Tile fixing solutions Ireland. Adhesives for fixing all types of tiles.

Tile adhesives

Ready mixed wall tile adhesives

Weberfix - Plus 15kg Bucket

Ready-mixed ceramic wall tile adhesive for interior use in dry and intermittently wet areas.

Constraints: Not suitable for floors, exterior use, or invery wet areas such as communal showers or pools. Not suitable for porcelain tiles.

Weber Ireland tile fixing solutions. Weberfix Plus ready-mixed wall tile adhesive.

Weberfix plus is a ready-mixed tile adhesive ideal for internal projects in wet and dry areas such as:
Bathrooms
Showers
Kitchens
Utility rooms
Suitable for application up to 3mm.

Features and benefits:

Water-resistant — suitable for use in intermittently wet areas
Extended open time of 30 minutes
Sets in 24 hours
High initial grab
Non-slip formula.

Preparation

Ensure that all surfaces are clean, dry sound, free from grease, dust or any other contaminating barrier, and capable of supporting the weight of tiling.
Make good any unsound areas before tiling. Remove flaking or peeling layers.
Prime dusty or porous surfaces with Weber PR360 and allow to dry before tiling.

Application

Do not use at temperatures below 5°C. Spread the adhesive onto the wall, rather than onto the tiles, using a suitable notched trowel. Do not spread an area larger than can be tiled in approximately 30 minutes. Larger or studded-backed tiles may also need to be buttered with adhesive.

Fix the tiles within 30 minutes of applying adhesive (less at elevated temperatures). If lightly pressed, the adhesive should still stick to the fingers. If not, then it should be removed and more applied. Firmly press the tiles into the adhesive bed, with a twisting or sliding action, leaving at least 2mm gaps for grout joints.

For dry areas, the contact area between the adhesive and tile must be at least 70%, uniformly over the whole tile. In intermittently wet areas, it is essential that there are no voids under the tiles. The final bed thickness should be no more than 3 mm.

It is good practice to occasionally remove a tile to check that the required contact is being achieved.

Remove any excess adhesive from the tiles and joints before it sets.

Ready-mixed adhesives gain strength on drying, so leave for a minimum of 24 hours, before grouting. On non-porous surfaces, leave for at least 3 days. These times should be extended in poor drying conditions such as when using larger tiles or tiling at low temperatures.

For wet areas, particularly commercial or where there is a power shower, an appropriate grout should be used to minimize water penetration. Leave for 2 weeks after grouting before using the shower.

Plaster
Tile onto a plaster finish coat. Leave new plaster for at least 4 weeks so that it will be strong enough to support the tiling weight. Plaster can support 20kg of tiling per m².

Plasterboard
Securely fix and brace all boards to ensure stability. They should be screwed, not nailed, at 300mm centres horizontally and vertically. Plasterboard can support 32kg of tiling per m².

Cement/sand render
Leave new surfaces to dry for at least 2 weeks before tiling.

Brickwork/blockwork
Leave new surfaces to dry for 6 weeks before tiling. Ensure that the surface is sufficiently flat. Lightweight blocks must be primed and are not suitable for very large tiles.

Plywood/fibre-particleboard/fibre reinforced cement sheets
Securely fix and brace all sheets and boards to ensure stability. They should be screwed (not nailed) at 300mm centres horizontally and vertically. Preferably, use exterior grade plywood and prime the front and reverse faces and edges with Weber PR360 to prevent distortion. Avoid very large tiles.

Existing ceramic tiling/paint
The surface should be clean, dry, sound and capable of supporting the expected loads. Any unsound areas should be removed and made good. Existing tiles must be firmly adhered. Existing paint should be resistant to water (e.g. not emulsion), lightly abraded on the surface and then any dust removed before tiling. Drying times will be significantly extended, therefore fixing large tiles is not advised.

Technical Details
Coverage 2kg/m² (dry areas) and 3.4kg/m² (wet areas)
Bed thickness 1mm – 3mm
Open time 30 minutes after spreading
Adjustment time Approx. 20 minutes
Set time Approx. 24 hours
Application temp. +10°C - +35°C
Tools cleaning Water
Packaging 15kg plastic buckets
Storage 12 months under normal conditions in its original, sealed packaging.

