Old Mill Adhesives Compared: Brick Bond vs. MasonGrip vs. OM Elite
At Old Mill Building Products, we know that the right adhesive is the foundation of a successful installation. Whether you’re working with thin brick, stone veneer, or tile, choosing the right adhesive ensures strength, longevity, and performance under any condition.
Old Mill offers three premium adhesive solutions—Brick Bond, MasonGrip, and OM Elite (Old Mill Adhesive Mix)—each tailored to specific materials, environments, and skill levels. Here’s how they compare and how to choose the best one for your next project.
1. Brick Bond – Best for Easy Interior Installs
Brick Bond is a ready-to-use, pre-mixed Type I/II acrylic-based adhesive designed for interior applications. It’s the go-to choice for quick, clean installs of thin brick, Brickwebb®, stone, and tile.
- Where to Use: Interior walls, fireplaces, backsplashes, and accent walls
- Application: Pre-mixed—no mixing required
- Grab / Strength: Excellent “green grab,” ~575 psi tensile strength
- Working Time: Up to 45 minutes open time; full cure ≈ 24 hours
- Moisture Resistance: Not for high-moisture or wet areas
- VOC / Safety: Zero/low VOC, low odor, non-corrosive, non-staining
Why choose Brick Bond? If you’re working indoors and want speed, simplicity, and a professional finish without mixing or fumes, Brick Bond is your ideal adhesive. It’s also optimized for Brickwebb® thin brick systems, ensuring perfect alignment and strong adhesion every time.
2. MasonGrip – Best for Exterior and Demanding Conditions
MasonGrip is a high-strength, instant-grab MS Polymer adhesive designed for both interior and exterior applications. It’s engineered for flexibility, waterproofing, and durability under real-world stress and movement.
- Where to Use: Exterior facades, adhered veneers, stone, metals, or diverse substrates
- Grab / Strength: Instant grab, ~575 psi tensile strength, ±25 % movement capability
- Moisture Resistance: Permanently waterproof, weather- and UV-resistant
- Working Time: 10–20 minutes open time; functional cure ≈ 24 hours
- Temperature Range: –40 °F to 212 °F (–40 °C to 100 °C)
- VOC / Safety: 0 VOC, solvent-free, odorless, non-staining
Why choose MasonGrip? MasonGrip is the most versatile and weather-tough option, perfect for outdoor installations or substrates like wood, metal, and concrete. It accommodates movement without cracking and maintains its bond through extreme temperature swings and UV exposure.
3. OM Elite – Best for Structural, Cementitious, or System Applications
OM Elite (Old Mill Adhesive Mix) is a dry, polymer-modified cementitious adhesive and basecoat used across Old Mill Systems—especially Panel + continuous insulation assemblies. Mix it with water on-site for a smooth, high-performance adhesive that also doubles as a basecoat or skim coat.
- Where to Use: Interior and exterior masonry, stone, tile, and Panel + systems
- Composition: Polymer-modified cement mix with fiber reinforcement
- Strength: Compressive > 3,000 psi; Tensile > 15 psi
- Coverage: ~70 sq ft at ½" U-notch
- Working Time: Pot life ≈ 6 hours; Adjustability ≈ 15 minutes
- VOC / Safety: 0 VOC (contains cement and silica; PPE required)
Why choose OM Elite? When you need cementitious strength, fiber reinforcement, and compatibility with Old Mill Systems, OM Elite is the professional’s choice. It’s perfect for Panel + assemblies, basecoating, or installations demanding long-term durability and high compressive strength.
Which Adhesive Is Right for You?
| Feature | Brick Bond | MasonGrip | OM Elite |
|---|---|---|---|
| Use | Interior | Interior & Exterior | Interior & Exterior |
| Form | Pre-mixed pail | 20 oz sausage (MS Polymer) | Dry mix (add water) |
| Moisture Resistance | Low | Waterproof & UV-resistant | Water-resistant (not for immersion) |
| Working Time | ≈ 45 min | 10–20 min | Pot life 6 hr |
| Strength Type | Tensile ≈ 575 psi | Tensile ≈ 575 psi | Compressive > 3,000 psi |
| Best For | Thin brick & tile interiors | Exterior stone & diverse substrates | Panel + systems & basecoats |
Summary
Brick Bond – Interior convenience with pre-mixed simplicity and low VOC performance.
MasonGrip – Maximum versatility and weather resistance for exterior or demanding applications.
OM Elite – Cement-based structural adhesive for professional system builds and basecoats.
Each adhesive is engineered to deliver industry-leading performance where it matters most. Whether you’re a DIY renovator working on an accent wall or a commercial installer building full systems, Old Mill adhesives give you strength you can trust and simplicity you’ll appreciate.
Shop Old Mill Adhesives and build confidently with the right solution for your next project.
