Glass Tile Chemicals and Adhesives
Installing glass tiles is a multi-step process that requires the use of a variety of surface- and material-specific chemicals and adhesives. Though they play little more than a supporting role in the design-impact of a tiling project, chemicals and adhesives take center stage in the installation process. To ensure a safe and proper installation, these chemicals must be carefully chosen and handled will specific attention to the manufactures’ directions.
Most glass tile installations will require the use of four common chemicals and adhesives: thinset, grout, additive, and sealant.
Premixed Thinset: - $21.95 / gallon - is used to attach tiles to the work surface. Thinset used to install glass tiles must contain latex (or a similar chemical), to provide flexibility during curing. It’s important to understand how to apply thinset before beginning your project, as translucent glass tiles readily show installation marks if the thinset is applied improperly. For this reason, we also suggest using white thinset.
Sanded and Unsanded Grout is the mortar used to fill the spaces between tiles. Like glass tile thinset, grout for glass tiles must be flexible. Grout color will greatly affect the look of the finished installation. Our brand-new, completely redesigned Custom Blend Tile Designer allows you to play with all our available grout colors, displayed as they would appear with the tiles you've chosen, to find the perfect chromatic match for your tiles.
Sanded Grout is $25.00 for a 10 lb. Bag and $63.00 for a 25 lb. Bag.
Unsanded Grout is $27.00 for a 10 lb. Bag and $68.00 for a 25 lb. Bag.
Grout Boost: $50.00 (Sanded) $66.00 (Unsanded) - Grout Boost® stain resistant grout additive mixes with cement-based grout in place of water when grout is installed to provide resistance to water and oil-based grout stains. 27oz bottle for Sanded Grout and 48oz Bottle for Unsanded Grout.
Acryclic Grout Additive: $10.00 - Acrylic Grout Additive is an acrylic latex admixture formulated for use in place of water when grouting tile. Acrylic Grout Additive makes joints less susceptible to water penetration (especially important when grouting wet areas). It also increases grout flexibility. It is required for any exterior grout application subjected to freeze/thaw conditions.
The Susan Jablon Mosaics' Accessories Store offers glass-tile-specific thinsets, grouts, additives, and sealants, guaranteed to provide a pain-free installation. Visit our Installing Glass Tile pages for answers to some of the most common chemical/additive questions, or email us for project-specific advice.
- Premixed Thinset (white): - $21.95 / gallon - This premixed, latex modified thinset is perfect for interior installations that won’t be exposed to moisture, such as wall mosaics and kitchen backsplashes. Available in white so it won’t distort tile color or reduce tile opacity. (One gallon covers roughly 20 sq. ft.)
- Susan Jablon Mosaics' Recommended Grout (TEC): A grout perfect for installing most glass tiles and guaranteed to maintain a strong bond to tiles as it dries. Available in 32 colors, so you’re sure to find the perfect match for every Susan Jablon Mosaics tile blend!
- Aqua MIx Phosphoric Acid Substitute: $16.00 - AQUA MIX PHOSPHORIC ACID SUBSTITUTE is a premixed acidic treatment designed to remove grout haze, mineral deposits, rust stains, mortar smears, and efflorescence. Effective for the removal of most hard water stains, lime deposits, and soap scum. Also removes cement grout and mortar residue from tile. No VOCs, No phosphates. Sold by the quart. Available in larger quantities by request.
- Grout Release: $20.00 - Water-based silicone solution to pre-treat your tile prior to grouting. Eases grout cleanup and reduces potential for grout staining during installation. This is a must if you are installing Frosted Beach tile, so as to protect the textured surface from the grout.
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