Backsplashes protect your wall from water damage and stains while adding style to your kitchen or bathroom. When installing a backsplash, choosing the right adhesive is key to getting a durable, long-lasting finish. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the different types of backsplash adhesives, covering everything you need to know to pick the best product for your project.
An Introduction to Backsplash Adhesives
Adhesive is the glue that bonds your backsplash tiles to the wall surface. For a secure hold that lasts, you need an adhesive specifically designed for backsplashes and wall tiles. The right adhesive prevents moisture from seeping behind tiles and causing mildew or loosening.
Backsplash adhesives come in different materials, including:
- Cement-based mortar: A premixed blend of cement, sand, and latex polymers. Mortar provides a strong bond for heavy backsplash tiles like stone or glass.
- Mastic adhesive: A sticky, flexible adhesive made from either latex or silicone. Mastic works well for lighter tiles like ceramic, porcelain, or glass mosaics.
- Epoxy: A two-part adhesive that creates a durable, water-resistant bond. Epoxies excel at adhering to non-porous surfaces like metal or glass.
The most important factors in choosing a backsplash adhesive are:
- Tile material and weight
- Type of wall surface material
- Exposure to water and moisture
Matching the right adhesive for the specifics of your backsplash installation will ensure a long-lasting finish. Read on as we go over the best adhesives for different backsplash tile materials, wall surfaces, and wet area projects.
Best Adhesives for Ceramic and Porcelain Backsplash Tiles
Glazed ceramic and porcelain tiles are very common choices for kitchen and bathroom backsplashes. Their smooth surfaces repel water, and their lightweight construction means you don’t need a heavy-duty mortar adhesive.
The top adhesive choices for ceramic and porcelain backsplash tiles are:
Latex or Acrylic-Based Mastic
Mastic adhesives create a flexible, water-resistant bond perfect for glazed wall tiles. Look for mastic labeled for use with porcelain or ceramic. Avoid mastics with solvents that can stain tiles.
Benefits:
- Flexible adhesion for smooth or textured wall surfaces
- Allows for normal tile expansion and contraction
- Easy soap and water cleanup
Best for: Indoor kitchen or bathroom backsplashes with painted drywall, plaster, cement, plywood, or existing tile wall surfaces.
Epoxy Adhesive
Two-part epoxy adhesives provide an ultra-strong bond and maximum moisture resistance. Epoxies are often used for glass tiles, but also work excellently with ceramic and porcelain.
Benefits:
- Strongest bond strength for heavy tiles
- Withstands heat and water exposure
- Long open time makes application easier
Best for: Shower surrounds, tub surrounds, or backsplashes prone to high moisture. Can adhere tile to difficult non-porous surfaces like metal or glass.
Top Adhesives for Glass Backsplash Tiles
Glass mosaic and subway tiles make a gorgeous addition to contemporary kitchen or bath backsplashes. Their reflective, smooth finish necessitates the right adhesive to prevent slipping and provide ample strength.
Recommended adhesives for glass tile backsplashes:
Epoxy Adhesives
Epoxy is the top choice for a durable bond with glass tiles. The thick consistency and strong holding power of epoxy prevents tiles from slipping during installation. Epoxy also fully seals the glass to resist moisture damage.
Benefits:
- Incredibly strong bond keeps heavy glass tiles in place
- Allows time to adjust tiles during installation
- Won’t yellow or discolor glass tiles
Best for: All glass tile backsplashes, especially mosaics or large format tiles. Can support heavy glass border tiles on walls.
Mastic Designed for Glass Tiles
There are mastics on the market specially designed for glass tiles. Avoid generic mastics, as they can react with glass surfaces. Look for a mastic labeled “non-corrosive” for use with glass.
Benefits:
- Smooth, easy application from tubes or tubs
- Flexible to handle temperature changes
- Water-resistant formula
Best for: Small mosaic glass tiles in dry areas. Provides good adhesion without the mixing and prep work of two-part epoxy.
Best Adhesive for Natural Stone Backsplashes
Natural stones like marble, travertine, and granite make luxurious backsplash materials. However, their weight and porous textures demand a heavy-duty adhesive mortar to prevent cracking, slipping, or moisture damage.
Top adhesives for natural stone backsplashes are:
Latex or Polymer-Modified Thinset Mortar
A cement-based mortar fortified with latex or polymer additives produces an incredibly strong yet flexible bond for heavy natural stone tiles. Modified thinset has better adhesion and more flexibility than unmodified mortar.
Benefits:
- Excellent bonding strength for large format tiles
- Polymer additives increase flexibility and resilience
- Resists cracking and shrinkage
Best for: All natural stones like granite, marble, travertine, and slate. Can support large format subway tiles,Ledgestone, or stacked stone panels.
Epoxy Adhesive
Epoxy is an alternative to cement mortar for stone backsplashes, providing a tenacious moisture-resistant bond especially effective on green marble or moisture-sensitive stone.
Benefits:
- Supports heavy stone tiles on vertical surfaces
- Minimal shrinkage or movement of tiles
- Water and chemical resistant
Best for: Moisture-sensitive green marble or porous limestone backsplashes. Also suitable for stone mosaics or metal tile inserts.
Adhesives for Backsplashes Behind Stoves or Sinks
The space behind a stove or sink endures splashes, condensation, and high temperatures. Choosing wall tiles and adhesive to withstand these conditions prevents damage or tiles falling off from moisture.
Recommended adhesives for backsplashes in wet areas:
Epoxy Adhesive
Epoxy bonds tenaciously to resist heat and water exposure from stoves, sinks, and dishwashers. The 100% waterproof seal provides mold and mildew resistance.
Benefits:
- Won’t degrade or weaken from moisture over time
- High heat resistance
- Works on multiple surfaces like metal or glass
Best for: High heat areas behind stoves. Provides waterproofing for sink, dishwasher, and tub surround backsplashes.
Modified Thinset Mortar
Modified thinset mortars contain latex or polymer additives to improve adhesion and flexibility compared to unmodified mortar. The result is excellent bond strength in hot or damp areas.
Benefits:
- Latex additive prevents weakening from moisture
- Withstands heat from stoves or dishwasher vents
- Cures slowly to prevent shrinking or cracking
Best for: Porcelain, ceramic, or natural stone backsplashes around sinks, dishwashers, or other moist areas.
Adhesives for Backsplashes on Specialty Wall Surfaces
Sometimes a backsplash calls for installing tiles on a specialty material other than drywall or plaster. Unique surfaces like laminate, metal, concrete, or existing tile require the right adhesive.
Ideal adhesives for specialty backsplash surfaces:
Contact Adhesive for Plastic Laminate
Plastic laminate requires a flexible, waterproof adhesive like solvent-based contact cement. Contact adhesive bonds laminate without damaging the surface.
Benefits:
- Creates a permanent yet flexible laminate bond
- Works on countertops, cabinets, or walls
- Solvent-formula has high tack
Best for: Installing backsplash tile over laminate countertops or laminate-covered walls.
Epoxy for Metal Surfaces
Epoxy is one of the few adhesives that bond tiles to smooth metal backsplashes. It adheres to stainless steel, copper, or aluminum better than mastic or mortar.
Benefits:
- Excels at adhering tile to non-porous metal
- Withstands heat from range hoods or ovens
- Resists grease and oils
Best for: Installing backsplashes on metal range hoods, stainless appliances, or decorative tin ceiling tiles.
Modified Mortar on Concrete
Roughened concrete can serve as a backsplash surface when prepared with an adhesive mortar designed for concrete floors. Use a mortar fortified with latex or polymer.
Benefits:
- Designed to bond tile to cured concrete
- Withstands temperature fluctuations
- Compensates for concrete movement
Best for: Creating a tile backsplash over existing concrete house walls or concrete block construction.
