In today’s construction industry, we understand that aesthetics and durability go together. From residential flooring to commercial interior décor and architectural wall coverings, tiles have become one of the most common construction materials in the world.
However, the strength of the tile installation is not necessarily the tile itself but the material that holds the tile in position. This is where cementitious tile adhesive is a key component.
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The traditional sand cement mortar used in the past has been largely discontinued as it is no longer suitable to bond tiles, particularly as tile sizes become larger, denser, and decorative.
In today’s world, cementitious tile adhesive has been established as the industry standard to deliver strong bonds, durability, and seamless finishing.
This blog will give you insight into what a cementitious tile adhesive is, how it is used, its benefits & its application, as well as directions for applying cementitious tile adhesives.
About Sakshi Chem Sciences
Sakshi Chem Sciences Pvt. Ltd. is one of the leading manufacturers, suppliers, and exporters of innovative construction chemicals. With over 20 years of experience in the industry, we can provide high-performance, sustainable, and cost-effective construction solutions that have been tested to our high standards and manufactured using innovative methods.
What Do We Offer?
- Concrete & concrete admixtures.
- Waterproofing.
- Mould release & curing compounds.
- Tile adhesives & grouts.
- Plaster additives.
- Repair & rehabilitation.
Our manufacturing plants employ modern and high-precision technology, allowing for consistent quality in our products. We operate in India, Southeast Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and Europe, providing reliable and consistent supply and technical support.
Our ethics are simple: Durable, Old, efficient, and high-performance construction solutions.
What is Cementitious Tile Adhesive?
Cementitious Tile Adhesives are specially formulated dry-mix powders using:
- Quality cement.
- Graded sand.
- Additives and/or polymers to improve the bond strength and flexibility.
To apply the adhesive, simply mix the powder with water, and then apply it once mixed. In comparison to traditional sand-cement mortar, the cementitious tile adhesive is optimised for:
- Better tile adhesion.
- Minimised hollowness under tiles.
Benefits of Cementitious Tile Adhesive
Here are the main points that make cementitious adhesive the way to go:
1. High Bonding Strength
Adhesive creates a solid mechanical and chemical bond between the tile and substrate, and reduces the risk of tile detachment/hollowness.
2. No Tile Soaking Required
Tiles can be fixed directly, without the need for soaking first, which saves time and labor.
3. Better Feasibility and Ease of Application
Excellent spreadability allows faster work with better control of finish.
4. Less Shrinkage and Crack Resistance
Additives in the adhesive will eliminate shrinkage cracks and increase the life of the tile surface.
5. Water and Moisture Resistance
Perfect for:
- Bathrooms
- Kitchens
- Balconies
- Poolside and exterior installation
6. Compatible with Large Format Tiles
Modern large-sized tiles require safe bedding; a cementitious adhesive will provide grip and hold without gaps.
7. Cleaner and More Efficient Site Work
Less waste of materials, no uneven patches to remove, and even thickness across the whole area.
Where to Use Cementitious Tile Adhesive?
| Application Area | Recommended Use |
| Internal floors & walls | Ceramic, vitrified tiles |
| Bathrooms, kitchens & wet areas | Moisture-resistant tile fixing |
| Balconies & terraces | Outdoor floor tiles |
| Marble, granite & natural stone | High-strength adhesive layers |
| Swimming pools | Water-resistant and high-bond strength adhesive |
| Commercial lobbies & offices | Large-format tiles and decorative surfaces |
Whether for residential renovation or large-scale commercial builds, cementitious tile adhesive ensures long-lasting tile performance.
Types of Cementitious Tile Adhesives
Tile adhesives are typically classified based on performance:
| Type | Features | Ideal For |
| C1 (Standard Adhesive) | Good bonding strength | Ceramic wall and floor tiles |
| C2 (Improved Adhesive) | High strength & flexibility | Vitrified & porcelain tiles |
| C2TES1 / C2TES2 (High Performance) | Slip-resistant, extended open time, deformable | Natural stone & large format tiles |
Sakshi Chem Sciences manufactures adhesives across performance levels to suit different site needs, climates, and tile types.
How to Apply Cementitious Tile Adhesive (Step-by-Step Guide)?
1. Surface Preparation
- Make sure the surface is clean, dry, and free of dust or debris.
- Clean up any oil, grease, loose debris, and old plaster.
- Slightly wet the surface to improve adhesion.
2. Mixing
- Pour tile adhesive powder into clean water in a mixing container.
- Slowly combine to a consistent combination using a mechanical stirrer, and remove any lumps.
- Let the mixture rest for 5 minutes to hydrate the powder before use.
3. Application
- Spread adhesive using a notched trowel to achieve a consistent thickness.
- Only apply adhesive to small areas at one time to avoid hardening (15 – 20 minutes open time).
4. Putting down the tile
- Press the tile firmly into the adhesive bed.
- Slide the tile slightly to set it in the proper location.
- Use spacers to establish uniform grout joints.
- Gently tap the tile to assist the tile in fully contacting the adhesive.
5. Grouting
- Allow adhesive to cure for a minimum of 24 hours before grouting.
- Grout between all gaps.
6. Curing
- No exterior or water curing required.
- Allow to dry naturally.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
| Mistake | Result |
| Using excess water while mixing | Weak bonding |
| Applying adhesive unevenly | Tile hollowness |
| Not cleaning the substrate | Tile detachment |
| No gap between tiles | Cracking or lifting |
| Installing tiles under direct sunlight | Reduced strength |
Why Choose Sakshi Chem Sciences Tile Adhesive Solutions?
- Built with quality polymer technology.
- Outstanding adhesive performance.
- Use at home or in the workplace.
- Consistent workability and coverage.
- Works with a variety of tile and stone finishes.
- Technical support and field service.
You can be assured that every adhesive has:
- Value
- Performance in real-world conditions
- Quality in every country
Conclusion
While installations may look easy, having the right adhesive is the difference between a tile-clad surface that maintains its aesthetic desirability for many years and a surface that cracks, loosens, or pops off in a few months.
Cementitious Tile Adhesive provides:
- Tensile strength
- Flexibility
- Moisture resistance
- Extended service life
- Faster and cleaner installation
With advances in building practices, professional-grade adhesives are not an option; they are necessary.
At Sakshi Chem Sciences, we focus on delivering great, high-performance alternatives for tile adhesives, backed up with technical assistance and decades of manufacturing expertise.
Better adhesive performance means more resilient, safer, durable, and longer-lasting areas of your building – build it all with assurance.
Sandip Agrawal, Polymer Engineer and MD of Sakshi Chem Sciences Pvt. Ltd., leads innovation in construction chemicals, shuttering oils, and industrial lubricants. With expertise in polymer science and eco-friendly solutions, he drives R&D and sustainable advancements, ensuring high-performance products for India and global markets.