Standard setting cement based tile adhesives

Weberset - SPF White 20kg

Weberset SPF is an extra flexible cement-based tile adhesive suitable for walls and floors in wet and dry areas when a standard setting time is required. Can be used on heated and plywood floors, as well as most wall substrates. Suitable for application thicknesses of 3-6mm.

Weber Ireland tile fixing solutions. Weberset SPF standard setting extra flexible cement based tile adhesive.

A flexible, cement based tile adhesive for internal and external use. It is suitable for fixing all types of ceramic wall and floor tiles, mosaics, marble, terrazzo, natural stone, brick slips and glass blocks in areas that will be dry or wet, including swimming pools. It is particularly suited for situations where some movement, deflection or limited shrinkage is likely. Available in grey or white.

Uses

For fixing ceramic or porcelain tiles:
Walls and floors
Interior and exterior situations
Underfloor heating
Undertile warming
Overboarded wooden floors
Low porosity tiles or substrates
Power-floated screeds
Tiling onto existing tiles
Swimming pools.

Preparation

Ensure that all surfaces are clean, dry, soundand free from dust, grease or any contaminating barrier. Make good any unsound areas and remove flaky or peeling layers before tiling. Prime porous or dusty surfaces. WeberPR360 is normally recommended for most walls in dry areas. Eco Prim Grip is recommended for wood, wet areas and floors. Allow the primer to dry. Check before use that the colour of the adhesive does not cause staining or discolouration of light coloured or translucent tiles.

Mixing

Gradually add approximately 3.5 parts of powder to 1 part of clean water (measured by volume), and mix to a smooth, workable, stiff paste. Normal usage requires 4 litres of water per 20kg adhesive. Use within 60 minutes of mixing. Do not attempt to extend the pot life by adding more water to the mix.

Application

Do not use at temperatures below 5°C. Apply the adhesive onto the substrate covering up to 1m² at a time (or no more than can be tiled within 20 minutes). Use a suitable notched trowel to achieve a bed thickness of 3 to 6mm. Large or studded backed tiles may need to have adhesive buttered onto the tile back as well.

Bed the tiles firmly into the adhesive with a slight sliding and/or twisting action, to ensure a good contact.

It is good practice to lift an occasional tile after fixing, to verify that the required contact is being achieved.

In wet areas, external areas and all floors, the final adhesive bed should be free from voids. Leave appropriate clearance joints for grouting and make any adjustment within 10 minutes.

Carefully clean off any excess adhesive from the tiles and joints with a damp sponge or cloth before it sets.

Leave for at least 24 hours before grouting. Longer is required at lower temperatures or when tiling onto impervious or sealed surfaces. For swimming pools, leave at least 3 days before grouting and then a further 3 weeks before filling.

Brick and blockwork
Allow at least 6 weeks before tiling. Lightweight blocks need priming. Ensure that the wall face is sufficiently flat.

Cement/sand, render or screed
Allow at least 3 weeks for screed and 2 weeks for render before tiling. Priming maybe required if the surface is very dusty or porous.

Concrete
Allow at least 7 weeks before tiling onto new concrete. Surface should be clean and free from laitance – scabbling is recommended. Set time will be extended ondense or power floated screeds.

Existing ceramic/vinyl tiles
Ensure that the substrate is strong enough to take the weight of extra tiling, that the existing tiles are firmly adhered and that the surface is free from any wax or polish. Set time will be extended.

Plaster walls and anhydrite screeds
Leave plaster for at least 4 weeks before tiling. Ensure anhydrite screeds are fully dry (moisture content <0.5%). It is important that the surface is abraided and sealed by repeatedly coating with primer until the surface stops absorbing. For walls in dry areas use Weber PR360 otherwise use Eco Prim Grip.

Underfloor heating/undertile warming
The heating must be off and should be turned on gradually at least 5 days after tiling.

Wallboards: fibre/cement, plywood, plasterboard, MDF
The board must be securely braced and fixed with screws at least every 300mm. Prime the reverse face and edges of plywood with Eco Prim Grip before fixing.

Wooden floors
Ensure the floor is rigid and strong enough to support the expected load with only minimal deflection. Tongued and grooved timber and chipboard must be overboarded with exterior grade plywood at least 15mm thick. Plywood floors should be at least 18mm thick and all joints must be supported. New boards should be primed on the reverse face and edges. All boards must be screwed down every 300mm.