Modified Mortar on Existing Tile
Rather than removing old backsplash tile, cover it with new tile using a mortar designed to bond to smooth, non-porous existing tile.
Benefits:
- Excellent adhesion to glossy existing tile
- Flexible to handle tile movement
- Allows for thinner application
Best for: Installing new backsplash tile over existing ceramic or porcelain tile.
How to Choose: Backsplash Adhesive Types
To summarize, here are the best backsplash adhesive types for common backsplash materials:
- Ceramic or Porcelain: Mastic or thinset mortar
- Glass: Epoxy or glass tile mastic
- Natural Stone: Modified thinset or epoxy
- Metal or Specialty Surface: Epoxy adhesive
And for specific backsplash locations:
- Wet Areas: Epoxy or modified thinset mortar
- High Heat Zones: Epoxy adhesive
Use this reference to select suitable backsplash adhesives for your specific tile material and installation location. With the right adhesive choice, you can install a functional, trouble-free backsplash that holds up for the long run.
Comparing Backsplash Adhesive Types
When evaluating backsplash adhesives, consider the properties, performance, benefits, and ideal uses for each type:
Mastic Adhesive
Properties: Water-based acrylic or silicone, stays somewhat flexible when dry.
Benefits: Easy to apply, good for small tile projects, suitable for variety of surfaces.
Ideal use: Indoor backsplashes using ceramic, mosaic, or porcelain tiles.
Thinset Mortar
Properties: Cement-based with sand, bonds strongly but prone to cracking.
Benefits: Excellent strength for heavy tile, provides support on walls.
Ideal use: Larger stone, glass, or ceramic tiles for kitchen or shower backsplashes.
Modified Thinset Mortar
Properties: Cement mortar with latex or polymer additives for flexibility.
Benefits: Has strength of cement mortar yet resists cracking. Water-resistant.
Ideal use: Natural stone backsplash tiles, wet area installations, large format tiles.
Epoxy Adhesive
Properties: Two-part adhesive mixed just before use. Bonds permanently with most surfaces.
Benefits: Extremely strong yet somewhat flexible bond. Maximum moisture resistance.
Ideal use: Glass mosaics, stone in wet areas, metal surfaces, stone in wet areas.
Contact Adhesive
Properties: Permanent adhesive often solvent-based that dries tacky.
Benefits: Bonds laminate and other surfaces that resist water-based adhesives.
Ideal use: Installing backsplash over laminate countertops or cabinetry.
Factors to Consider When Selecting a Backsplash Adhesive
Choosing the ideal adhesive for your backsplash depends on several installation factors:
Tile Material and Size
- Heavier stone, glass, and large format tiles need a stronger mortar or epoxy
- Small or mosaic tiles can use mastic adhesives
Wall Surface Material
- Drywall and plaster work with most adhesives
- Non-porous surfaces like metal or laminate need specialized epoxy or contact adhesives
Moisture Exposure
- Backsplashes prone to water contact need maximum waterproofing from epoxy or modified mortar adhesives.
Application Thickness
- Mortars allow thicker applications for uneven walls
- Mastics and epoxies apply thinner for smoother surfaces
Evaluating these factors will point you towards the right adhesive for every backsplash installation.
How to Apply Common Backsplash Adhesives
Use proper application techniques to get the strongest bond from your chosen backsplash adhesive:
Latex Mastic Adhesive
- Prepare surfaces by cleaning and roughening glossy areas like existing tile.
- Apply mastic using a notched trowel held at 45-degree angle to the wall.
- Apply only 1-2 square feet of adhesive at a time before placing tile.
- Don’t spread more mastic than tiles can cover within 10-15 minutes before drying.
- Push tiles gently but firmly into adhesive and check coverage.
Thinset Mortar Adhesive
- Cover walls with mortar using flat side of trowel to fill in surface.
- Use notched side of trowel held at 45 degrees to comb even 1/4″ ridges into mortar.
