Large Chinese Tiles

[GazTech]

BAL Prime APD

A modified acrylic polymer dispersion for use as a primer for a variety of backgrounds/bases prior to fixing ceramic tiles, mosaics and natural stone and prior to the application of levelling compound and the BAL WP1 TANKING SYSTEM. BAL PRIME APD isolates products containing calcium sulphate such as gypsum plaster and anhydrite screeds from cement-based adhesives, thus minimising the risk of reaction between the two materials.

Also suitable for use on cement:sand rendering, blockwork, plasterboard, cement:sand screeds and timber. It also provides surface strength to friable surfaces and reduces the porosity of porous backgrounds/bases, thus preventing the formation of air bubbles and prolonging the flow time with levelling compounds and extending the open time of tile adhesives. The primer is blue in colour to help ensure that a complete and even coating is obtained.
BAL Single Part Flexible

A flexible, non-slip, water-resistant and frost-resistant wall and floor tile adhesive, especially suitable for fixing tiles, including fully vitirfied and porcelain tiles to low porosity backgrounds/bases. Suitable for use on concrete/brick/block walling, cement:sand rendering, plaster, plasterboard, cement sheets, tile backer boards, concrete bases, cement:sand screeds, plywood overlay, ceramic/quarry tile/terrazzo/hard natural stone, vinyl tiles/sheet bases, mastic asphalt. Conforms to BS EN 12004, Type C, Class 2T.

 

[Pawelzik]

Another point to make the client aware of is we've had problems with these tiles down here especially in shower cubicles sucking up excess water and turning a greyish hue nothing can be done about it as sealing does'nt seem to work so maybe using the white powder bag adhesive will give the best chance of success.

We had the same problem in Germany with these far east material and made several tests. White adhesive didn´t give any advantages, as it is - as you said - the water that runs through the tile material and is captured under the glaze and makes the tile look greyish. This effect repeats esp. in showers where the tiles are often wet. We also didn´t find a secure method to prevent this effect, neither by back buttering nor by any primers (after all, with these pre-works the tile comes more expensive than a quality tile). The water finds it´s way and therefore it is a matter of the tile material. Martin

 

[MICK the Tiler]

Interesting Martin, Well it's certainly not the fixers fault then more like inferior quality only ever happens in showers with excess water takes about 6-9months to show through, the chinese have even tried to change the packagging several times down here to try and throw us fixers off the i'm not laying that cr*p attitude when faced with the older style boxes. Underneath it all the poor quality remains. That quality must be acceptable in China though. I try and steer clients away from them now, but they still seem to go for the look. I'll lay them as long as they aren't in a shower recess.

 

[Pawelzik]

... I try and steer clients away from them now, but they still seem to go for the look. I'll lay them as long as they aren't in a shower recess.

You´re right, Mick, and my clients do so too.

 

[TREKKY]

The customer has bought 25 metres of these tiles, I've only seen one which they had in the bathroom I've got to go back today with a quote and will look at the others in their packaging so will write down the full name see if it rings any bells with anyone. Thay are also going into a shower cubicle which doesn't sound good.

 

[MICK the Tiler]

Hi Trekky,

The best approch here would be to point the clients to this very post, If I've had trouble all the way down here in OZ and Pawelzik has had prob up there in Germany this tells me that the problem could be in all countries that import these particular tiles. Get them to PM me if they have any concerns and I will gladly send them my email address and mobile number for them to ring me direct. For the sake of 100 quid more they ciuld purchase quality materials that are tried and tested and meet the standards that clients require to proform an adequate task. Then pain of these tiles will only become obvious some time down the line after they become water logged and you'll get the first call of complaint to have to rectify. Something that your reputaion would not need.

I only got caught out the once. Trying to save you the same fate.

Cheers Mick.

 

[TREKKY]

Thanks Mick I will see the customer later today and update on the exact make etc. of tile. Problem is people are attracted by the low cost of the tile without looking at the quality and durability issues later down the line.

 

[MICK the Tiler]

I've laid plenty of Chinese tiles without incident and in general they are good value for money,but if they are indeed the particular tiles in question you don't want to be caught with your gaurd down.

Post a pic if you can, of the box the tile, front and back and we will go from there. Your mobile phone cam would do the job.