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Tile Adhesive Types: Deciding Between T1, T2, T3, and T4 Grades

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GRITOLO T-Grade Tile Adhesives: T1, T2, T3 & T4 โ€“ Choose the Right Adhesive for Every Project

At Gritolo Global India Pvt Ltd, we understand that a “one-size-fits-all” approach leads to disasters like hollow sounds, de-bonding, and the dreaded “tile pop-up.” This is why we engineered a specialized range of adhesives categorized by the global and Indian standard (IS 15477:2019) of performance: T1, T2, T3, and T4.

Whether you are a contractor, an architect, or a homeowner managing a renovation, this comprehensive guide will break down our four flagship products: TA โ€“ C100 [T1], TA โ€“ V200 [T2], TA โ€“ M300 [T3], and TA โ€“ G400 [T4]. By the end of this article, you will know exactly which adhesive ensures your project stands the test of time.

Why Traditional Cement Fails (The Science Behind Adhesives)

Traditional ceramic tiles made of clay were porous; they absorbed water and cement slurry, creating a mechanical grip. However, modern Vitrified Tiles, Granites, and Marbles have almost zero porosity. Cement cannot penetrate them.

This is where Gritoloโ€™s Polymer-Modified Adhesives come in. Our products rely on Chemical Bonding, not just mechanical grip. This ensures that even non-porous heavy stones stick permanently to the substrate, regardless of thermal expansion, vibrations, or foot traffic.

TA โ€“ C100 [T1]: The Essential Solution for Ceramics

Product Profile

TA โ€“ C100 [T1] is our entry-level, high-performance adhesive designed for standard applications. While we label it “entry-level,” it is engineered significantly above the standard requirement for basic adhesion.

Best Use Cases
  • Ceramic Tiles: Perfect for porous clay-based tiles.
  • Small Format Tiles: Ideal for sizes up to 300x300mm or 400x400mm.
  • Interior Flooring: Best suited for bedroom, living room, or kitchen floors where temperature fluctuations are minimal.
  • Clay Bricks & Pavers: Can be used for aesthetic brick cladding indoors.
Key Benefits
  1. Cost-Effective: It provides a professional finish without the premium price tag of heavy-duty adhesives.
  2. Self-Curing: Unlike cement, which requires water curing for days, TA-C100 cures chemically, saving labor time.
  3. Zero Shrinkage: Cement shrinks as it dries, causing cracks. TA-C100 is formulated to prevent shrinkage cracks, ensuring the tile bed remains stable.
Technical Edge

TA-C100 offers a significantly higher bond strength than traditional mortar. It is designed with extended open time, allowing the mason to spread the adhesive and adjust the tiles comfortably before it sets.

TA โ€“ V200 [T2]: The Standard for Vitrified Flooring

Product Profile

Stepping up the ladder, we have the TA โ€“ V200 [T2]. The “V” stands for Vitrified. As vitrified tiles became the norm in Indian households, the T2 grade became the industry standard for reliable flooring.

Best Use Cases
  • Vitrified Tiles: Designed specifically for low-porosity tiles (Double Charged, Soluble Salt, etc.).
  • Medium Formats: Ideal for standard 600x600mm (2×2 ft) tiles.
  • Interior Walls: Can be used for wall tiling in bathrooms and kitchens (ceramic or small vitrified) up to a certain height.
  • High-Traffic Interiors: Suitable for office reception areas or hallways.
Key Benefits
  1. Superior Grip: Vitrified tiles have a glass-like surface on the back. TA-V200 contains polymers that grab onto this smooth surface effectively.
  2. Water Resistance: Excellent for wet areas like bathroom floors and wash areas.
  3. Slight Flexibility: It can accommodate minor movements in the substrate better than the T1 grade.
Technical Edge

The TA-V200 provides higher shear bond strength. This means if there is lateral tension on the floor (dragged furniture, heavy foot traffic), the tile will not shear off from the concrete base.

TA โ€“ M300 [T3]: The Master of Versatility & Vertical Applications

Product Profile

The TA โ€“ M300 [T3] is where Gritoloโ€™s engineering prowess truly shines. The “M” denotes Modified/Multipurpose. This is a high-polymer modified adhesive designed for challenging applications where gravity and flexibility are enemies.

Best Use Cases
  • Tile-on-Tile Applications: Renovating without breaking the old floor? TA-M300 is mandatory. It bonds new tiles directly over old existing tiles.
  • Large Format Tiles: Suitable for 800x800mm, 1000x1000mm, or plank tiles.
  • Vertical Cladding: Ideal for fixing tiles on walls at greater heights. Its “non-slip” property prevents the tile from sliding down before the glue dries.
  • Glass Mosaics: Perfect for swimming pools (internal) and decorative mosaic work.
Key Benefits
  1. High Polymer Content: Offers exceptional flexibility. If the wall expands due to heat, the adhesive stretches slightly rather than cracking.
  2. Slip Resistance: Essential for wall applications. It holds the tile in place immediately.
  3. Renovation Friendly: Saves time and demolition costs by enabling Tile-on-Tile installation.
Technical Edge

TA-M300 passes rigorous vertical slip tests. It is engineered to support the weight of heavier tiles hanging vertically against the pull of gravity, providing a safety factor that T1 and T2 cannot offer.

TA โ€“ G400 [T4]: The Heavy-Duty Guardian

Product Profile

TA โ€“ G400 [T4] is the flagship, elite-grade adhesive in the Gritolo arsenal. The “G” represents Granite/Giant/Global standards. This is an adhesive designed for extreme conditions, heavy loads, and difficult substrates.

Best Use Cases
  • Natural Stones: Granite, Marble, Sandstone, and Travertine. These stones are heavy and sensitive to moisture; TA-G400 protects them.
  • External Facades: For tiling on the outside of a building. This adhesive withstands rain, scorching sun, and freezing cold without losing grip.
  • Large Slabs: For the modern 4ft x 8ft slab tiles that are becoming popular.
  • Industrial Flooring: Factories, warehouses, and parking lots with heavy vehicular movement.
  • Swimming Pools: The ultimate choice for underwater pressure and chemical resistance.
Key Benefits
  1. Deformability (S1/S2 Standard): This adhesive is “deformable,” meaning it acts almost like a shock absorber. It handles thermal shock (hot sun to sudden rain) without popping the tiles.
  2. Incredible Load Bearing: Capable of holding heavy granite slabs on vertical walls (with mechanical clamping recommended for extreme heights).
  3. All-Weather Proof: Unaffected by UV rays, rain, or frost.
Technical Edge

TA-G400 is formulated to prevent “efflorescence” (white patches) on natural stones. It locks moisture out, ensuring your expensive Italian marble looks pristine for decades.

Which Product Do You Need?

To make your decision easier, here is a direct comparison of the Gritolo adhesive range:

Feature TA โ€“ C100 [T1] TA โ€“ V200 [T2] TA โ€“ M300 [T3] TA โ€“ G400 [T4]
Ideal Tile Type Ceramic, Clay Vitrified, Porcelain Large Format, Glass Mosaic Granite, Marble, Big Slabs
Tile Size (Max) Up to 2×2 ft Up to 2×2 ft Up to 4×4 ft Unlimited / Large Slabs
Application Area Indoor Floor Indoor Floor/Wall Tile-on-Tile, Walls External Facades, Pools
Water Resistance Good High Excellent Waterproof
Strength Basic Bond Strong Bond High Flexibility Extreme Strength
Vertical Slip Standard Improved Non-Slip Non-Slip Heavy Duty

 

How to Use Gritolo Adhesives

Even the best adhesive in the world, like our TA โ€“ G400, can fail if applied incorrectly. Follow this Gritolo-approved method for a flawless finish.

  • Surface Preparation (The Most Critical Step)
    • Ensure the base (concrete or plaster) is fully cured (at least 28 days old for new concrete).
    • Cleanliness is King: Remove all dust, oil, grease, paint, or loose particles.
    • Pre-wetting: Lightly dampen the surface with water to cool it down, but ensure there is no standing water (puddles) before applying adhesive.
  • Mixing the Mixture
    • Take a clean bucket and add clean, potable water (approx. 25-30% by weight, check bag instructions).
    • Add the Gritolo Adhesive powder to the water (always powder into water, not water into powder).
    • Mix using a slow-speed electric stirrer to get a lump-free, buttery consistency.
    • Slaking Time: Let the mix rest for 5 minutes. This allows the polymers to activate. Mix again briefly before use.
  • Spreading the Adhesive
    • Do NOT use spot bonding (putting blobs of glue on the corners). This causes hollow sounds.
    • Use a Notched Trowel. Apply the adhesive on the floor/wall and comb it with the notched side to create uniform ridges.
    • Pro Tip: For large format tiles (T3 and T4 applications), use the Back-Buttering Method. Apply a thin layer of paste on the back of the tile and the floor to ensure 100% contact.
  • Installing the Tile
    • Press the tile firmly into the wet adhesive with a twisting motion to collapse the ridges.
    • Beat the tile gently with a rubber mallet to adjust the level.
    • Use Tile Spacers to ensure uniform grout lines and allow for minor expansion.
  • Grouting
    • Wait for 24 hours before walking on the tiles or starting grouting.
    • Use Gritoloโ€™s range of grouts or Epoxy Grouts for a stain-free finish.

Why Choose Gritolo Global?

At Gritolo Global India Pvt Ltd, we define ourselves by our motto: โ€œBuilding the future, one block at a time with quality materials.โ€

When you buy Gritolo adhesives, you aren’t just buying a bag of powder. You are buying:

  • Innovation-Driven Engineering: Our R&D team constantly tests our T1-T4 ranges against global standards.
  • Sustainability: Our products are designed to reduce wastage and water consumption on construction sites.
  • Tailored Solutions: We don’t just sell; we advise. Whether you are an engineer needing a spec sheet or a homeowner needing advice on a bathroom leak, we are here.

Ready to order or need technical advice?

๐Ÿ“ž Call Now: +91 7397985754
๐ŸŒ Visit: Gritolo.com
๐Ÿ“ GRITOLO GLOBAL INDIA PVT LTD

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