Two jobs, two products
PVC and ceramic tile work put very different demands on an adhesive. Ceramic and porcelain tiles are heavy, rigid and often installed on floors and walls, while PVC is flexible, lightweight and usually bonded in sheets or tiles. Because of this, the adhesive that suits one job rarely suits the other.
Selecting PVC adhesive
For PVC flooring, look for an adhesive with enough open time to lay out the sheets and press them into place before it skins over. The surface should be smooth, dry and free of dust or old adhesive residue. A correct PVC adhesive grips the full sheet while still allowing a controlled re-positioning during installation.
Selecting ceramic tile adhesive
Ceramic adhesive needs good shear strength to hold tiles firmly to the substrate and resist the load of daily use. The trowel notch size is chosen based on the tile size and the flatness of the floor or wall. Larger and heavier tiles generally call for a bigger notch and sometimes a more flexible product.
Common mistakes
- Using one adhesive for everything to save cost – this usually leads to failures.
- Skipping surface preparation because the substrate looks clean.
- Laying tiles before the adhesive has reached the correct open time.
Final tip
Always verify product compatibility with the exact material you are installing and confirm pack sizes against the area you need to cover. For PVC and ceramic tile adhesives for retail or contract work, contact Strategic Images and request a quotation.