Shower wall tile adhesive
#1
04-11-18, 07:21 AM
Shower wall tile adhesive
Didn't see this addressed anytime recently by searching.
I'm redoing wall tile in our walk-in shower. Have some cracks here and there, but mostly got tired of the light pink color (original owners were a three-generation female clan). Going tile shopping Saturday.
Question: What is the best/preferred adhesive/thin-set/mortar for the ceramic wall tile for the [pretty handy] DIY-er? And dry mix or premixed? Brands, etc?
Thanks,
TG
I'm redoing wall tile in our walk-in shower. Have some cracks here and there, but mostly got tired of the light pink color (original owners were a three-generation female clan). Going tile shopping Saturday.
Question: What is the best/preferred adhesive/thin-set/mortar for the ceramic wall tile for the [pretty handy] DIY-er? And dry mix or premixed? Brands, etc?
Thanks,
TG
#2
04-11-18, 09:14 AM
Member
Tile will dictate the mortar.
Do not use mastic!
Do not use pre mix!
Most likely a latex modified thin set!
Do not use mastic!
Do not use pre mix!
Most likely a latex modified thin set!
#4
04-11-18, 04:47 PM
Member
We used this product...
https://www.lowes.com/pd/MusselBound...brane/50141955
...to do a backsplash in our kitchen. A quick look at their website says the material is waterproof and appropriate for showers. It's way easy to use. It's roll material and you stick one side to the wall, peel off a layer and then stick the tiles to the material. And the tiles stick like crazy! You can lightly position the tile and when you're happy with placement press hard and they are there. As I recall you need to grout within 12 hours.
No mixing. We really liked working with it.
https://www.lowes.com/pd/MusselBound...brane/50141955
...to do a backsplash in our kitchen. A quick look at their website says the material is waterproof and appropriate for showers. It's way easy to use. It's roll material and you stick one side to the wall, peel off a layer and then stick the tiles to the material. And the tiles stick like crazy! You can lightly position the tile and when you're happy with placement press hard and they are there. As I recall you need to grout within 12 hours.
No mixing. We really liked working with it.
#5
04-11-18, 06:42 PM
Member
Use a mix from scratch mortar. do not use a pre-mixed product as they are not rated for shower or wet locations. Use any modified thinset but if doing walls I recommend a very sticky mortar that will not sag. Mapae Ultralite is my go to mortar for walls. Super sticky and sag resistant. Again, nothing from a premixed bucket, not good for showersl
#6
04-12-18, 04:57 AM
Think I looked at that Ultralite at Lowe's recently while browsing.
Also may have seen the adhesive mat, but didn't pay close attention to it as I was looking at bagged & bucketed products. Sounds like a good option for a back-splash, not sure about 88 sq ft of shower wall. Doing the math, about $150 for enough to do my shower.
When marq said "Tile will dictate the mortar", I was thinking material and he may have been referencing size. I think we'll be looking at something like 4x10 subway ceramic.
Also may have seen the adhesive mat, but didn't pay close attention to it as I was looking at bagged & bucketed products. Sounds like a good option for a back-splash, not sure about 88 sq ft of shower wall. Doing the math, about $150 for enough to do my shower.
When marq said "Tile will dictate the mortar", I was thinking material and he may have been referencing size. I think we'll be looking at something like 4x10 subway ceramic.
#7
04-12-18, 05:28 AM
Hmmm, did some online browsing. Don't see the Ultralite at HD or Lowe's. Also can't find it anywhere using the "shopping" tab on google. 
Only place I've located it [2 kinds] is Floor & Decor and then it's special order (although in stock at other more distant locations): https://www.flooranddecor.com/search?q=ultralite
I think the stuff I eyeballed at Lowe's was plain MAPEI, not "Ultralite": https://www.lowes.com/pd/MAPEI-Ceram...Mortar/3743807
Do I need to call around to pro supply houses?
Only place I've located it [2 kinds] is Floor & Decor and then it's special order (although in stock at other more distant locations): https://www.flooranddecor.com/search?q=ultralite
I think the stuff I eyeballed at Lowe's was plain MAPEI, not "Ultralite": https://www.lowes.com/pd/MAPEI-Ceram...Mortar/3743807
Do I need to call around to pro supply houses?
#8
04-12-18, 06:05 AM
Ooops, one of the two types IS available at nearest location: https://www.flooranddecor.com/tile-m...ralite&start=1
#9
04-12-18, 07:05 AM
Member
When marq said "Tile will dictate the mortar", I was thinking material and he may have been referencing size.
All the above, Find out what the manufacturer of YOUR tile recommends, it will vary some depending on material and size.
They are the best source for the recommended mortar!
