How to apply Tile Adhesive
How to Apply Tile Adhesive
Application (Substrate Preparation)
The substrate should be stable – sufficiently sound, resistant to deformation, free from materials which would impair adhesion, stabilized. Even – maximum adhesive thickness is 10 mm, in case of larger irregularities use ROCKBUILD Smart Plast.
Even – Raximum adhesive thickness is 10 mm, in case of larger irregularities use ROCKBUILD Smart Plast.
Clean – free from layers which can impair adhesion, especially dust, dirt, lime, oils, greases, wax, residues of oil and emulsion paints. The substrate coated with algae, fungi, etc. must be cleaned. Detailed guidelines concerning the substrate preparation, depending on its type, are available in the product sheet on www.Rockbuild.in
Adhesive preparation :-
Pour the adhesive from the bag into a container with the suitable amount of water (see Technical Data for ratio) and mix, using a low speed mixer with a drill for mortars, until homogenous. The dispersed adhesive should be left to rest for 5 minutes and then remixed. So prepared adhesive should be used up within approx. 4 hours.
Adhesive application
The adhesive should be applied onto the surface with a steel trowel and then distributed evenly and shaped (possibly in one direction) using a notched trowel. It is advisable to spread a thin adhesive coat first and then apply the coat of desired thickness and shape it with a notched trowel. It is recommended to lead a notched trowel in one direction. On walls, it’s recommended to shape the adhesive in vertical direction.
Installing the tiles
After the application, the adhesive retains its properties for approx. 30 minutes (in temperature approx. 23 °C and 55 % humidity). Within this time, the tile must be placed and pressed well (the contact surface between the adhesive and the tile should be uniform and as large as possible – min. 2/3 of tile surface). Remove the excess of the adhesive pressed into the joints immediately. In case of floor tiles or tiling outdoors it is advisable to keep the full bonding surface (use the mixed method consisting in application of the adhesive on the substrate and the back of a tile, if needed). Keep the joint width appropriate for the tile size and operation conditions
Tile adjustment
The position of a tile can be adjusted with delicate moves along the bonding plane. It can be done within approximately 10 minutes since the tile is pressed (in temperature approx. 23 °C and 55 % humidity).
Grouting and cladding use
Foot traffic and grouting with Rockbuil GROUT, Rockbuild EPOXY GROUT can start after approx. 24 hours since the tiles fixing. The mortar reaches the operational strength after 3 days (check the Technical Data). Expansion joints, joints along the wall corners, at sanitary equip-ment, etc. should be filled with sanitary silicone
Important additional information
The tiles must not be soaked before fixing. When determining the adhesive thickness under the cladding, one should consider the geometric deviation of tiles shape, e.g. plane warpage. When fixing the tiles on weak substrates which bearing capacity is difficult to establish (e.g. dusty, difficult to clean), it is recommended to perform an adhesion test by fixing a tile and checking the bond after 48 hours.
Open time – from the moment of application of the adhesive to the moment of placing the tiles upon it – is limited. In order to check if it is still possible to fix tiles, performing a test is recommended. It consists in pressing your fingers against the adhesive. If the adhesive remains on the fingers, you may fix the tiles. If the fingers are clean, the old layer of the adhesive has to be removed and a new one applied. The tools must be cleaned with clean water directly after use. Difficult to remove residues of the set adhesive can be removed with the removing agent. Contains cement. May cause respiratory irritation. Causes skin irritation. Causes serious eye damage. May cause an allergic skin reaction. Keep out of reach of children. Avoid breathing dust. Wear protective gloves/protective clothing/eye protection/face protection. IF ON SKIN (or hair): Remove/Take off immediately all contaminated clothing. Rinse skin with water/shower. If skin irritation or a rash occurs: Get medical advice/attention.
IF IN EYES:
Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes. Remove contact lenses if present and easy to do – continue rinsing. Follow the instructions of the Safety Data Sheet. The adhesive must be transported and stored in tightly sealed bags, in dry conditions (most preferably on pallets). Protect against humidity. Shelf life in conditions as specified is 12 months from the production date shown on the packaging.
Packaging :- 20 kg.
The above information constitutes basic guidelines for the application of the product and does not release the user from the obligation of carrying out works according to engineering principles and OHS regulations