Simple installation of tile backsplashes using adhesive tile mats.
Tile adhesive vs thinset for backsplash.
In a perfect world all tile jobs would be done with thinset.
You can say that the thinset mortar is also a tile adhesive.
This is crucial because glass is transparent and the color of the adhesive can affect it.
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.
Adhesive mats are considerably more expensive than thin set adhesive and while they can be used for full wall tile jobs it is more common to use them for limited applications such as backsplashes.
A tile adhesive can be any thing that you can use to glue a tile to the cement base.
Thinset is ultimately stronger and unaffected by water.
Thinset for back splash tile.
However tiles can also be installed using an organic tile adhesive called mastic or in select cases with epoxy.
Pros and cons mastic vs thinset.
Thinset mortar can also be used for small jobs if the material in question is unknown.
The adhesive is premixed does not require water and will hold the tiles in place with no beating or additives.
But for a backsplash wall consider using tile mastic.
Mastic is very sticky grabs fast and is quick setting.
Thinset can be used for showers bathtubs backsplashes and other areas.
Mastic needs to be applied over drywall making it appropriate for use on walls.
Walls wainscots dry backsplashes are key areas where tile mastic tends to be used.
Use the proper adhesive.
Having said that thinset is much harder to work with especially in vertical and overhead applications.
For a successful glass tile backsplash installation you must use a white latex additive thinset mortar.
Thinset is inexpensive and it fills in gaps and depressions.
However when asking about the difference between a tile adhesive and a thinset mortar you are most probably referring to the mastic tile adhesive.
If installing a large amount of tiles stone tiles or glass tiles thinset mortar should be used.