What are the differences?
The main difference is their purpose. Tile adhesive sticks the tiles to your prepared surface, e.g walls or floors (substrates) Grouting is applied between the tiles like a mortar to protect them and give a more uniform look.
There are two types of adhesives, ready mixed pastes and powdered adhesives. Ready-mixed as suggested can be bought and used straight from the tub, but there are limitations. It is best used only for fixing smaller ceramic tiles to walls. Powdered adhesives need to be mixed with clean water into an almost slurry-like mixture. This offers a far stronger bond and can be used to fix ceramic and stone tiles to any substrate.
The substrate obviously makes a difference to what kind of adhesive to use. If you are tiling a large area of wall for example, it may be better to fix plasterboard first, rather than tiling straight onto plaster. Never use a ready-mixed adhesive to tile a floor, powdered adhesive must be used and don’t forget to check the drying time! Newly concreted floors need at least 6 weeks to dry properly before tiling.
Grouting is a cement based bonding material used to fill the joints between the tiles. The joints between are very porous and need to be filled to prevent discolouration and staining. This will make the finished surface easier to clean and hygienic. If you are using sanded grout, then normally the wider the joint the courser the sand content, to prevent the grout from cracking and causing shrinkage.
Cementitious grout is by far the most popular and can be used anywhere a tile is to be installed. Cementitious grouts have as their main component Portland cement, plus filler particles of different sizes, a water-retentive additive, and colour pigments making it versatile (no pun intended!)
Plaster and other absorbent surfaces can suck the moisture out of your tile adhesive, reducing the bond strength. Applying a primer before tiling can prevent this happening. If you are tiling areas that will be continually inundated with water or subject to extreme variation in temperature even a pool for example, then it is advisable to mix the primer with elastromeric latex that will improve the adhesion so it is able to withstand strong expansion without the tiles detaching.
What is the advantage of buying R A & Sons tile adhesives as opposed to any other?
Rabond Flex Plus (Class C2TE) and Rabond Flex (Class C2T) are both high performance cement adhesives. Rabond Flex Plus differs in that it contains more resin, making it more flexible and suitable for coping with temperature ranges. It is also particularly recommended for large tile sizes.
To see our full range of Tile adhesives, please click here
Please feel free to contact RA & Sons for further information and help
Introducing the Colours of Malta Calendar 2025
Experience the vibrant journey of compassion and community with the Colours of Malta Calendar 2025, presented by R.A. & Sons Manufacturing. This calendar highlights Malta's rich cultural heritage while featuring a different charitable cause each month. Join us in supporting local foundations and inspiring awareness throughout the year. Discover the stories behind each cause and find meaningful ways to contribute!
This December, RA & Sons Manufacturing is supporting the Foodbank Lifeline Foundation by encouraging customers to donate essential food items that will be passed directly to individuals and families facing hardship. These contributions help the foundation provide emergency food parcels to those most in need, especially during the festive season when demand is at its highest. To see how you can support their work or make a direct contribution, visit
Create your own food pack – here's a handy Guide
Throughout December, R.A. & Sons Manufacturing is focusing its community efforts on supporting the Foodbank Lifeline Foundation by encouraging customers to donate essential food items. This month’s initiative reflects our commitment to helping families facing hardship, especially during a period when demand for support is at its highest. By joining us and contributing what you can, you help provide emergency food parcels to individuals and households in need across Malta and Gozo. Together, we can offer practical help and a sense of hope to those who need it most.
Whilst every effort has been taken to confirm the accuracy of the information presented in this article, R.A. & Sons Ltd and R.A. & Sons Manufacturing Ltd cannot be held responsible for errors and / or omissions or for any direct or indirect consequences resulting from the use and application of its products.
The company expressly disclaims any and all liability as to any results obtained or arising from any use of its products or reliance on such information; no warranty of fitness for any particular purpose or any other warranty, expressed or implied, is made concerning the goods described or the information provided herein.
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