Allowance for movement

Flexible joints should be incorporated to allow for slight movements due to changes in temperature, humidity etc.:
a) Where the tiling meets other materials (e.g. floor perimeters)
b) Along all internal corners – vertically and horizontally
c) Over existing movement joints or changes in background material
d) Dividing large tiled areas into bays (every 3–4.5m on walls, 8–10m on floors)

Technical Details
Colour Grey / White
Water addition 4 litres per 20kg
Coverage 9kg/m² (solid bed, 6mm thick)
4.5kg/m² (solid bed, 3mm thick)
3.0kg/m² (using a notched trowel with 6x6mm notches at 12mm centres)
Bed thickness 3 – 6mm (may be exceeded in small areas only)
Open time 20 minutes
Working time (pot life) 1 hour after mixing
Set time 24 hours – light foot traffic, full load after 48 hours
Application temp. +10°C - +35°C
Tools cleaning Water
Packaging 20kg paper bag
Storage 12 months under normal conditions in its original, sealed packaging.
Mapei - Keraflex White 20kg

High-performance cementitious adhesive with no vertical slip and extended open time for ceramic tiles and stone materials.

Mapei Ireland tile fixing solutions. Keraflex White - long open tile cement based tile adhesive.

Where to use

Interior and exterior bonding of ceramic tiles (single-fired, double-fired, porcelain tiles, terracotta, klinker, etc.) stone materials and mosaics of every type on floors, walls and ceilings (cement or mortar wall renders, interior aerated concrete block walls, gypsum or anhydrite after having first applied Primer G, gypsum board, underfloor heated installations, cement screeds, as long as they are sufficiently cured and dry, interior painted walls, as long as the paint is firmly anchored, over MAPEI waterproofing membranes such as Mapelastic AquaDefense and Mapegum WPS). Also suitable for spot bonding of insulating materials such as expanded polystyrene, rock and glass wool, Eraclit™ (wood-cement panels), sound-deadening/reduction panels.

Technical characteristics

Keraflex is a grey or white powder composed of cement and graded aggregates. It contains a high quantity of synthetic resins and special admixtures created according to a formula developed in MAPEI’s research laboratories. A mortar with the following features is obtained when mixed with water:
Easily workable
Highly thixotropic: Keraflex can be applied on a vertical surface without slumping or letting the tiles slip, even for heavy tiles. Tiles can be installed from the top towards the bottom without using spacer pegs
Perfect adherence to all materials normally used in building
Hardens without appreciable shrinkage
Extended open time.

Preparing the substrate

The substrates must be flat, mechanically resistant, free of loose parts, grease, oils, paints, wax, etc. Damp substrates can slow down the setting of Keraflex. Cement substrates should not be subject to shrinkage after the installation of the ceramic tiles, therefore, during spring and summer, renders must cure at least one week for each cm of thickness and cement screeds must have an overall cure time of at least 28 days, unless they are made with special binders for MAPEI screed such as Topcem. Dampen with water to cool surfaces which have become heated from exposure to sunlight. Gypsum substrates and anhydrite screeds must be perfectly dry (max. residual moisture 0.5%), sufficiently hard and free from dust. It is absolutely essential that they must be treated with Primer G

Mixing

In a clean mixing container pour in 5.4-6.2 litres of clean water. Add the 20kg bag of Keraflex powder. Using an electric mix (approx 300RPM) mix until a smooth, lump-free paste is obtained. Leave the mix to rest for approximately 5 minutes and then re-stir. Mixed this way, Keraflex has a pot life of approximately 8 hours.

Spreading the mix

Keraflex is applied to the substrate using a notched trowel. Choose a trowel that allows for complete coverage of the tile back. To achieve a good adhesion, spread an initial thin layer of Keraflex on the substrate using the flat side of the trowel. Immediately after, apply the desired thickness of Keraflex using a suitable notched trowel, depending on the type and size of the tile. For external ceramic tile floors and walls, sizes greater than 900cm², floors subject to heavy loads, when applying in swimming pools and basins filled with water, spread also the adhesive on the back of the tiles in order to ensure a complete coverage.

