Tile adhesive types as per Indian standard as per IS (15477:2019)
And properties
CLASSIFICATIONS
The adhesives shall be classified into 5 types. The
recommended application of these types of adhesives
are given in 4.1 to 4.5.
1. Type 1 Adhesive
This adhesive is suitable mainly for tiles with apparent
porosity greater than 3 percent. It is suitable for most
of the clay and ceramic (non-vitrified) tiles of small
dimension (size not more than 300 mm x 300 mm) and
the majority of cement based backgrounds (substrates)
like cement plaster, cement concrete, cement screed,
etc, and for interior dry area applications only.
NOTE — Type 1 adhesive generally contains varying small
amounts of chemical polymers, hence the name general purpose
adhesive is suitable for general, internal, clay or ceramic floor
and wall tiling. The vital minor amounts of chemical polymers
enable powder adhesives, which are based on bulk cement and
filler, to be modified to have appropriate properties.
2. Type 2 Adhesive
This adhesive is suitable mainly for tiles with an
apparent porosity less than or equal to 3 percent. It is
suitable for vitrified/fully vitrified tiles, glass mosaic
tiles, all stones, dense and large dimension (More than
300 mm × 300 mm size) tiles and stones (slabs), and where background and location is more demanding like
wet areas, submerged areas, etc. This type of adhesive
is recommended for both interior floor and wall
applications, and for exterior floor applications.
3.Type 3 Adhesive
This adhesive is suitable mainly for tiles and stone tiles
on exterior wall substrates like plaster or concrete. It is
suitable for tiles like ceramic, clay tiles, basalt tiles,
vitrified, glass mosaic tiles and porcelain tiles and all
natural stone tiles.
4. Type 4 Adhesive
This adhesive is suitable mainly for tiles and stone tiles
which are included in Type 1, Type 2 and Type 3 but
intended for installation on dry wall board substrates.
It is suitable for all types of tiles and stones except
metal tiles or engineered stones to be installed on dry
wall board substrates like gypsum boards, plywood,
wood, calcium silicate boards, medium density fibre
boards, fiber cement boards, cement boards, bison
panel, etc.
For all tiles/stones of size more than 600 mm × 600 mm,
the adhesive shall also comply with ‘S1’ category of
transverse deformation. For all tiles/stones of size more
than 1 200 mm × 1 200 mm, the adhesive shall also
comply with ‘S2’ category of transverse deformation.
Similar results to polymer modified adhesive can be
achieved by the addition of a liquid admixture to the
standard general purpose adhesive which is called as
polymer fortified adhesive. This is a more of specialist
and technical solution that provides enhanced adhesion
and increased flexibility. Thus, by addition of liquid
admixture to Type 1 adhesive, its properties can be
enhanced to meet the performance criteria of Type 2 or
Type 3 or Type 4 ad
technical products, generally referred as polymer modified
adhesives, and are required in situations where the background
(substrate) or the tile or the surface is particularly challenging.
* 5 Type 5 Adhesive
This adhesive is suitable for all types of tiles including
engineered stones (manufactured stones) which are
intended for installation on glass or metallic substrates
like, grid iron, mild steel, stainless steel, aluminum or
copper, etc. It is suitable for metal tiles, glass tiles,
engineered stones or for all types of tiles and stones to
be installed on different cement based substrates like
cement screeds, plaster, concrete, drywall boards like
gypsum boards, plywood, wood, metals composite
boards, modified backer boards and the metallic
NOTE — Type 5 adhesive is generally a mixture of synthetic
resin, mineral fillers and organic additives in which hardening
occurs by chemical reaction. They are available in one or more
component forms and in essence, these cover polyurethanes,
epoxy adhesives and the like.
* REQUIREMENTS
1. Tensile Adhesion Strength
2 .Shear Adhesion Strength
3. Open Time
4. Adjustment Time
5.Pot life
6. Slip (Required for Vertical Application Only)
resistant adhesives shall be designated as ‘T’
* Technical Specifications
Tile Adhesive Timing Properties (as per IS 15477:2019)
Property Typical Values
1) Pot Life. 2–4 hours
2) Open Time. 20 minutes
3) Adjustability Time. Up to 10 –15 -minutes.
4) Bed Thickness. 3–12 mm
5) Compressive Strength. 5 to 10 N/mm².
(varies by type)
6) Bond Strength. >1 N/mm
7) Coverage (depends on tile size &. trowel size)
8) Shelf Life 12 months (in dry conditions)
* Tile Adhesive Application Process
1. Surface Preparation
Ensure the substrate (floor/wall) is clean, level, dry, and dust-free.
Remove oil, grease, laitance, or any loose materials.
Dampen the surface slightly if necessary (depending on manufacturer guidelines).
2. Mixing the Tile Adhesive
Mix adhesive powder with clean water using an electric stirrer.
Mix to a lump-free, smooth paste.
Let it stand for 5-10 minutes (maturation), then remix.
3. Application of Adhesive
Use a notched trowel to apply and spread the adhesive evenly on the substrate.
Hold the trowel at a 45° angle for best results.
Do not apply more adhesive than can be tiled within 15–20 minutes (open time).
4. Fixing the Tiles
Press the tile firmly into the adhesive bed with a slight twisting motion.
Maintain uniform spacing using tile spacers.
Tap with a rubber mallet if needed to ensure full contact.
5. Adjustments
Adjust the tiles within the open time of the adhesive.
Clean off excess adhesive from joints and tile surfaces with a damp sponge.
6. Curing Time
Allow tiles to set for at least 24 hours before grouting or walking on the surface.
* Tools Required for Tile Adhesive Application
* Notched Trowel
* Rubber Mallet
* Tile Spacers
* Mixing & Stirrer For preparing adhesive paste
* Measuring Tape
* Spirit Level
* Sponge & Clean Cloth
* Plumb
Advantages of Using a Notched Trowel
1. Uniform Thickness
Ensures consistent adhesive depth across the surface for proper tile bonding.
2. Better Adhesion
Notched grooves allow better air escape and stronger adhesion between tile and substrate.
3. Reduced Material Waste
Controls the amount of adhesive applied—no over-application.
4. Improved Coverage
Spreads the adhesive evenly across large areas quickly and efficiently.
5. Enhanced Bond Strength
Grooves created by the notches collapse when tile is pressed, locking it into place.
6. Easy Handling
* Why No Curing is Needed
Reason Explanation
1) Tile adhesives contain polymers that retain moisture internally for hydration.
2) Designed to require only mixing water; no further water is needed after setting.
3) They set and gain strength without external curing.
