Two basic types of material are used to install wall tiles for home renovations such as a backsplash.
Mortar or adhesive for wall tile.
It is impervious to water so it does not need any special latex additives as does some thinset.
With the advancement of the paving process cement mortar is no longer the only choice for laying tiles as there will be hollowing and damage of tiles after used for a period of time.
Installers have historically used mastic for ceramic wall tile installation due to its high level adhesion.
It is available as a thick glue like liquid in pails or caulk tubes.
Sometimes the choice between adhesive and mortar comes down to personal design preference.
Thus it draws more attention to bricks or stones.
Mastic is a high strength organic adhesive used in construction.
However tiles can also be installed using an organic tile adhesive called mastic or in select cases with epoxy.
Mortar is commonly used to attach tiles to drywall or flooring.
Portland cement based mortar which is also known as thinset and mastic an organic tile.
Mortar is thicker and more pronounced.
How the mortar or mortar adhesive looks on a brick wall or stone pathway also matters.
The emergence of tile adhesive has brought more choices for tile installation.
Mastic needs to be applied over drywall making it appropriate for use on walls.
The adhesive is very thin.
Compared to some thinsets mastic has a superior holding strength and it is easier to apply.
Epoxy tile mortar.