UK Adhesives

Grouts are available in different colours and formulations to match your tiles and design. For high‑traffic or wet areas (like bathrooms and kitchens), we recommend water‑resistant and mould‑inhibiting grouts. Decorative grouts are also available to enhance the look of feature walls or patterned tiling.

Levelling compounds are designed to create a smooth, even surface before laying tiles, vinyl, or other floor coverings. They help correct uneven subfloors and ensure a professional finish. We stock both fast‑drying and fibre‑reinforced options for different site conditions.

Yes, all our products comply with UK and European quality standards. They are tested for durability, safety, and performance, making them suitable for both domestic and commercial projects.

Cementitious (powder based) tile adhesives classified as S1 or S2, are determined by their flexural strength. Generally an S1 classified adhesive such as BritFlex S1 Rapidset or BritFlex S1 Slowset will be suitable for most applications. However, in areas subject to lots of vibration or movement, it is recommended to use an S2 classified adhesive for extra confidence.

No. Ready mixed adhesives are only suitable for the installation of mosaic tiles, ceramic tiles up to 300x300mm and porcelain tiles up to 150x150mm. Larger format tiles and any tiling application associated with a floor should be tiled using a cementitious (powder based) tile adhesive.

No. Any surface that requires priming should be primed using the appropriate priming agent (i.e -BritPrimer,Britprimer HD,Brit-Prim Grip). PVA when applied to the surface forms a dry film which has a tendency to re-soften when it comes back into contact with moisture. Because water is used to mix cementitious tile adhesives, this exposes the layer of PVA to moisture and as the cement based tile adhesive cures by hydration it begins to harden which in turn puts stress on the interface with the primer. The crystallisation curing process taking place on a now weakened PVA background has high potential for reducing the overall bond strength between the adhesive and the substrate. The end result is likely to be adhesion failure resulting in tiles completely de-bonding from the surface.

Yes, priming the substrate before tiling is a necessity that ensures the selected smoothing underlayment can perform to its optimum performance. Priming before tiling offers three advantages 1) it reduces the absorbency of the substrate 2) it increases adhesion for better bond strength 3) correct priming acts as an interface between materialspreventing failure by reaction (i.e – priming calcium sulphate screeds prior to laying tiles ensures there is no chemical reaction between the screed and the adhesive whichcan cause adhesion failure).

 White or light coloured patches is known as efflorescence; a common culprit that affects many cement based products (not just grouts) due to their water and lime soluble content. Efflorescence occurs during the drying phase with the soluble lime being deposited on the surface as a dry white or light coloured powder as the water evaporates. Efflorescence unfortunately cannot be completely avoided but steps can be taken as not to aggravate the issue

1) do not exceed the water requirements for mixing the grout

2) do not use excessive water when cleaning down grout joints

3) warm and dry conditions following installation will assist the drying process.

Levelling compounds are universally only used for internal applications and should never be used outside.BritLevel Flexible,BritLevel ReinforcedandBritLevel Gypsumare for all interior use only.

When installing backer boards, Brit Adhesives recommend using an S1 classified adhesive (BritFlex S1 Rapidset or BritFlex S1 Slowset). If the backer board is going to be subject to lots of vibration or movement, then upgrading to an S2 classified adhesive is the recommended course of action (BritFlex S2 Rapidset).

Substrates that require longer waiting times before tiling can begin is due to the substrate gradually shrinking over the course of its drying period. Any attempt at tiling during this drying process will more than likely result in tiles de-bonding from the substrate, costing time and resources. Waiting for the substrate to fully dry and then tiling greatly reduces the risk of installation failures. Below is the recommended waiting times before tiling:

Concrete – 6 weeks

Sand and Cement Screeds – 3 weeks

Sand and Cement Renders – 2 weeks

Plaster – 4 weeks

Yes, adverse weather conditions can affect tiling and grouting which may alter pot life and open time periods as well as the overall performance of the product.During winter periods, cold conditions can greatly reduce the speed of reaction between the cement and water. This will result in prolonged setting times for the adhesive and grout and also reduce the initial hardening of the adhesive. Cementitious (powder based) adhesives and grouts should not be used below 5°C as the reaction between the cement and water all but stops. In freezing temperatures, water contained in the mix with the cement may freeze which can cause irreversible damage.The summer period with hot and dry conditions greatly increases the reaction between the cement and water: Setting times of the adhesive will be significantly reduced as well as the initial hardening of the adhesive, resulting in much shorter pot life’s and open times. Cementitous (powder based) adhesives should not be used in temperatures above 30°C as the elevated temperature can make the setting time so quick it makes the adhesive unworkable.

A decoupling membrane is a unique form of anti-crack matting that helps stabilise the floor substrate and the tiles. Decoupling membranes (also known as uncoupling membranes) does just what it name describes: it un-couples, or isolates, the substrate from the tile, allowing them to move independently of each other so that movement in the substrate doesn’t cause the ceramic, stone, or porcelain tile to crack. Decoupling membranes are extremely versatile as they can be used for both interior and exterior applications and can be installed on a multitude of different substrates.