What’s the traditional method of pasting tiles? And what are the shortcomings?

The traditional method of pasting tiles involves the following steps:

1. Surface preparation: The surface to be tiled is cleaned, leveled, and primed to ensure good adhesion of the tile adhesive.
2. Tile adhesive preparation: Tile adhesive is mixed with water according to the manufacturer’s instructions, usually to a smooth consistency.
3. Tile placement: The tile adhesive is applied to the surface using a notched trowel, and the tile is pressed into place, using spacers to ensure even spacing between tiles.
4. Grouting: Once the tile adhesive has cured, the tile joints are filled with grout to provide a finished, water-resistant surface.

Shortcomings of traditional tile pasting method include:

1. Time-consuming: Traditional tile pasting method can be time-consuming, as each tile needs to be placed individually and allowed to dry before the next one is placed.
2. Inconsistency: There is a risk of inconsistency in the thickness of the tile adhesive and spacing between the tiles, which can lead to unevenness in the finished surface.
3. Limited design options: Traditional tile pasting method may limit the design options, as it may be difficult to achieve complex patterns or designs.
4. Not suitable for large areas: Traditional tile pasting method may not be suitable for large areas, as it can be difficult to maintain consistency and uniformity over a large surface.
5. Risk of failure: If the surface preparation or adhesive application is not done properly, there is a risk of tile failure, such as tiles cracking or becoming loose over time.

Newer tile installation methods, such as using pre-spaced tile sheets or adhesive mats, have been developed to address some of these shortcomings and provide a faster, more consistent, and easier tile installation process.