Installing the tiles

There is no need to wet the tiles before installing them. Only with very dusty backs it is recommended to dip the tiles in clean water. Tiles should be installed under a firm pressure to ensure good coverage of the adhesive. In normal temperatures and humidity conditions, the open time of Keraflex is approximately 30 minutes. Unfavourable weather conditions (strong sun, wind, high temperatures, etc.) or a highly absorbent substrate can reduce the open time, even to just a few minutes. It is therefore necessary that careful checks be made to ensure that a skin does not form on the surface of the spread adhesive, which should stay fresh. If not, re-freshen the adhesive by re-spreading with a notched trowel. It is not recommended to wet the adhesive with water once a skin has formed because, instead of dissolving the skin, the water will form an anti-adhesive film. If necessary, tiles should be adjusted within 60 minutes of installation. Tiling installed with Keraflex must not be washed or exposed to rain for at least 24 hours and must be protected from frost and strong sun for at least 5-7 days.

Spot-bonding insulating materials

For spot-bonding sound-deadening or insulating panels, apply Keraflex with a trowel or a float.

Grouting and sealing

Wall joints can be grouted after 4-8 hours and floor joints can be grouted after 24 hours with the specific MAPEI cementitious or epoxy grouts, available in different colours. Expansion joints must be sealed with the specific MAPEI sealants.

Ready for use

Surfaces are ready for use after approx. 14 days. Swimming pools and basins can be filled after 21 days.

Technical Details
Colour Grey or White
Coverage Approx 20kg bag covers 6 to 7.5m² with a square notched trowel 6x6x6mm and 4 to 5m² with a 6x10x6 mm square notched trowel.
Mixing ratio 5.4-6.2 litres per 20kg bag
Open time > 30 minutes
Adjustability time 45 minutes
Ready for grouting on walls after 4-8 hours
Ready for grouting on floors after 24 hours
Set to light foot traffic 24 hours
Application temp. +5°C - +40°C
Tools cleaning Water
Packaging 20kg bags
Storage 12 months in a dry place in the original packaging.

Fast setting cement based tile adhesives

Weberset - Rapid SPF Grey 20kg
Weberset - Rapid SPF White 20kg

Weberset Rapid SPF is a rapid-setting, flexible, low-dust, cement-based floor and wall tile adhesive, available in light grey or white for interior and exterior use. It is used to fix all ceramic tiles, mosaic, quarry, terrazzo, terracotta, porcelain and natural stone in situations where somemovement or vibration is likely. Can be used on heated and plywood floors. Suitable for use at thicknesses of 3-6mm.

Weber Ireland tile fixing solutions. Weberset Rapid SPF fast setting cement based tile adhesive.

Features and benefits:
Fast setting tile adhesive — can grout after 2 hours.
Low Dust Technology - makes it more comfortable to use and reduces cleaning time.
Flexible adhesive for substrates subject to movement or expansion.
Suitable for ceramic, porcelain and natural stone.
Suitable for use as on internal and external tiling projects.
High grab — non-slip for walls and floors.

Preparing the substrate

Ensure that all surfaces are clean, dry, soundand free from dust, grease or any contaminating barrier. Make good any unsound areas and remove flaky or peeling layers before tiling. Porous or dusty surfaces should be primed using a suitable primer and allowed to dry. Check before use that the colour of the adhesive does not cause staining or discolouration of light coloured or translucent tiles.

Mixing

Gradually add approximately 4 parts of powder to 1 part of clean water (measured by volume), and mix to a smooth, workable, stiff paste (non-slip wall tiling requires 3.4 litres of water per 20kg of adhesive and for floor tiling, 4 to 5 litres). Use within 30 minutes of mixing. Do not attempt to extend the pot life by adding more water to the mix.

Application

Do not use at temperatures below 5°C. Apply the adhesive onto the substrate covering up to 1 m² at a time (or no more than can be tiled within 10 minutes). When using as a pourable adhesive, pour onto the floor and spread with a solid bed trowel. Use a suitable notched trowel to achieve a bed thickness of 3 to 6mm. Tiles with studded backs may need to have adhesive buttered onto the tile back as well. Bed the tiles firmly into the adhesive with as light sliding and/or twisting action, to ensure a good contact. It is good practice to lift an occasional tile after fixing, to verify that the required contact is being achieved. In wet areas, external areas and all floors, the final adhesive bed should be free from voids. Leave appropriate clearance joints for grouting and make any adjustments within 10 min. Carefully clean off any excess adhesive with a damp cloth or sponge from the tiles and joints before it sets. Leave for at least 2 hours before grouting. Longer is required at lower temperatures o rwhen tiling onto impervious or sealed surfaces. For swimming pools, leave at least 3 days before grouting and then a further 3 weeks before filling.

