What do you think of Bondera for Vanity Tile?

Question

Hi Everyone, I've been thinking of using Bondera for a glass tile project above a vanity. I want the tile to frame a large mirror and am thinking of using Bondera versus regular mastic or mortar. But before doing so I wanted to get some opinions and tips since I don't have any experience with this product. Thanks :)

Pam · Answer

I saw a few Kitchen Crashes on DIY TV and they used this product, It seemed to work well and I would thing if they used it on the show it must work well. They just grouted as usual once done. Wnen they used it once was on those little sheet of glass tiles and once was on subway tiles.

KMS Woodworks · Answer

I have not used it but it seems like a sound concept....kind of like industrial double sided carpet tape.  Getting stuff to stick to glass is tough...this seems like a great alternative to mastic...for his one type of application

Home Repair Tutor · Answer

Thanks Pam for your comment, I am going to use sheets of glass tile so it's reassuring that they used it in this way. :)

Home Repair Tutor · Answer

Thanks KMS, I was hoping you would comment. Do you think Bondera could be applied right over the existing wallboard without having to scuff up the paint? I'm thinking this is the case.

Pam · Answer

Could cleaning with TSP help just to be sure there is no oil or grease and the Bondera makes a good adhesion? I would do this to be safe rather than sorry.

Home Repair Tutor · Answer

Thanks again Pam. Probably couldn't hurt. Or maybe cleaning with white vinegar. I did speak with the techline for Bondera and they gave me a few tips. The first one was to make sure the tiles are grouted within 8 hours of installing on the mat, otherwise dirt or grime (in the case of a kitchen backsplash) might get on the mat in between the tiles and cause the grout not to take hold. The second tip was to make sure to apply a bead of caulk in between the new tiles and the counter or vanity.  This will prevent water from being absorbed into the mat.

KMS Woodworks · Answer

I agree on the TSP is this is going in a kitchen...oil and grease issues.  I always caulk the 'plane change' ...ie: backsplash to counter etc.  caulk i sway more forgiving for flex...and this trick works best.  I most cases I can get an exact color matched caulk in the same grout color...even sanded caulk so the texture looks the same.

Home Repair Tutor · Answer

Thanks KMS, I have done what you suggested and it worked out great for all my applications. These days it's not hard at all to find a colored caulk to match the grout.

Connie B · Answer

We used Bondera to put a glass tile backsplash in my kitchen about 6 mos. ago -- worked great and it's so easy.  Washed my wall w/ vinegar and water solution, let dry before putting up the Bond.

Home Repair Tutor · Answer

Thank you so much Bonnie for your comment and tip. I will follow your lead and do the same cleaning process. This bathroom is for my children so I'm sure there is plenty of toothpaste residue, LOL. :)

Kandee S · Answer

we just used it for a neighbors back splash in kitchen with her glass tiles LOVE it and so easy to install. Cost is worth every penny.

Home Repair Tutor · Answer

Thanks Kandee for your positive feedback. Do you have installation tips that helped you with the process?

Kandee S · Answer

we cut the biggest strip first and when we had to make the next strip up for the highth of tiles I made sure they over lapped 1/8 in. We grouted right away. it was real easy/

Home Repair Tutor · Answer

Thanks Kandee for your comments, it's great to get everyone's tips. Did you overlap the Bondera by 1/8 of an inch on each sheet or did you butt each successive against themselves?

Kandee S · Answer

I over lapped it just to make sure it all was strong hold. We did kitchen over the paint, it was so easy to be done in 5 hrs. and sitting back looking at our handy work

Home Repair Tutor · Answer

Kandee, thanks for the explanation. Sounds like your project was a great success. You should post pictures :)

Kandee S · Answer

Home Repair Tutor, I think you can cut this stuff for any size and cut tiles also so this would be great for vanity area. Just make sure the grout gets down before any water is used.

Home Repair Tutor · Answer

Thanks Kandee for the grout tip :)

Bondera · Answer

Hi Home Repair Tutor, I just came across your post about Bondera Tile MatSet. I know that it's a little bit late but I'm curious to know how your glass tile project turned out. I hope you enjoyed using Bondera and make sure you let us know about your next projects.

Home Repair Tutor · Answer

Thanks for checking in. I haven't gotten to the project yet but the Bondera is still sitting right next to me as I type this comment :).

Do you have any tips you'd like to share? Also, I read that Bondera isn't recommended for glass tiles that have mesh backing. Is this still true?

KMS Woodworks · Answer

I would think the 'mesh' of the glass tile would limit the size of the 'contact' area. ie: just the thin string like areas of the mesh. Surface to surface bonding is requires more contact.

Home Repair Tutor · Answer

Thanks KMS. I agree with your assessment. The project I was thinking of doing dealt with 1x1 glass tile tied together with the mesh backing. So I was going to take the tiles off the mesh and adhere them to the Bondera one by one.

117135 · Answer

Just wanted to add my 2 cents! We used this project for our mesh glass tiles and ceramic tiles for our back splash for the kitchen. This was the easiest thing to use to do tile work. We did this remodel 2 years ago, with no problems since. We also just did our neighbors mesh glass tiles with the same product and it turned out beautiful also. Same as everyone stated, we grouted a hour after adhering the tiles to Bondera. We did not overlap, just butted up together.

Bondera · Answer

Bondera works with any tile type other than slate. We don't recommend slate due to the uneven surface and the shearing that can take place with slate. If you are using mesh-backed tiles, there is a trick: Apply the grid side of Bondera to the wall/surface and apply the tile to the non-grid side. This will avoid any conflict between the two meshes and you will get good contact between the adhesive and the tile. To ensure the bond with any tile type, be sure to apply firm pressure either with a grout float, roller or your hand once the tile is in place. The 1x1 glass tile on a mesh back will work wonderfully and you will be surprised as how quickly you can get the project done! Another suggestion is that you can lay down the Bondera and leave the top release liner on until you are ready to tile. The liner will protect the adhesive so that you can do the project all at once or a little at a time and still use the sink!

I did notice that you have the COUNTERTOP product (20mils) in your photo. And, if you are doing a horizontal surface such as the vanity counter around the sink, this is correct. If you were to tile a vertical surface like the front/doors of the vanity or the wall above the vanity, you would need to use the WALL( 40mils) product. The difference is the amount of adhesive is greater for the vertical surfaces due to the force of gravity.

We are so happy to hear so many great comments about how easy it is to tile using Bondera! Good luck with your project.! Please share some before and after photos.

Nancy @ ArtsyChicksRule · Answer

I would also love to give my 2 cents (it's a while since you posted, I know!) but I installed a tile backsplash in our kitchen 2 years ago....I just posted it here on Hometalk today. I love it, it was easy to use and a quick job to complete! 2 years later, still looking good!

What do you think of Bondera for Vanity Tile?

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What do you think of Bondera for Vanity Tile?

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