Tiling Adhesive - Application Procedure

Preparing the substrate

Substrates must be flat, mechanically strong, free of loose parts, grease, oil, paint, wax and dry.

Cementitious substrates must not continue to shrink once the tiles have been installed. Cementitious screeds must have an overall cure of at least 3-4 weeks.

Gypsum substrates and anhydrite screeds must be perfectly dry, sufficiently hard and free from laitence.

Preparing the mix

A 20kg bag of Keraquick grey should be mixed with about 4.8-5.2 litres of water, while a 20kg bag of Keraquidk white should be mixed with about 5.2-5.6 litres of water.

Whilst stirring, pour Keraquick into a bucket containing clean water and mix with a mechanical stirrer until a homogeneous lump-free past is obtained. Let the mix stand a few minutes then stir again before applying. The mixture must be used within 30 minutes.

Applying the mix

Apply Keraquick to the substrate with a notched trowel to a max of 10 mm thick. To achieve a good adhesion, first apply a skim coat of Keraquick onto the substrate using the straight edge of the trowel followed immediately by the correct thickness. When selecting the trowel, choose one that transfers the adhesive to at least 65% to 70% of the back of the tiles for interior walls and floors and 100% coverage for floor areas and exteriors.

This method is prescribed for sizes exceeding 30cm x 30cm. If the substrates are very absorbent and in high temperatures, it is recommended to dampen the substrate in order to extend the adhesive’s open time before applying Keraquick.

Installing the tiles

Do not wet the tiles before installation. Keraquick’s open time in normal temperature and humidity is about 15-20 minutes. Constantly check to see whether the adhesive has formed a surface skin. Should a surface skin have formed, the adhesive should be re-trowelled. It is not recommended to wet the adhesive when it has formed a skin because a non-adhesive film will be formed.

Tiling installed with Keraquick 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 installation.

Grouting and Sealing

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

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