Tile Repair & Fixture Adhesive Curing Time

What Is Curing Time?

• Curing time refers to the amount of time it takes until the glue completely dries. Depending on the manufacturer, the curing time might fall into two categories: open time and working time. Open time refers to how long the adhesive sets before you can attach the tiles. The open time varies, but is generally around one hour. Working time refers to how much time you have to use the tile before the adhesive completely dries. You typically have a period of two hours or longer from the time you apply the glue before it finishes drying.

Slow Dry Time

• When you apply tile and fixture adhesive, you should wait until the adhesive starts curing before attaching your tiles. Touch the surface of the adhesive and when it feels slightly sticky or tacky, the glue is ready for the tile. If the glue feels wet and not sticky, this often results from the humidity level in the surrounding area. Humidity affects the tile adhesive by slowing down the curing or drying time. A high level of moisture underneath the glue can also slow down the curing time. The moisture soaks through the glue and settles on the top of the adhesive.

Considerations

• After laying the tiles, you must wait until the glue finishes curing. Depending on the type of adhesive, it might take a full seven days until the glue dries. During this time, you cannot walk on the tile or use it in any way. Test the tile by gently pressing down on the it and slowly increasing the amount of pressure. If you feel the tile moving, the glue is not dry.

Speed Up Dry Time

• To increase how quickly the adhesive dries, work in a dry area. Do not use the adhesive on rainy days or humid days during the summer, as the moisture prevents the glue from drying as directed. If you notice the glue drying slowly or want it to dry faster, try using fans in the room. Aim the fans so that each one pushes air from the room, rather than blowing air around the room. The fans pull moisture from the air, which helps speed up the curing time.