Brick and blockwork

Allow at least 6 weeks before tiling. Lightweight blocks need priming. Ensure that the wall face is sufficiently flat.

Cement/sand render or screed

Allow at least 3 weeks for screed and 2 weeks for render before tiling. Priming with Weber PR360 may be required if the surface isvery dusty or porous.

Concrete

Allow at least 7 weeks before tiling onto new concrete. Surface should be clean and free from laitance – scabbling is recommended.

Existing ceramic/vinyl tiles

Ensure that the substrate is strong enough to take the weight of extra tiling, that the existing tiles are firmly adhered and that the surface is free from any wax, polish or detergent.

Plaster walls and anhydrite screeds

Leave plaster for at least 4 weeks before tiling. Ensure anhydrite screeds are fully dry (moisture content <0.5%). It is important that the surface is abraided and sealed by repeatedly coating with Weber PR360 until the surface stops absorbing.

Underfloor heating/undertile warming

The heating must be off and should be turned on gradually at least 5 days after tiling.

Wallboards fibre/cement, plywood, plasterboard, MDF

Ensure boards are rigidly supported, clean, dry and free from dust. Plasterboard should be thoroughly primed with Weber PR360 until the surface stops absorbing. Prime the reverse face and edges of plywood with Weber PR360 before fixing.

Wooden floors

Ensure the floor is rigid and capable of supporting the expected load with minimal deflection. Brace any areas that need extra support with noggins between the joists. New WBP plywood floors should be a minimum of 18mm thick and all joints must be adequately supported. Tongued and grooved timber and chipboard must be over-boarded. Existing boards should be screwed down to joists with 2 screws at each end and another 2 wherever they cross joists/noggins. For small floors with no noticeable deflection 9mm plywood or suitable tile backer board can be used to provide a smooth surface to tile. If there is some limited deflection, a minimum of 15mm WBP plywood or equivalent tile backer board should be used to increase the rigidity of the floor. If there is still noticeable movement in the floor, another layer of plywood or tile backer board may be needed. New plywood boards should be primed on the reverse face and edges with Weber PR360 and screwed down every 200–300 mm. Slight gaps should be left between boards and at the perimeter for expansion. These should be filled with silicone sealant.

Allowance for movement

Flexible joints should be incorporated to allow for slight movements due to changes in temperature, humidity etc.:
a) Where the tiling meets other materials (e.g. floor perimeters)
b) Along all internal corners – vertically and horizontally
c) Over existing movement joints or changes in background material
d) Dividing large tiled areas into bays (every 3–4.5m on walls, 8–10m on floors)

Technical Details
Colour Grey or White
Coverage Approximately 1.5kg of powder per m² for every 1mm of bed thickness.
Mixing ratio 5 litres per 20kg for use as a pourable adhesive
4 litres per 20kg for normal floor tiling
3.4 litres per 20kg for non-slip wall tiling
Open time 10 minutes
Working time (pot life) 30 minutes
Set time 2 hours – light foot traffic
full load after 24 hours
Bed thickness: 3 – 6mm (may be exceeded in small areas only)
Application temp. +5°C - +30°C
Tools cleaning Water
Packaging 20kg bags
Storage 12 months in a dry place in the original packaging.
Mapei - Mapeker Rapid-Set Flex Grey 20kg
Mapei - Mapeker Rapid-Set Flex White 20kg

Cement-based rapid-setting adhesive for interior and exterior floor and wall installations of ceramic and porcelain tiles and non-moisture sensitive natural stone.

Mapei Ireland tile fixing solutions. Mapeker Grey and White. Rapid-set flexible adhesive for all types of tiles.

Where to use

Interior and exterior bonding of ceramic and porcelain tiles and mosaics and natural stone materials that are not sensitive to moisture. Use Mapeker Rapid-Set Flex White for the installation of light coloured natural stone. Spot bonding of insulating materials such as expanded polystyrene and polyurethane, gypsum board, glass and rock wool, wood-cement panels, formed-concrete blocks, sound-deadening panels etc.

