Types of Adhesive as per Indian standard

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.