Ceramic tile adhesive vs Yi adhesive mud | Must see for decoration novices!

Recently renovated your home and confused about tile adhesive and waterproof mortar? Don’t worry! This guide will help you understand the differences thoroughly, so you can avoid common pitfalls!

1. 

​Different Ingredients​

2. 

· ​Tile Adhesive:
Main ingredients: Cement + Quartz sand + Adhesive powder + Additives
Features: Strong adhesion, good flexibility, suitable for large tiles, polished tiles

· ​Waterproof Mortar:
Main ingredients: Cement + Quartz sand + Waterproof additives
Features: Excellent waterproofing, suitable for small tiles, wall leveling
​Summary: Tile adhesive is an "upgraded cement," while waterproof mortar is a "waterproof-enhanced cement."

3. 

​Usage Comparison​

4. 

· ​Tile Adhesive:
Suitable for large tiles, polished tiles, stone slabs
Ideal for wall tiles, wet areas (e.g., bathrooms, kitchens)
Thin-layer application, saves space

· ​Waterproof Mortar:
Suitable for small tiles, regular tiles
Ideal for wall leveling, basic waterproofing
Thick-layer application, easy to apply
​Note: Never use waterproof mortar for large wall tiles—it can lead to hollowing and detachment!

5. 

​Construction Difficulty Comparison​

6. 

· ​Tile Adhesive:
Requires thin-layer application, high skill level needed
Fast construction, but higher unit price

· ​Waterproof Mortar:
Thick-layer application, easy to apply
Low price (approx. 15-25 RMB/bag), but more material needed, potentially higher total cost
​Tip: Use tile adhesive for large tiles and waterproof mortar for small tiles—save money and hassle!

7. 

​Environmental Comparison​

8. 

· ​Tile Adhesive:
Mainstream brands meet environmental standards, low VOC content
But cheap brands may contain inferior adhesive powder—be cautious

· ​Waterproof Mortar:
Simple ingredients, high environmental friendliness
But mixing with inferior glue during construction may introduce formaldehyde
​Tip: Always choose reputable brands and check test reports!

9. 

​Price Difference​

10. 

· ​Tile Adhesive:
Higher unit price (approx. 20-40 RMB/bag, some brands up to 80+ RMB)
Thin-layer application uses less material, overall cost is manageable

· ​Waterproof Mortar:
Low unit price (approx. 15-25 RMB/bag)
Thick-layer application uses more material, potentially higher total cost
​Budget Tip: Use waterproof mortar for small tiles and tile adhesive for large tiles—avoid costly rework!

11. 

​Common Misconceptions​

12. 

· ​Q1: Can tile adhesive be mixed with cement?
→ Absolutely not! It will disrupt the ratio and reduce adhesion significantly!

· ​Q2: Can waterproof mortar be used as a waterproof coating?
→ No! It only provides basic waterproofing—use a dedicated waterproof coating + waterproof mortar for bathrooms.

· ​Q3: Is it better to use tile adhesive for the entire house?
→ Beware of upselling! Waterproof mortar is sufficient for non-large tile areas—don’t waste money!

13. 

​Tech Recommendation​
Whether using tile adhesive or waterproof mortar, you can add Hanshi 130 anti-alkali additive to prevent efflorescence!
​Benefits: Strong adhesion, anti-efflorescence, anti-hollowing
​Features: Mix with cement and sand for application—no need to buy tile adhesive
​Save Money and Hassle: Avoid issues like moisture susceptibility and expiration with regular tile adhesive, and save costs!

14. 

Conclusion: Choose the right one without confusion!

· ​Tile Adhesive: Large tiles, polished tiles, wall tiles, wet areas.

· ​Waterproof Mortar: Small tiles, wall leveling, budget-friendly, regular tile installation.