Tile Adhesives, Grouts and Preparation
Everything that goes under and between tiles: primers, levellers, screeds, waterproofing membranes, tile adhesives and grouts from Ardex, Mapei, Davco, Sika and more.
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Why choose Multifors for tile adhesives, grouts and preparation?
Complete system
Every layer under the tile
Primers, levellers, membranes, adhesives and grouts sit in one place, so each layer can be chosen to suit the next.
Brands
Brands tilers know
Ardex, Mapei, Davco, Sika, Roberts and MJS products cover domestic and commercial tiling and floor preparation.
Detail
Classifications on the page
Product pages list ISO 13007 codes, joint widths and application thicknesses taken from manufacturer information.
Floors too
Not just for tilers
The same levellers and primers prepare subfloors for vinyl, carpet and timber flooring.
About Tile Adhesives, Grouts and Preparation
Tiling preparation covers every layer between the structure and the finished tile. A tiled floor or wall is only as good as what sits under it: a sound, flat, primed substrate, a membrane where water is present, the adhesive bed and the grout.
The work usually runs in that order. Primers such as Ardex P51, Mapei Eco Prim T Plus and Davco PrimeX prepare the surface. Patching compounds, screeds and self levellers such as Ardex K15, Mapei Ultraplan and Sikafloor Level Ultra fix hollows and uneven slabs. Waterproofing covers liquid membranes such as Ardex WPM155 Rapid Plus and Davco K10 Plus, cement based waterproofing mortars, butyl tape and reinforcing cloth.
Tile adhesives run from cement based powders classified under ISO 13007, such as Mapei Keraflex Maxi S1 and Ardex X18, to ready-mixed mastics and two-part systems. Grouts include cement, wide joint and epoxy types from Ardex, Mapei, Davco and Sika. Cleaners and Additives adds accelerators, latex additives and resin dispersions. Floor layers use the same primers and levellers before vinyl, carpet or timber goes down.
Common Questions
Tile Adhesives, Grouts and Preparation FAQ
In what order do tiling preparation products go down?
Clean and prime the substrate first, then patch or level it if it is uneven. In showers and other wet areas a membrane goes on next, with tape or reinforcing cloth at corners and joints. Tiles are then fixed with adhesive and grouted once the adhesive allows. Each product’s data sheet sets the waiting time before the next step, so plan the job around them.
Do I need to prime before levelling or tiling?
Usually. Levelling compounds and adhesives need a clean, sound surface, and most ask for a primer first, especially over timber, paint or very smooth substrates. A few products are the exception and bond without priming. See Self Levelling for which primer suits which substrate.
Does porcelain need a different adhesive from ceramic?
Often. Porcelain absorbs less than 0.5% water under the AS ISO 13006 classification, while ceramic tiles are more porous. Many adhesives suit both, so check the tile list on the data sheet: Davco Grey One Pot is described as ideal for porous tiles, while Mapei Ultralite S1 Flex lists porcelain among the tiles it bonds. See Tile Adhesives for large format and back-buttering advice.
Is a waterproofing membrane needed under shower tiles?
Yes. Tiles and grout do not stop water reaching the substrate, so showers and other wet areas need a membrane under the tile bed before adhesive and grout go on. See Waterproofing for membrane types, drying times and who is allowed to carry out the work.
Can I use tile adhesive to level a floor?
No. Tile adhesive is a bonding layer, not a levelling compound, and only has a few millimetres of leeway. Correct hollows and uneven areas first with a patching compound, screed or self leveller from Self Levelling, let it dry, then tile.
Planning a tiling job from the substrate up?
Our team can help you put together a primer, leveller, membrane, adhesive and grout that suit your substrate and tiles. Get in touch for expert advice and product data sheets.
Get in touch for expert advice, samples and trade pricing.