Some application examples:
Rapid installation or renovation in areas subjected to pedestrian traffic.
Rapid repair work in bathrooms, showers, kitchens, terraces and balconies.
Installing marble and other natural stone not sensitive to moisture.
Rapid installation onto rigid plywood overlaid floors (min. 15mm ply).
Underfloor heating installations (suitably encapsulated).

Technical characteristics

Mapeker Rapid-Set Flex is a powder composed of a mixture of special cements, selectively-graded aggregates, synthetic resins and setting accelerators that develop high bond strength only 3 hours after setting. For this reason floor and wall installations can be completed very quickly. Floors can be walked on after only 3 hours and are ready for general traffic after 24 hours. Mapeker Rapid-Set Flex when hardened is frost-proof and water resistant.

Recommendations:
On walls or floors subject to flexing or vibration (wooden or cement-fibre boards, gypsum boards, cement boards etc.) use a highly flexible adhesive (for example Keraquick mixed with Latex Plus).
Mechanically abrade anhydrite screeds and prime with Primer G.
On gypsum boards use flexible adhesives (for example Keraflex).
On gypsum walls or gypsum plasters, apply a coat of Primer G before fixing with cement-based adhesives.
On metal surfaces use Keralastic.
For bonding expanded polystyrene insulating panels with a protective film use Mapegrip D2.
Plywood overlaid floors must use a minimum 15mm WBP or marine grade plywood and be fixed at maximum 300mm centres in all directions to provide a rigid substrate.
Not suitable for use on plywood direct to joists or for floating floors.

Preparing the substrate

Mapeker Rapid-Set Flex can be applied to all stable substrates that are free of oils, grease, waxes and that are sound and free of loose plaster, laitance and crazing. Damp cement screeds can noticeably prolong the setting time of Mapeker Rapid-Set Flex. Gypsum plasters must be perfectly dry (min. 4 weeks), sufficiently hard and free of dust. It is absolutely essential that they are treated with Primer G before applying Mapeker Rapid-Set Flex. In areas subject to extreme damp (showers etc.) Mapegum WPS should be used to waterproof the substrate.

Mixing

Mapeker Rapid-Set Flex should be mixed with clean water and stirred continuously until it becomes a smooth lump-free paste. It is preferable to use a mechanical mixer. The mix must be used within 15-20 minutes, after which it begins to set. A 20 kg bag of Mapeker Rapid-Set Flex should be mixed with about 4.6-5 litres of water. Allow the mix to stand for a few minutes then mix again briefly before applying.

Spreading the mix

Mapeker Rapid-Set Flex is applied to the substrate with a notched trowel to a max of 5 mm thick. When selecting the trowel, choose one that transfers the adhesive to at least 65% to 70% of the back of the tiles for interior dry walls and 100% coverage for floor areas, exterior and wet wall areas:
for mosaics up to 5x5cm, the MAPEI square-notched trowel No.4 is recommended;
for normal ceramic wall tiles in dry areas, the MAPEI V-notched trowel No.5 is recommended
for floors, use a trowel appropriate to tile size, substrate regularity etc. to achieve a solid bed fix
for very demanding applications such as exteriors subject to freezing, floors subject to loads, large-size tiles, Mapeker Rapid-Set Flex should also be applied to the backs of the tiles (back-buttering). Large format includes tiles over 30x30cm
for very absorbent substrates or during hot weather, the substrate should be dampened to extend the open time of the adhesive.

Installing the tiles

It is not necessary to wet the tiles before fixing; if, however, the backs are very dusty, they should be wiped over with a wet sponge. Mapeker Rapid-Set Flex’s open time in normal temperature and humidity is about 10 minutes; unfavourable weather conditions (strong sun, drying wind, high temperature), or a highly absorbent substrate will shorten this open time, sometimes to just a few minutes. For this reason, there must be constant checks to see whether the adhesive has formed a surface skin or is still fresh to the touch. Should a surface skin have formed, the adhesive should be removed and fresh adhesive applied. Do not wet the adhesive when it has formed a skin because, a non-adhesive film will be formed. Adjustment of the tiles, if necessary, should be carried out within 5-10 minutes after placing the tiles. Tiling fixed with Mapeker Rapid-Set Flex must not be subjected to washout or rain for at least 3 hours and must be protected from frost and strong sun for at least 24 hours after laying.

