New here - Edge of tiled sink separating

[ohaya]

The sink and the surround in one of our bathrooms is tiled, and the edge pieces are separating (see attached picture - we've temporarily duct taped it to preventing it from falling off completely).



I was wondering what would be best way to re-attach it?

Can we just use an adhesive, and if so, what would be recommended?

Can we just glue it back on?

Thanks,
Jim

[CaliGrown]

Razor knife and flat putty knife to get the loose pieces off as wholes. Then some small dollops of this pokey and you’re set up. Best for there to be no dust or loose sediment when you apply
Have used this for some 1” by 1” porcelain waterline tile repairs on a section of shifted concrete along a pool and it’s still holding up some 27 months later. Should be just fine for what you’ve got on deck.

[navyson]

When we installed tile countertops, (haven't done one in 6+ years) we'd glue those pieces on. Seems to last longer than installing with thinset.

[ohaya]

CaliGrown,

Thanks for the response.

Would there be a visible gap (like a fracture line) after that is? The picture may have not been close enough, but currently, there IS a gap btwn the grout the the ceramic pierce.

Is it possible to fill that gap in (with grout) without having to remove all the original grout?

Also, we are worried about trying to match the grout color.

Jim

[jadnashua]

Technically, the joint there should not be grouted per industry standards which calls for a movement accommodation joint at all changes of plane or material. You can buy color-matched caulk, if you know the brand and color of the grout.

[CaliGrown]

The glue makes it a tight fit. If the separation is noticeable, you could caulk it with a grout color or a clear caulking. Or when the piece is off file the edge of the excisting grout to make room for some new grout.

[ohaya]

I'm adding some pics:





So it looks like there is one large piece (circled in red) that will pull out, leaving the existing grout in place.

So I am thinking we pull the piece out, and sand the edge of the grout, then put the adhesive on the surface and put the piece back in. Then let it cure/harden, and put some grout to fill in, and use grout marker to try to match the grout color.

Would that work?

Thanks,
Jim

[cx]

Welcome, Jim.

If that piece will, indeed, come off cleanly, I would use some clear epoxy glue to put it back in place. Something like JB Weld's 5 minute epoxy. You'll wanna press it very firmly in place and tape it tightly for half an hour or so.

Either it'll work or it won't, but that's just a guess.

What's "grout marker?" I'm not familiar with the term.

My opinion; worth price charged.

[ohaya]

CX,

So the grout I have bought is white.

Here's an example of a set of grout markers:

https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B08954DJYQ/

I haven't used them before, but I gather that you use them to change the color of the grout, to try to match the original grout color.

Thanks,
Jim

[cx]

Learn something new here every day, Jim.

[jerrymlr1]

I would think you would have better luck finding a non sanded grout to match that would look far better than those markers. They look awful cheesy for one and the reviews don’t look so good either. Might as well find a Sharpie pak with 40 colors iffin you go that route

[ohaya]

Ok, got it done:

[cx]

Looks good from here, Jim. What did you adhere it with?

[ohaya]

Hi,

We used the Red Devil Tile Paste shown in the pic that I posted, and the white grout shown, both in tubes (this was a hopefully one-time thing). The markers we used is also shown.

FYI, when we pulled the tile out, it looks like whoever had installed the tiles had put only a little dab of mastic (I think) one one end of the tile, which is probably why it started to detach. I have no idea who did the original tiling (my daughter just bought this house recently).

[cx]

Well, I'd never heard of the Tile Paste, either. Hope it works well for you.