Watch Before You Begin
We hope this guide helps you achieve durable, long-lasting results with Gresbond tile adhesives. If you have any questions, our team is here to help. Thank you for choosing Gresbond.
Get It Right From The Start
Four principles that decide whether your tiles stay perfect for years.
Prep First
A sound, clean, dust-free substrate before you begin.
7-Day Cure
Wait after leveling mortar before applying adhesive.
Gresbond Bond
Polymer-modified cementitious, high bond strength.
Grout & Protect
pH-neutral cleaning, never harsh acids.
The Laying Process
Follow these steps in order for a durable, hollow-free finish — from checking your tiles to the final clean.
- 01
Before Installation
Before proceeding with the installation, we recommend laying the tiles in your desired pattern to ensure an acceptable blend of colours and texture.
A certain amount of shade variation is inherent in the manufacturing of ceramic tiles.
Kajaria Tiles shall bear no liability once the tiles are fixed.

- 02
Tile Handling
- Handle tiles with utmost care to prevent breakage or damage.
- Use appropriate equipment such as tile suction cups, lifting straps or dollies to move tiles safely.
- Store tiles vertically on a flat, level surface to avoid warping or bowing.

- 03
Tile Cutting
- Use a tile cutter or wet saw to ensure clean and precise cuts.
- Always wear protective gear such as safety glasses and gloves when cutting tiles.
- Mark the tile where cutting is required and proceed slowly and steadily.

- 04
Tile Drilling
- Use a diamond drill bit for drilling holes in tiles.
- Place a small piece of paper tape over the drilling area to prevent the drill bit from slipping.
- Drill using a slow, steady motion, applying light pressure to avoid cracking the tile.
- Keep the drill bit and tile cool by using water or a coolant.

- 05
Substrate Preparation
- Ensure the surface to be tiled is sound, clean and free from any dirt, oil or loose plaster.
- The surface should be structurally sound and level; rectify any unevenness or cracks with suitable material.
- If applying a plaster or leveling mortar bed, allow curing for at least 7 days before applying tile adhesive.
- Dampen the wall before adhesive application and clean the back of the tile.

- 06
Tile Adhesive
We recommend Gresbond high-performance polymer-modified cementitious adhesive for optimal results — suitable for both interior and exterior applications on concrete and cementitious surfaces.
Features & Benefits:
- Ideal for fixing ceramic, vitrified tiles and natural stone on floor and wall.
- High bond strength.
- Single component — just add water.
- Suitable substrates include concrete, cement mortar beds, ceramic tiles and stone.

- 07
Mixing the Adhesive
- Mix the adhesive with water until it reaches a creamy, plastic consistency.
- Avoid over-mixing.
- Allow the mixture to slake for 5–10 minutes before use.
- Mix only the quantity of adhesive you can use immediately.

- 08
Applying Adhesive
- Apply adhesive with the flat side of the trowel, ensuring good contact with the surface.
- Comb on additional mortar with the notched edge of the trowel.
- For large tiles, also back-butter adhesive onto the back of the tile.
- Ensure even application and full coverage on the back of the tile to avoid air pockets.

- 09
Laying the Tiles
- Lay the tiles in the desired pattern, ensuring proper alignment.
- Apply slight pressure to embed the tiles fully in the adhesive.
- Use tile spacers or a tile levelling system to maintain consistent spacing.
- Allow the adhesive to dry for the recommended time before grouting.

- 10
Grouting
Once the adhesive has set, remove the tile spacers and fill the joints between tiles with a suitable grout.

- 11
Tile Cleaning
- Remove any excess adhesive or grout before it dries.
- Regularly clean tiles using a mild detergent or pH-neutral cleaner and warm water; we recommend tile cleaner TC-1.
- Clean up spills immediately to prevent staining.
- Use a damp sponge or cloth to remove residue or dust from tiles.

- 12
Tile Maintenance
- Avoid abrasive cleaners, metal tools or hard objects that may scratch tile surfaces.
- Regularly inspect tiles for cracks, chips or damage, and repair as necessary.
- Follow the manufacturer's instructions for handling, cutting, drilling, installation, cleaning and maintenance.
- Never use hydrofluoric acid or its derivatives, as they can damage tiles.
- Use floor guards or protection sheets during third-party work such as painting or furniture moving.

Do's & Don'ts
Quick reminders that protect the bond, the finish and your warranty.
Do
Dry-lay and check shade
Arrange tiles beforehand to verify colour and texture match.
Cure the substrate for 7 days
Let leveling mortar cure fully before any adhesive goes down.
Back-butter large tiles
Spread adhesive on the tile back for full, hollow-free contact.
Use spacers and levelers
Keep joints consistent and tile surfaces flush.
Wear protective gear
Goggles and gloves whenever cutting or drilling tiles.
Don't
Fix over loose plaster
Never bond onto dirty, oily or unsound surfaces.
Over-mix the adhesive
It reduces workability and weakens the bond.
Use hydrofluoric acid
It permanently etches and damages the tile surface.
Clean with abrasives or metal tools
They scratch and dull the finish over time.
Grout before the adhesive sets
Let the tiles firm up first to avoid movement.