- Firmly press tiles into mortar ridges using a back-and-forth motion.
- Push hard or twist tiles to flatten ridges and achieve maximum mortar transfer to tiles.
- Periodically lift a tile to check adhesive coverage on tile backs – minimum 80% for walls.
Epoxy Adhesive
- Prepare surfaces and mix epoxy parts according to directions.
- Apply a thin layer of epoxy adhesive using a short nap paint roller.
- Once epoxy is tacky to the touch, lay tiles into adhesive and move into position.
- Be extremely accurate when setting tiles, as epoxy leaves little room for adjustment.
- Confirm full epoxy contact by periodically lifting tiles immediately after setting.
Follow these methods to properly apply common backsplash adhesives. Check application manuals for specific directions on any product before use.
Tips for Achieving the Strongest Backsplash Adhesive Bond
Follow these tips to maximize strength and durability when adhering backsplash tiles:
- Always prepare surfaces by cleaning thoroughly and scarifying glossy areas.
- Apply adhesive to completely cover the wall area, using the right trowel notch size and technique for the product.
- Set tiles while adhesive is fresh and within time recommendations. Do not spread more adhesive than can be covered before drying begins.
- Set tiles firmly with a twisting motion and check backside for proper adhesive transfer and coverage.
- Follow all directions precisely for mixing, open times, pot life, and curing of specialty adhesives like epoxy or contact cement.
- Do not wet, clean, or grout joints for at least 24-48 hours after tile installation. Allow adhesive to fully cure first.
- Use latex-modified grout for backsplashes, as unmodified grout can dry inflexibly and crack joints.
Proper surface prep, application methods, set times, and curing make the difference in backsplash bond strength.
Common Backsplash Adhesives Comparison Chart
| Adhesive Type | Best For | Benefits | Drawbacks |
|-|-|-|-|
| Mastic | Ceramic, mosaic, porcelain | Easy application, water-resistant | Not for heavy tile, vulnerable to moisture damage over time |
| Standard Thinset Mortar | Large tiles, stone | Very strong bond | Inflexible, may shrink or crack |
| Modified Thinset Mortar | Natural stone, wet areas | Versatile, polymer-fortified for strength and flexibility | Needs proper curing before grouting |
| Epoxy | Glass, stone, metal | Ultra-strong bond, maximum moisture resistance | Short working time, permanent bond with no adjustment |
| Contact Adhesive | Laminate | Bonds tricky surfaces | Difficult to align tiles, strong solvent odors |
Frequently Asked Questions about Backsplash Adhesives
What is the strongest adhesive for backsplash tile?
Epoxy is the strongest adhesive for backsplashes. The thick consistency and permanent flexible bond provide more holding power than mastic or mortar, especially for heavy materials like stone or glass.
Can you use construction adhesive for backsplash tile?
No, construction adhesives like Liquid Nails are not suitable for backsplash tiles. Use a backsplash-specific ceramic tile adhesive like mastic or thinset mortar for best results.
What do you put on backsplash before sticking tiles?
Preparing the backsplash surface is important before applying adhesive. Clean and lightly sand glossy surfaces like existing tile or laminate. Apply painter’s tape at the edges. Then spread the appropriate adhesive evenly over the surface before placing tiles.
Can backsplash tile adhesive get wet?
Some backsplash adhesives like mastic are vulnerable to moisture, especially before fully curing. Epoxy and modified mortars resist water after curing. In general, keep backsplashes dry for 24-48 hours after installation before grouting or exposing to moisture.
How long does backsplash adhesive take to dry?
Drying and curing times vary:
- Mastic dries in 2-4 hours before grouting.
- Standard thinset mortars cure in 16-24 hours before grouting.
- Latex-modified mortars cure in 24-48 hours before grouting.
- Epoxy cures fully in 24-72 hours before grouting.
How do you attach backsplash tile adhesive mat to wall?
Peel the adhesive backing paper off the mesh tile mat to expose the sticky surface. Carefully align the