Thinset vs. Epoxy: Which Is Best for Your Tile Project?
Fortunately, choosing tile adhesive vs mortar can be a lot simpler than you might think.
In most cases, the tile applicationwhere the tile is installedclearly determines thebest mortar option.
The Spruce / Ashley Luciano
And sometimes the pop in of tile itself is a determining factor.
What Is Tile Adhesive?
Tile adhesive is any medium that adheres tile to a substrate.
It cannot cure too fast: Otherwise, you do not have adequate working time.
But if it cures too slowly, it takes forever to get to the grouting stage.
Thinset tile mortar has a smooth, slippery consistency, similar to mud.
It is applied to the substrate with anotched trowel.
Premixed thinset comes in big tubs and is ready to apply right out of the package.
Use premixed mortar for spaces such as small bathrooms, mudrooms, or utility rooms.
Thinset is also heatproof, so it will not lose its grip in hot environments.
Because it is cementitious, thinset is dimensionally stableit will not shrink or contract.
Another advantage of thinset is that it allows you to level uneven surfaces to some degree.
Epoxy mortars can even be used for installing rubber flooring or wood block flooring.
These mortars are simple to use and maintain.
Mechanical strength is strong, so they hold the tile firmly in place and resist compression.
Pigmented epoxy mortars do not leak onto ceramic or porcelain tile.
Epoxy mortars are resistant to a wide variety of chemicals.
Temperatures must range between 60 and 90 F for proper installation.
Warmer temperatures speed up curing time; cooler temperatures slow it down.
On the downside, epoxy mortar is more expensive than thinset and has a strong smell while it cures.
Additionally, epoxy mortar sets quickly.
This can be a deficit because it provides only a short window of time to make changes.
Pot life for most epoxy tile mortars is about 45 minutes.
After pot life expires, the product is considered to be unusable.
Mastic Tile Adhesive
Mastic is a vague term that generally refers to fast-grab glues for tile.
It isn’t cement-based like thinset and doesn’t require mixing reactionary compounds like epoxy mortar.
Henry 314 Ready Set Premixed Mastic Adhesive is one of the few exceptions that actually incorporates the word mastic.
The best uses fortile masticinclude:
The difference between mortar and tile adhesive comes down to technicalities.
Technically, mortar is atypeof adhesive.
Tile adhesive and grout are not the same thing and should not be used interchangeably.
Premixed tile adhesives have a shelf life of around six to 12 months.
