The following briefly describes the various types of ceramic tile installation materials. Each possesses specific properties and costs, making it suitable for use under a given set of conditions:

1. Portland Cement Mortar. A mixture of portland cement, sand, and lime used to square, level, and plumb vertical or horizontal surfaces in preparation for tiling. Known as the "thick bed" or "mud" installation, it is layed down in a minimal thickness of 3/4". Once cured, tile is installed over it using one of the various bond coat mortars described below.

2. Thin-set Mortar, Unsanded Wall Mix, Dual Mix. A mixture of portland cement, sand, fillers, and chemical additives which is used as a bond coat for setting tile. Known originally as the Dry-Set Method because tiles are set dry, it has alternatively been called "thin-Set" because the bond coat is "thin", approximately 3/32".

3. Thin-set Mortar with Super-Tiler. A mixture of portland cement, sand, fillers, chemical additives and special latex reinforcement which is used as a bond coat for setting floor or wall tile. Similar to item #2 [above] except that the special latex additive enhances the mortar, giving it greater strength. Known as "Latex Thin-set" since the bond coat is again "thin", approximately 3/32".

4. One-Step, Super-Lastic Mortar. A mixture of portland cement, sand, chemical additives, and a special polymer reinforcement which is used as a bond coat for setting floor or wall tile. Similar to items #2 and #3 [above] except that the special polymer additive enhances the mortar, giving it greater adhesion. Specifically, this is a special one-component, premium "Thin-set" that can even bond tile to plywood floors.

5. Quik-Set. A special "Latex Thin-set" modified to set rapidly. Rapid setting allows commercial floors to open to foot traffic in a very short time.

6. Super-Fixset. A rapid setting mortar used to install chrome and china bathroom fixtures such as soap dishes, paper holders, towel bars, etc.

7. Super-Stuccote. An interior/exterior stucco mix for beautifying walls.

8. Thin-set Mortar with Superapoxy II. A three-component, epoxy-portland cement "Thin-set" used as a bond coat for tile. This water-based mortar combines premium "Epoxy" properties with the economy of portland cement. Component "A" is the epoxy resin. It is combined in equal proportions with component "B", the hardener. The third component is the specially modified portland cement filler.

9. Super-Flexcote. Available as a one-component underlayment, patching, and leveling compound. Used generally in thin layers up to 3/8" to level floors prior to the installation of tile.

10. Dual Purpose Adhesive. This thick-bodied mastic is troweled onto the substrate directly from the container. No stirring, mixing, or water additives are needed. It is water-based, safe and easy to use.

11. Glass Block Mortar. A latex-based mixture of sand, cement, and lime, specifically designed to adhere to coated and uncoated glass block. The blend of dry filler with a proprietary binding agent produces a superior bond and a reinforced lattice to support glass block. The mortar provides less then 3% water absorption, compression strength greater than 600 psi, and no smoke or flame contribution.

12. Marble Master. A select blend of cements, fillers, and powdered resins which is used as a bonding coat for setting marble, granite, and stone tiles. This medium bed mortar can be layered in thicknesses of 3/8" up to 3/4". The mortar need only be mixed with water to achieve optimum adhesion--no special latex additives are necessary. The adhesive formed upon mixing will not stain light colored or opaque marble. The mortar possesses exceptional bond strength as well as flexibility. The advantage of medium bed mortar is that larger tiles can be seated evenly with greater ease, avoiding lippage.

13. Multi-Purpose Flooring Adhesive. A factory prepared mastic adhesive, ready to trowel directly from the can with no further additions of liquid or powder. Cures or sets by evaporation. Eliminates mixing and proportioning problems. Safe and easy to use. Quick grab allows traffic areas to open sooner. Non-flammable and non-hazardous. Water resistant, plasticizer-migration resistant, and freeze-thaw stable.