There is only one – Type 1

by

Mario Taglienti

 March 10, 2025. 5:20 PM

Every year, MAPEI manufactures new and improved products from mortars to adhesives, mostly due to the influx of new flooring materials that are being introduced from time to time. Advancements and constantly changing styles dictate that the industry needs to keep up with trends.

From floors and walls to bathrooms and balconies, it is essential to produce products that are necessary to ensure proper adhesion that will maintain the integrity of the application. Old products become obsolete when new products are introduced as their replacements. Throughout all those changes, one product has been MAPEI’s tried-and-true ever since its introduction – Type 1 adhesive.

Discover the versatility of Type 1

Type 1 is a premium-grade, traditional, nonflammable, acrylic adhesive (mastic) for setting glazed and unglazed ceramic and porcelain tiles on walls, floors and countertops. It has an excellent grab on tiles that are up to 12" x 12" (30 x 30 cm), is easy to apply with a smooth consistency and has an extended open time, which homeowners and professionals alike prefer (especially when installing tiles on a backsplash).

With Type 1, you can install ceramic and porcelain, including mosaics, on floors and walls in interior applications. It is also rated for intermittent wet areas such as showers and tub surrounds. Type 1 can be installed over concrete, cement backer units, properly prepared drywall (in dry areas only) and exterior-grade plywood for countertops.

It is important to note that Type 1 is intended for interior use only, cannot be used in steam showers and is used with floor tiles that are up to 6" x 6" (15 x 15 cm) and wall tiles that are up to 12" x 12" (30 x 30 cm). Also, it is never to be used over waterproofing, crack-isolation or uncoupling membranes.

An important factor to consider when using Type 1 is drying time. Allow the tiles to reach a firm set, typically after 24 hours, before grouting. That time could fluctuate, depending on the porosity of the substrate and the tile, the size of the trowel that is used, temperature, humidity and job conditions.

You do not want to grout until the adhesive has ample time to create a solid foundation for the tiles. For example, if you are installing 12" x 12" (30 x 30 cm) tile on a shower wall with a cement-backer-board substrate and you use a 1/4" x 1/4" x 1/4" (6 x 6 x 6 mm) square-notch trowel, you may need to wait up to 72 hours before checking the firmness of the adhesive’s hold to the tile. Once the tile is firmly set, grouting can be done and the tile will be held in place without any issues. The ease of application and no mixing required make using Type 1 an excellent choice for homeowners and professionals alike.

The trusted choice for tile installation

Visit the Type 1 product page at https://www.mapei.com/us/en-us/products-and-solutions/products/detail/type-1 to download the Technical Data Sheet for complete information before you use this product. It is imperative to know how to successfully use the product so that you can feel confident that your home project comes out perfectly.

The ease and convenience of Type 1 makes this product invaluable for the industry and your next home project. 

Products mentioned in the article

Type 1
Type 1
Premium Tile Adhesive Type 1 is a premium-grade, traditional, nonflammable, acrylic adhesive for setting glazed and unglazed ceramic and…

Author

Mario Taglienti

Mario Taglienti

Mario brings years of knowledge and expertise in his role as a Technical Support Advisor at MAPEI. He began working in the industry when his family started a flooring business back in 1976. Mario eventually went on to operate his own successful flooring company in Pennsylvania for 15 years before relocating to South Florida.

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