However when asking about the difference between a tile adhesive and a thinset mortar you are most probably referring to the mastic tile adhesive.
Tile adhesive vs thinset for backsplash.
If installing a large amount of tiles stone tiles or glass tiles thinset mortar should be used.
For the professional tile contractor and the do it yourself consumer alike the temptation to use mastic instead of thinset for back splash tile installation is appealing.
Pros and cons mastic vs thinset.
A tile adhesive can be any thing that you can use to glue a tile to the cement base.
But for a backsplash wall consider using tile mastic.
Thinset for back splash tile.
For a successful glass tile backsplash installation you must use a white latex additive thinset mortar.
You can say that the thinset mortar is also a tile adhesive.
In a perfect world all tile jobs would be done with thinset.
Use the proper adhesive.
The adhesive is premixed does not require water and will hold the tiles in place with no beating or additives.
Thinset is inexpensive and it fills in gaps and depressions.
Simple installation of tile backsplashes using adhesive tile mats.
In the specific example of retiling a backsplash the tile will be placed over drywall and the choice of mortar or adhesive depends on the type of tile.
Thinset is ultimately stronger and unaffected by water.
Having said that thinset is much harder to work with especially in vertical and overhead applications.
Thinset can be used for showers bathtubs backsplashes and other areas.
This is crucial because glass is transparent and the color of the adhesive can affect it.
Thinset mortar can also be used for small jobs if the material in question is unknown.
Mastic needs to be applied over drywall making it appropriate for use on walls.
For the do it yourself consumers who have never worked with thin set the appeal of mastic is all the more attractive.
Tile is often installed with thinset mortar.
Walls wainscots dry backsplashes are key areas where tile mastic tends to be used.