Grouting Tile joints can be grouted 2-3 hours after application with MAPEI products (Keracolor and Ultracolor Plus). If the joints need to have good chemical resistance or where hygiene is of importance, use Kerapoxy, a two-component acid-resistant epoxy grouting compound. Expansion joints to should be filled with Mapesil AC.

Spot-bonding insulating materials

Spot bonding to sound-deadening or insulating panels should be applied using a float or trowel, the trowel type and size to be determined by the flatness of the surface and the weight of the panels. In these cases, the open time must also be observed, bearing in mind that a few spots of adhesive on heavy panels may require temporary shoring which should then only be removed after the Mapeker Rapid-Set Flex has begun to set.

Consumption:
Ceramic-tiling mosaics and small size tiles (trowel no.4): 2kg/m²
normal size tiles (trowel no.5): 2.5-3kg/m²
large sizes, floors, exteriors (trowel no.6 or 10 or larger): 4-5kg/m⊃
Spot-bonding foamed materials etc.: 0.5-0.8kg/m²
gypsum wallboard, foamed concrete: 1.5kg/m²
full-bonding on rough surfaces: 2.5kg/m².

Technical Details
Colour Grey or White
Mixing ratio 1 part of powder with 2.3-2.5 parts by weight of water
Pot life of mix 20 minutes
Open time 10 minutes
Adjustability time about 5-10 minutes
Setting time 45 minutes
Ready for traffic on dry support 3 hours
Cure time on dry support 24 hours
Grouting on dry support 2-3 hours
Application temp. +5°C - +40°C
Tools cleaning Water
Packaging 20kg bags
Storage 12 months in a dry place in the original packaging.
Mapei - Granirapid

Two-component high performance flexible rapid set with high strength adhesive for the installation of ceramic, porcelain, natural and agglomerate stone. Ideal for heavy duty commercial and industrial applications, interior and exterior use, balconies, terraces and swimming pools. For use with underfloor heating systems.

Mapei Ireland tile fixing solutions. Granirapid.

Where to use

For bonding all kinds of interior and exterior ceramic tiles, conglomerate, artificial and natural stone and marble on walls or floors. For bonding rubber flooring for cement installations (stalk back or dove-tailed back) on all traditional substrates in interiors, exteriors and in environments subject to heavy traffic.

Some application examples:
Ceramic and vitreous mosaics, single-fired and double-fired ceramic tiles, terracotta, klinker, porcelain tiles, etc.
Reconstructed or artificial stones, natural stone (marble, granite, etc.) which require adhesives with fast drying times.
Bonded or unbonded cement screeds provided they are sufficiently cured.
Underfloor undertile heating installations.
Bonded or unbonded screeds in Mapecem, Mapecem Pronto, Topcem or Topcem Pronto.
Existing floors (ceramic tiles, natural stone, terrazzo tiles, etc.) after cleaning and degreasing. Because of its extraordinary bonding and fast-setting characteristics, Granirapid is particularly suitable for rapid re-tiling jobs or flooring that has to be ready for use within very short times (supermarkets, factories, malls, hospitals, airports, etc.).

Technical characteristics

Granirapid is a two-component adhesive composed of a special hydraulic and silica sand (part A) and a synthetic rubber latex (part B). Granirapid has particularly fast setting and hydration times so that floors are set to light foot traffic after 3 hours and completely cured after only 24 hours. Granirapid has very low shrinkage and excellent bonding characteristics making it suitable for most difficult substrates. Its mechanical properties make it resistant to impact, vibration, temperature changes, ageing and dilute chemical agents.

Do not use Granirapid!
On walls or floors subject to intense movement (chipboard or wood agglomerates, asbestos cement board, etc.).
On metal surfaces.
On artificial, conglomerate or natural marble subject to exceptional moisture movement, on green marble, certain sandstones and slates. Use Keralastic only.

Preparing the substrate

All substrates onto which Granirapid will be applied must be flat, mechanically strong, free from loose parts, grease, oil, paint, wax, etc. Cementitious substrates must not be subject to shrinkage after the installation of the tiles. During warm weather, renders must be cured at least 1 weeks per centimetre of thickness and cementitious screeds must be cured for at least 28 days, unless they have been made with special MAPEI binders for screeds such as Mapecem, Mapecem Pronto, Topcem or Topcem Pronto. Dampen the surfaces with water to cool down, if they should be too warm from exposure to direct sunlight. Gypsum substrates and anhydrite screeds must be perfectly dry (maximum residual moisture 0.5%), sufficiently hard and free from dust. It is absolutely essential that they are treated with Primer G.

