Two loose tiles in my bathroom. Is their any product that holds better than the rest?
Best Answer
To re-secure ceramic tiles it is best to consider what environment it will be subject to. If, for example, I am re-attaching a loose wall tile in a shower stall I wouldn't use a "mastic" type adhesive. I've seen repairs fail when mastic gets wet.
For shower stalls with a solid backing go with any fortified thin set mix. Some people have claimed construction adhesive works, but as with the mastic the dampness may affect the bond. In a pinch I've had very good results with 100 % silicone caulking.
Which ever one you decide on the location of the tile should be clean from the original grout and adhesive. Scrape down to the cement or backer board and wipe with a wet sponge (let area dry if you use silicone). Press tile with buttered adhesive into the cleaned location, use appropriate tile spacers if necessary, support with painters tape (for horizontal repairs). Finally, check tile by pressing with a level so it sits at the proper height.
A lot of people like to tell horror stories of epoxy grout and over the years its uses has become a bit cloudy. However, epoxide resin based grouts are specifically formulated to resist chemical attack and to provide a durable, abrasion resistant waterproof finish that is hygienic and impervious.
The cured grout does not transfer taints to foodstuffs, permit the entry of bacteria, or dirt and is easily maintained in a sterile condition. With this in mind it makes a perfect food counter grout.
As for use in a shower base it is perfectly acceptable to use and in some cases preferred over cement based grouts as it does not allow water to penetrate.
As for staining and discoloring these will happen in a lot of situations it really depends on the quality of your water and what minerals it has in it. Over time they will tend to leech on any surface that has water coming into contact with it. Even plastic nozzles will do it. However most surface cleaners will remove such stains very easily as long as they are not left for extended periods to build up. I should also point out these stains wont appear over night. They can take months and or years so its not really something concern yourself with hugely.
Best Answer
To re-secure ceramic tiles it is best to consider what environment it will be subject to. If, for example, I am re-attaching a loose wall tile in a shower stall I wouldn't use a "mastic" type adhesive. I've seen repairs fail when mastic gets wet.
For shower stalls with a solid backing go with any fortified thin set mix. Some people have claimed construction adhesive works, but as with the mastic the dampness may affect the bond. In a pinch I've had very good results with 100 % silicone caulking.
Which ever one you decide on the location of the tile should be clean from the original grout and adhesive. Scrape down to the cement or backer board and wipe with a wet sponge (let area dry if you use silicone). Press tile with buttered adhesive into the cleaned location, use appropriate tile spacers if necessary, support with painters tape (for horizontal repairs). Finally, check tile by pressing with a level so it sits at the proper height.