Which tile adhesive should I use?

Choosing the right tile adhesive is crucial for a long-lasting and professional finish. We offer a range of adhesives designed for different tile types, substrates and installation conditions. Selecting the right product ensures strong adhesion, accommodates substrate movement where needed and avoids issues such as cracking or tiles lifting over time.

1. Standard internal walls and floors

For standard tiling projects on rigid internal floors or walls, UltraTile ProEco Gel Flexible Tile Adhesive is ideal. Its thixotropic gel consistency allows easy application and excellent coverage for ceramic, porcelain, or natural stone tiles. This adhesive is suitable for general-purpose installations where moderate flexibility and standard drying times are sufficient.

If a faster installation is needed, UltraTile ProFlex SP Rapid Set offers the same flexibility with quicker drying, enabling grouting and further works on the same day.

2. Flexible or slightly moving substrates

Where minor substrate movement is expected, such as timber floors, underfloor heating, or older screeds, Mapei Super Flexible S1 is a perfect choice. Its high-grab, high-strength formula provides excellent adhesion while accommodating slight movements.

For larger projects with heavy or large tiles, or exterior tiling, UltraTile ProFlex S2 ES provides the highest level of flexibility and deformation tolerance, making it suitable for floors and walls exposed to thermal expansion, vibration, or minor flexing.

3. Heavy-duty or high-traffic areas

For more demanding installations, such as commercial floors or areas with heavier tiles, fibre-reinforced adhesives like UltraTile ProGrip FX Semi-Rapid provide superior bond strength and crack resistance. Semi-rapid set time allows efficient installation while ensuring a durable finish.

In wet or external locations, Mapei Super Flexible S1 remains an excellent choice for high performance and weather resistance, particularly for porcelain, natural stone, or mosaic tiles.

• Always ensure the substrate is properly prepared according to the manufacturer’s instructions and apply a suitable primer if required to enhance adhesion.
• Mix the adhesive accurately, following recommended ratios and techniques to achieve even coverage.
• For larger tiles, use a notched trowel to ensure full contact and prevent hollow spots.
• Finally, allow the adhesive to cure completely before grouting or exposing the tiles to heavy traffic.

Selecting the right tile adhesive depends on the type of tile, substrate conditions and project timeline. Whether you’re completing standard internal tiling, working with flexible substrates, or tackling heavy-duty or external installations, we offer a solution to ensure a durable, professional finish every time.

Everbuild Everflex Mirror Mate

Mirror Mate is a specialist grab adhesive developed specifically for mirror installation and sensitive surfaces. It is ideal for:

• Fixing mirrors without damaging the backing
• Bonding metal, fibreglass, Perspex and similar materials
• Installations where solvent-based adhesives are unsuitable

Key benefits include:

• Neutral cure formula to protect mirror backing
• Fast grab with quick tack-free time
• Strong adhesion, even on slightly damp surfaces
• Solvent-free formulation

This product is the best choice for mirror fixing and demanding applications where material compatibility is critical.

Sika StixAll Crystal Clear

StixAll Crystal Clear combines the performance of a grab adhesive with the flexibility of a sealant. It is particularly useful for:

• Fixings where both bonding and sealing are required
• Mixed materials and joints subject to slight movement
• External trims and damp environments

Key benefits include:

• High-strength adhesion to a wide range of surfaces
• Clear, flexible and waterproof finish
• Can be applied in damp conditions
• Reduces the need for separate adhesive and sealant products

Use StixAll Crystal Clear when you need versatility alongside strong, long-lasting adhesion.

• Ensure all surfaces are clean, dry and free from dust or grease before application 
• Allow sufficient curing time before applying weight or stress to the bond 
• Always check product guidance for suitability in extreme conditions or specialist applications 

Choosing the right grab adhesive depends on the materials being fixed, the environment and the desired finish. With the right product from the Solseal range, you can achieve secure, professional results across a wide range of fixing tasks.