Mixing

The Granirapid mix is obtained by mixing 25kg of part A with 5.5kg of part B (synthetic rubber latex). If possible, use a mechanical stirrer until a smooth mix is obtained. Always pour the powder part A into the latex part B. Pot life at +20°C is about 45 minutes, but higher temperatures may reduce this time.

Applying the mix

To achieve a good adhesion, first spread a thin coat of Granirapid onto the substrate using the straight edge of the trowel followed immediately with the correct thickness, using the most suitable notched trowel. The general principle to follow when selecting the right trowel is to choose one that gives a coverage to at least 65-70% of the back of the tiles for internal walls and light traffic areas and 100% coverage for heavy traffic areas and all external work. For mosaics up to 5x5cm MAPEI trowel No.4 or 5 is recommended (consumption 2.5-3kg/m²). For normal ceramic wall tiles MAPEI V. notched trowel No.5 is recommended (consumption 3.5-4kg/m²). For floors and any uneven surfaces or tiles with highly profiled ribs or lugs or large format tiles MAPEI V notched trowel No.6 is recommended (consumption 5-6kg/m²). For floors and very uneven surfaces or tiles with highly profiled ribs or lugs or large size tiles MAPEI square notched trowel No.10 is recommended (consumption 8kg/m²), or a Kerafloor trowel (up to 1cm thick). For particularly demanding applications such as exteriors subject to freezing, basins or swimming pools, floors subject to heavy loads or floors to be polished in situ, dove-tailed tiles, or tiles with large stalks or large format tiles, Granirapid should be applied to the back of the tiles (back-buttering). Large format tiles include those over 900cm² (30x30cm).

Installing the tiles

Open time in normal temperature and humidity conditions is about 20 minutes. Unfavourable climatic conditions (strong sun, wind, high temperature, etc.) or a highly absorbent substrate can reduce the time to just a few minutes. Careful checks have to be made to ensure that a skin does not form on the surface of the spread adhesive, which should stay fresh. Wetting the substrate before applying the adhesive helps to prolong open time. Should a skin form, the adhesive will have to be freshened up by re-spreading with the notched trowel. It is not advisable to wet the adhesive with water when a skin has formed because, instead of dissolving the skin, the water will often form an anti-adhesive film. Ceramic coverings laid with Granirapid must not be washed or exposed to rain for at least 3-4 hours and must be protected from strong sunlight for at least 12 hours after laying.

Installing the rubber

The installation of rubber with cement installations must be carried out by back-buttering. Butter with Granirapid, until saturated, the back of the slab and spread Granirapid on the substrate with a No.6 trowel. Apply the slab wet on wet and lightly twist.

Grouting Joints can be grouted after 3 hours with MAPEI cementitious or epoxy grouts, available in various colours. Expansion joints must be sealed with MAPEI sealants.

Polishing

Surfaces can be polished after 24 hours.

Light foot traffic

Floors are able to take light foot traffic after 3-4 hours.

Ready for use

Surfaces are ready for use after approximately 24 hours. Basins and swimming pools can be filled after 3 days.

Consumption:
Mosaics and small sizes in general trowel No.4: 2.5-3kg/m²
Normal sizes trowel No.5: 3.5-4kg/m²
Large sizes, exterior floors trowel No.6: 5-6kg/m²
Uneven tile backs and uneven surfaces, natural stones trowel No.10: 8kg/m² or more.

Technical Details
Colour Component A - Grey, Component B - White
Mixing ratio Component A: 25kg / Component B: 5.5kg
Pot life of mix 45 minutes
Open time approx 20 minutes
Setting time 2 hours
Grouting after 3 hours
Set to light traffic after 3-4 hours
Ready for use after 24 hours (3 days for basins and swimming pools)
Application temp. +5°C - +40°C
Tools cleaning All tools should be cleaned with plenty of water before the adhesive sets.
After setting, cleaning becomes very difficult, but can usually be helped by solvents such as white spirit or similar.
Packaging Component A - 20kg, Component B - 4.4kg
Storage Granirapid component A can be stored 12 months in original unopened packing in a dry place.
Granirapid component B can be stored 24 months. Protect from frost.