the tiles are fully covered and aligned by pressing them firmly into the glue.

To preserve uniform grout joints and provide room for expansion, use tile spacers.

Grouting: Before grouting, let the adhesive set by the manufacturer’s instructions.

Also Read : How Waterproof Wall Putty Can be Game Changer for Your Home

Concluding Remarks

For a polished look, grout that matches the tiles must be used with the appropriate grouting procedures.

This will help you produce long-lasting and visually appealing results by being aware of the many adhesive kinds that are available, taking environmental considerations and substrate compatibility into account, and applying adhesive according to the correct procedures.

Trimurti is a remarkable brand to get the right tile adhesive for large-format tiles India. With years of experience, we are committed to bringing out the best products out of our store that promise durability and sustainability. Among the best products, we have wall care putties, tile adhesives, ceiling products, gypsum plasters, tile grouts, and others.