Tile adhesive is essential in a tiling project as it helps bond the tiles to the substrate or subfloor. All the tiles are bonded by spreading a smooth layer of tile adhesive on the substrate.
The only exception is the peel-and-stick tiles, which come with an adhesive backing. The two major types of tile adhesive are powder-based and ready-mixed adhesive.
When using powder-based tile adhesive, you must mix it with water to form a smooth mixture. Some ask whether they can mix tile adhesive by hand. If you are confused, you’ve found the right article!
Yes, tile adhesive can be mixed manually (by hand) or mechanically. When mixing the adhesive by hand, many use a margin trowel. Although it is possible to mix tile adhesive manually, most experts prefer electric mixers over this method. The main reason for this is that the compound might contain lumps.
Hence, it is best to mix them mechanically to obtain a smooth mixture of tile adhesive.
Mixing Tile Adhesive by Hand
Imagine you are working on a small tiling project or fixing a piece of loosened tile. In such circumstances, you can mix the tile adhesive by hand using the margin trowel.
By following the procedure given below, you will be able to mix tile adhesive manually.
Safety Precautions
The cement-based powder may cause irritation when it touches the skin or eyes.
Therefore, wearing safety gear is essential when mixing the tile adhesive manually or mechanically. So before you start work, wear protective gloves, face masks, and eyewear.
Ventilate the room well, as the powder is toxic. Further, to protect the floor from getting in contact with the dirty adhesive mixture, you can spread old cloth or newspaper underneath the bucket of water.
Directions
The good rule of thumb is to mix 2.5 parts cement-based powder with 1 part water to form a smooth mixture.
Since you are working on a small project and repairing, get the required amount of tile adhesive and tiles. The quantity may differ according to the project.
Next, pour the tile adhesive into the bucket of water (until the powder comes over the water) and leave it for a few minutes to soak. Now lock the bucket between your feet and mix the adhesive with the margin trowel. Mix in a circular motion by giving a uniform force to obtain a lump-free compound.
The manual mixing process will take longer than using electric mixing tools. Therefore, continue mixing until you feel the mixture is at the right consistency.
Checking Tile Adhesive Consistency
You can use the margin trowel to check the consistency of the compound. Get a good amount of tile adhesive mixture in the margin trowel.
If it is watery and slips off the trowel, add more powder. In contrast, the compound requires more water if it does not move from the trowel even when you shake the mixture.
After preparing the compound to the right consistency, allow it to sit for around five minutes so that the water penetrates through the adhesive powder and activates the mixture.
Note: When mixing the title adhesive manually, it is better to work in small quantities to ensure a lump-free compound. Also, it will reduce the hassle when mixing.
Using Manually Mixed Tile Adhesive
Once you obtain the right consistency by mixing the adhesive by hand, you can leave it for some time before using it.
Add an even adhesive layer on top of the subfloor or substrate using the notched trowel. If you are using large tiles, it is better to add a thin layer of the tile adhesive on the back of the tile as well.
Then, bond the tile to the adhesive and press it down for a tight grip. You can repeat the same procedure for the rest of the tiles.
Alternative Method of Mixing Tile Adhesive
Although you can mix the tile adhesive by hand, it is not recommended. Following are the two main reasons why experts do not suggest mixing tile adhesive manually:
- Since hand mixing will not produce a 100% smooth mixture, you cannot ensure bonding strength when sticking tiles using this compound. Therefore, for a durable tiling project, it is best to use mechanical mixing tools.
- The hand-mixed adhesive compound will likely contain lumps and an uneven spread.
Considering these, mixing the adhesive using the right tools is best. When mixing mechanically, the procedure is almost the same. You will be using an electronic tool instead of a margin trowel.
The best tool is a drilling machine with a mixing palette. You may also use the electric mixer to mix the tile adhesive. The mechanical mixing process saves time and reduces effort compared to manual mixing.
Ready-Mixed Tile Adhesive: No Mixing Required
When DIYing the tiling project, mixing the tile adhesive might be messy.
To skip this process, you can purchase ready-mixed tile adhesive, which does not require any mixing process. A notched trowel can spread ready-mixed tile adhesive directly onto the prepared substrate.
An unopened bucket of ready-mixed tile adhesive will have a shelf life of 6 months to 1 year. The opened, ready-mixed adhesive will stay good for approximately nine months if you store it correctly.
Bottom Line
Mixing tile adhesive by hand is possible. In contrast, many tiling professionals recommend using mechanical tools when mixing tile adhesives.
This is because you can obtain a lump-free, smooth texture. Manual mixing requires much effort and may produce a different consistency.
However, you are trying to fix broken tiles. In that case, you may mix the adhesive manually. For a large tiling project, it is best to mix it mechanically.
FAQs
How Much Water Should You Add to the Cement-Based Adhesive?
Generally, you add 2.5 parts of adhesive to 1 part of water, meaning 20 kg of tile adhesive powder will require around 4.6 liters of water.
Can I Add More Adhesive Powder to the Slip-Off Adhesive?
Yes, if the tile adhesive slips off when you take it using the margin trowel, then it requires more adhesive.
Can I Use Lumpy Tile Adhesive Mixture for Bonding Tiles?
No, you must prepare a smooth tile adhesive compound without lumps for a strong adhesive. Lumps will weaken the bonding strength.