There is little difference except mastic means 'from plant origins'.
Mastic is a premixed adhesive that is easy to use and suitable for small tiles in dry areas. Thinset is a cement-based adhesive that is more durable and recommended for larger tiles, wet areas, and outdoor installations.
Use a good mastic or adhesive
For a pitch mastic floor, it is best to use an adhesive specifically designed for use with asphalt or mastic surfaces. A modified thin-set mortar or an adhesive suitable for resilient flooring can work well, ensuring it can bond effectively to the mastic. Always check the manufacturer's recommendations for compatibility and ensure proper surface preparation for optimal adhesion.
It is called Mastic. It is the adhesive that used to be used for floor tiles. Warning: Most mastic contains asbestos
Mastic is an adhesive not a flooring some manufacturers say it can be used on floor tiles how ever I would not recommend using mastic on a floor as it would take forever to cure
"Mastic" is a very old word for a tree sap gum. Today the word mastic is used for any gum-based adhesive, even if the adhesive has no actual gum. Roofing mastic is a sticky fiber cement used to repair fiberglas and asphalt shingle roofs. It is generally used for temporary repairs unless it will be totally protected from sun damage. You can get it at any good building supply store. I don't see the word "mastic" on the labels of many of the products that are often called mastic by tradespeople.
You do not want to use a mixing thinset for backsplash. you would want to use something a little stronger for walls, being a carpenter for 7 years i would use mastic tile adhesive. There are alot of advantages in using this product and the main reason is most of it is pre mixed. The mastic tile adhesive is an organically based mortar that is commonly used in the laying of ceramic tiles. This adhesive is made from the resin of the mastic tree and is available as a thin liquid, a paste, or a glue. Some common construction adhesives are a form of mastic resin. Using mastic as a tile adhesive does carry some advantages over mortar.1. Tremendous Holding StrengthMastic is used mostly with ceramic tile, but is also used with heavier materials such as stone and marble. This strength is the reason that many people will use a mastic tile adhesive in shower enclosures where there is a stone tile. If the seal remains the tile, then mastic adhesive will last for many years without any problems.2. Quick Setting Tile AdhesiveThe mastic tile adhesive is very quick setting. While this does have some drawbacks to it, it is also an advantage. Heavier tiles will set quicker so you can get more of the project competed.3. Easy to UseWhen spreading out over a backerboard to apply the tiles to, mastic tile adhesive is much easier to work with than mortar. Not being as thick, the mastic spreads out evenly and gives the tile a very good area to bond with.Read more: http://www.doityourself.com/stry/3-advantages-of-using-mastic-tile-adhesive/#b#ixzz23kIZTizw
Thinset and mastic are both adhesives used for tiling, but they have some key differences. Thinset is a cement-based adhesive that is more durable and suitable for areas with high moisture, such as bathrooms and kitchens. Mastic is a premixed adhesive that is easier to use but is not as strong or water-resistant as thinset. For most tiling projects, thinset is the more suitable option due to its strength and durability.
Mastic is a flexible adhesive used for installing tiles and other materials in areas with minimal movement, while mortar is a rigid material used for building structures like walls and laying bricks. Mastic is easier to work with and dries faster, but mortar is stronger and more durable.
An adhesive bonds two objects together, whereas a solvent disolves something: often an adhesive.
Loctite PL Premium is a contractors adhesive that is 3 times as strong as mastic and ideal for this kind of application
To effectively remove mastic from concrete surfaces, you can use a commercial adhesive remover or a heat gun to soften the mastic before scraping it off with a putty knife or scraper. Be sure to follow safety precautions and instructions on the product label.