Is it falling off? How to attach a suction cup to tiles permanently
Sometimes it becomes necessary to securely attach a hook to tiles in the kitchen or bathroom without drilling holes. To attach the suction cup to the tile, use one of several methods. The strongest connection is ensured if you use suitable glue or silicone sealant. Before gluing the suction cup, you need to prepare the surface.
Surface Requirements
The fastening method using a silicone suction cup is most suitable for glossy tiles. The matte surface has pores, the presence of which will impair adhesion strength. It is also impossible to attach anything to a relief tile in this way; the tile must be perfectly flat.
The surface must first be prepared. The tiles are cleaned of limescale, dirt and dust. This can be done using a soap solution. Thoroughly washed tiles are rinsed with clean water. After this, the surface will need to be degreased.
For this purpose, use alcohol or acetone. The liquid is applied to a cotton pad and the desired area is treated. Suction cups are immediately glued onto the tiles prepared in this way. Degreasing the surface will be sufficient if you need to hold a small object. For example, this could be a kitchen towel hook or a plastic soap dish.
How to choose quality suction cups
Store shelves are filled with Chinese products, which do not always meet the required standards. You need to check the quality of the suction cup before purchasing it. Most often, silicone products are offered for sale. The working side of the suction cup should be smooth and its edges should be soft.
In the center of a quality product there is a cone-shaped recess. Sometimes, even at home, upon closer examination, you can find lumps in the shape of tubercles on the silicone. They are carefully cut off with a stationery knife or blade. If the product is of good quality, it will last a year or a year and a half without any problems. If the suction cup falls off during operation, it is reattached.
How to attach to tiles: step-by-step instructions
The suction hook is convenient because you can use it without damaging the tiles. The tile has a smooth surface, which at first glance may make it difficult to attach silicone to it. But in fact, it is the absence of roughness that will provide the strongest possible grip.
By the way, in addition to hooks, quite a lot of accessories for the bathroom and kitchen are produced, which can also be hung on the wall using suction cups.
This list includes:
- towel holders;
- light shelves;
- glasses for toothbrushes;
- decorative items;
- soap dishes.
The suction cup allows you to attach the desired item to the wall in a matter of seconds. If necessary, the suction cup can be peeled off and stuck in another place. This type of fastener is not only easy to use, but also low in price. Of course, you need to take into account that the suction cup will not be able to hold large, heavy objects.
Attaching to tiles, step by step guide:
- After the tile is degreased, you can begin gluing the suction cup.Before applying it to the tile, you need to make sure that both surfaces are dry.
- The suction cup is lubricated with Vaseline. Due to which the grip will be better.
- Then a pressing force is applied. Pressing force is necessary to force some of the air out. Then the laws of physics come into force. Since the atmospheric pressure is higher than the pressure under the suction cup, it is securely fixed to the surface.
- Sometimes mugs with a double-sided or single-sided adhesive surface are sold complete with suction cups. In this case, they are first glued to the tiles, after which suction cups are glued to the mugs.
You can use a hook or soap dish attached in this way right away. Vacuum fastening to the surface allows you to hold objects weighing up to 1 kg on the wall.
Ways to make your suction cup last forever
If you need to hang relatively heavy objects or glass shelves that are fragile on suction cups, it is better to use this fastening method so that the products are held securely. In this case, you cannot do without special glue.
It could be:
- "Super Moment";
- silicone sealant;
- epoxy resin.
After applying strong adhesive, you can be sure that the suction cups will hold tighter and be able to support more weight. It is no longer possible to move such a suction cup after gluing it; it becomes disposable. Before applying the glue, both surfaces are also degreased.
Apply the composition according to the instructions and wait the prescribed time (also indicated in the instructions), and then firmly press the silicone holder to the tile. The suction cups glued in this way can be used for their intended purpose after a day.
Possible mistakes
Sometimes the suction cup falls off soon after it is attached to the wall. There may be several reasons in this case:
- the silicone holder was placed on a tile with a convex pattern;
- a suction cup was used to mask a crack or chip on a tile;
- the fastening method was chosen for a heavy object;
- the surface was not degreased before gluing.
If the cause is identified and eliminated, you can try gluing the suction cup again. In the case where the tile has a relief surface, it will not be possible to use such fasteners. You'll have to take up the drill. In this case, you can avoid damage to the tiles by drilling a hole at the junction of 4 tiles.
Suction cup mounting is a convenient way to place the necessary accessories and decorative items in the bathroom. In a couple of seconds, the holder is fixed in the desired place on the wall. You will first need to wash, dry and degrease the surface. In cases where particularly reliable installation is needed, a sealant or durable waterproof glue is additionally used.