tiles not sticking to the wall at all

stofts · Post by **stofts** » Fri Nov 28, 2008 12:36 pm

I am trying to tile for the first time in my life and I am having problems getting the tiles to stay on the wall.

Following the instructions on the back on the tile adhesive and grout (one product):
I put a weak (5:1) solution of PVA on and allowed it to dry.

Then applied a tile adhesive/ grout which is one product that does both jobs. It didn't seem that sticky to me but it was a good brand and I had followed the instructions.

Next I tried to put the tiles on the wall but as soon as I had moved to the next tile the first one fell off!!

I am really struggling here so any help is appreciated.

dewaltdisney · Post by **dewaltdisney** » Fri Nov 28, 2008 1:04 pm

PVA should not be used under tiles. The moisture in the tile adhesive reactivates the PVA and it loses its adhesion. You will need to prepare the wall again. Sand it well back to give a key and then you should be able to proceed. Do not use the adhesive as grout, even though they say it can be used. Buy a bag of grout mix and use that, it will give a much smoother and pro finish.

DWD

Post by **ultimatehandyman** » Fri Nov 28, 2008 1:05 pm

This does not sound good.

What make is the tile adhesive and how old is it?

What kind of tiles are you trying to stick with it?

stofts · Post by **stofts** » Fri Nov 28, 2008 1:13 pm

the make of adhesive is unibond and the tiles are a plain A4 sized ceramic from Laura Ashley range called Wiston

stofts · Post by **stofts** » Fri Nov 28, 2008 1:14 pm

the adhesive is brand new

thescruff · Post by **thescruff** » Fri Nov 28, 2008 1:24 pm

Does it stick to your finger, if not remove the adhesive and start again.

Don't try to do too big an area.

Post by **ultimatehandyman** » Fri Nov 28, 2008 1:29 pm

I have used unibond in the past, although mine was just adhesive. I never buy the combined stuff as it is crap.

The unibond adhesive I used also said to PVA the walls first, which I did and it worked out fine.

I would contact their techincal services department about this- (01606) 593933

They should be able to offer you the best advice.

Failing that, take it back to the shop and get some adhesive only- not the combined crap

thescruff · Post by **thescruff** » Fri Nov 28, 2008 1:53 pm

I suspect the OP is spreading too large an area and the adhesive is drying out, may even be too hot in the room.

Post by **ultimatehandyman** » Fri Nov 28, 2008 2:02 pm

thescruff wrote:I suspect the OP is spreading too large an area and the adhesive is drying out, may even be too hot in the room.

Possibly, but it does say in the instructions that you have 20 mins to fix them! If I have the correct instructions

Only-Me · Post by **Only-Me** » Fri Nov 28, 2008 2:28 pm

All in one tile/grouts are poo

And DO NOT PVA.........go to a tile shop and get acrylic primer and PROPER cement and seperate grout

bodgitandscarper · Post by **bodgitandscarper** » Sun Nov 30, 2008 7:39 pm

could'nt agree more with Only-Me, spot on advice........

stofts · Post by **stofts** » Mon Dec 01, 2008 6:43 am

success!!

I went to the tiling shop, as was suggested, and bought some tile adhesive and separate grout - not the combined stuff. It worked; the tiles are on and are staying on. Many thanks for your replies.

Post by **ultimatehandyman** » Mon Dec 01, 2008 6:54 am

Good stuff, thanks for letting us know.

I don't know why they sell the combined stuff, it is total crap!