Thinset For Tile Backsplash

Thinset tile mortar has a smooth slippery consistency similar to mud.

Thinset for tile backsplash.

Thinset is a mortar that is made of portland cement silica sand and moisture retaining agents. Thinset is inexpensive and it fills in gaps and depressions. For the do it yourself consumers who have never worked with thin set the appeal of mastic is all the more attractive. For the professional tile contractor and the do it yourself consumer alike the temptation to use mastic instead of thinset for back splash tile installation is appealing.

Walls wainscots dry backsplashes are key areas where tile mastic tends to be used. Thinset thinset is a cementitious product that requires water to create a chemical reaction much like concrete. It is applied to the substrate with a notched trowel. Mastic is very sticky grabs fast and is quick setting.

Thinset can be used for showers bathtubs backsplashes and other areas. However mastic is a great choice for kitchen walls where little to no water will be applied to the tile. Thinset is much stronger structurally than mastic and a waterproof product that will not lose strength when exposed to water. Thinset mortar is your default tile mortar for most indoor and outdoor applications.

While a porous surface such as new drywall or backer board offers the best bond with thinset you can tile over a painted wall if you first rough up the surface using an 80 grit sanding sponge. Which is the best thinset to use for ditra kerdi porcelain tile floors large tile wood look tile and showers.