Going from BAL to Mapei

[Benny Tiler]

Hi All

After reading many very positive things on here about mapei products I'm thinking about using them instead of BAL.

Having looked on their website, I'm not sure which products I would need though. i.e. Where as I use a single part flexible on walls, should I be getting the Keraflex or the Keraflex maxi? Which do you guys tend to use?

Also, where I would normally use the fastflex 2 part flexible on a floor overlaid with 12mm ply, would that be mapei's granirapid?

Thanks
Ben

 

[Dan]

Checkout MAPEI - PDF Flip Pages

and MAPEI - PDF Flip Pages

Though I'm sure you'll get some of the guys clued up on Mapei respond.

I shifted from BAL to Mapei (though don't tile much at all, just friends and family) and I quickly got used to it and do prefer it price-wise as it's drastically cheaper and I'd dare say it could be better? - That said BAL is good. It's just a shame it's so expensive generally.

Obviously if you ever need to get advice quickly, Mapei's Technical Helpline is very quick and the guys are spot on. I know some time ago the BAL techline was very very busy and some guys struggled to get through quickly. Though I think they may have sorted that problem out, whatever it was.

 

[Benny Tiler]

Thanks Dan.

I have no complaints with BAL's products either - just the cost of them. It'd be great if I could bring the materials costs down with out sacrificing on quality.

Ben

 

[hillhead]

Hi Benny,i personally use the keraflex maxi on the walls as it can be beefed out well in places where needed.
On plywood i would use the keraquick with latex mix,great stuff.
I love the mapei stuff so the best of luck with it and use the grouts wisely ie not too much water and after initial mix let sit for 3 mins or so and remix,i do this with all the mapei adhesives and grouts.

 

[dock]

Benny Tiler

If you need any advice on alternative products give us a call in technical 0121 508 6970 option 2. Imperative that you get the correct alternative lest you overspec. or worse under cook it

Welcome aboard

dock

 

[DJT75]

As a newbie around these parts I've noticed that everyone tends to consider BAL very good, but very expensive.

What sort of price would you consider cheap for any particular adhesive/
The discounts being offered to me through ********** trade discount for BAL are nearly as cheap as their own brand stuff?

 

[Dan]

As a newbie around these parts I've noticed that everyone tends to consider BAL very good, but very expensive.

What sort of price would you consider cheap for any particular adhesive/
The discounts being offered to me through ********** trade discount for BAL are nearly as cheap as their own brand stuff?

We can't quote trade prices in the main forums. Get access to the tilersforums arms and there's a whole pricing forum for the professionals to use.

 

[DJT75]

We can't quote trade prices in the main forums. Get access to the tilersforums arms and there's a whole pricing forum for the professionals to use.

, sorry, thanks for the heads up/removal - makes sense to keep certain things under wraps.

cheers

 

[Dan]

Not to worry mate, it gets done every day lol

We have exclusive Mapei prices from Tile Giant if you're a regular here and in the Arms. And you wont believe how cheap they're offering the gear for us. Brilliant sponsors and thanks to Mapei and Tile Giant for this.

 

[david campbell]

i've atarted using mapei more frequently also,as much as i like bal products,mapei is much cheaper and has a more varied range,though if i was to use tubbed gear it would only be bal's white star

 

[Matt]

i've atarted using mapei more frequently also,as much as i like bal products,mapei is much cheaper and has a more varied range,though if i was to use tubbed gear it would only be bal's white star

You should try Mapei's Mapegrip Plus

 

[Rad2474]

I've just been using mapegrip on a kitchen wall,but like a lot of people on here i'm starting to use P9 more often.

 

[DHTiling]

P9 is an excellent single part flex and great for wall tiling...But follow Doc's advice if unsure and ring technical...those guys really know thier stuff...

 

[david campbell]

You should try Mapei's Mapegrip Plus

will do

 

[White Room]

No local supplier down my way:ninja: