Questions about Portland Cement Based Thin-set Installations
My thin set mortar is setting up too fast. What can I do?
If the mortar has stiffened in the mixing pail, you must discard and mix a new batch. However, keep the following tips in mind to extend working time of the mortar. 1. Dampen substrate prior to spreading the thin set mortar. 2. Spread smaller areas. Only spread what can be covered with tile within 10 minutes. Spread even smaller areas in extremely arid conditions. 3. Make sure to slake the thin set mortar for 5 to 10 minutes and then remix prior to use. 4. Use a liquid latex additive in addition to the thin set mortar. Latex additives will extend the working time and adjustability time of thin set mortars.
How much mixing liquid do I add to LATICRETE® thin set mortars?
Generally 1 ¾ to 2 gallons (6 to 8 liters) of LATICRETE® liquid latex additive will mix with 50 lbs. (22.7 kg) of LATICRETE unmodified pre-blended thin set mortars. Use the proportionate ratios when mixing smaller batches. The consistency of the thin set mortar should be like cake frosting or toothpaste. Refer to the individual product data sheets for additional information on the specific LATICRETE products being used.
How do I prepare walls and floors for a thin set application?
Make sure that the existing surface is clean, dry, structurally sound and free from any bond breaking or bond inhibiting materials. Bond inhibiting materials can include, but are not limited to, sealers, waxes, oils, curing compounds, dirt, grease, form releases, paint, old adhesives, laitence from over-troweling, etc. If these materials are present on the concrete, they must be completely removed prior to any direct bond installations of tile or stone. Additionally, the industry tolerance for substrate flatness is to have no variance greater than 1/8″ (3mm) in 10-ft. (3m). Use a suitable LATICRETE latex fortified underlayment/patching material to accomplish this. (e.g. For masonry surfaces, use LATICRETE 211 Powder mixed with LATICRETE 4237 Latex Additive or, LATICRETE 254 Platinum for patching depths of a feather edge to 3/8″ (0 -9)mm, for wood surface use LATICRETE 317 mixed with LATICRETE 333 Super Flexible Additive).
Related Documents:
Preparation of Wall & Floor Mortars for Thin Bed Installations TDS 146
Drawing ESF143
Questions about Mastic Adhesive Thin-set Installations
How big a tile can I install on walls when using mastic adhesives?
Maximum wall tile size when using LATICRETE 9 Mastic and LATICRETE 15 Premium Mastic is 10” x 10” (250mm x 250 mm).
How soon can I grout after installing tile with a mastic adhesive?
Grout installation after a minimum of 24 hours curing at 70 degrees F (21 degrees C). Colder temperatures will require a longer cure time.
Questions about Epoxy Adhesive Thin-set Installations
Which adhesive should I use for green marble and agglomerates?
Use LATAPOXY® 300 Adhesive
Related Documents:
LATAPOXY 300 Adhesive DS 633.0
How do I remove cured LATAPOXY® 300 Adhesive haze or residue?
Use a Neutral pH Detergent and water with a scrub pad within the first 24 hours. If older than 24 hours, use of the following cleaners:
The Miracle Company – Epoxy Grout Film Remover (800) 350-1901
Aqua Mix – Sealer & Adhesive Remover (800) 366-6877
Dominion Restoration – Petra 7 (800) 835-4456
Related Documents:
Epoxy Grout Haze Removal TDS 198
I need only a small amount of the epoxy adhesive. I do not want to mix the entire unit. What can I do?
For best results, LATICRETE suggests that you mix the entire unit. However, if you need to mix up a small amount, use the same proportions of each component (e.g. Use ½ of the part A, ½ of the part B, ½ of the part C, etc….)
How much time do I have to work with LATAPOXY 300 Adhesive once mixed?
You have approximately 1 hour working time with LATAPOXY 300 Adhesive at 70 degrees F (21 degrees C) after it’s mixed.
Can I use LATAPOXY 300 Adhesive for vertical interior applications?
Yes. The LATAPOXY 300 Adhesive is designed to be used on interior vertical applications, exterior underwater submersed vertical applications and exterior and interior horizontal applications.
Do I have to use all of LATAPOXY Part “C” filler powder when mixing LATAPOXY 300 Adhesive?
You must add at least 3/4 of the Part C filler powder to the fully blended Part A and B resins. Temperature and other site conditions will dictate exactly how much powder will be used. For optimum coverage, use all of the Part C Filler Powder. For better workability, use 10 % less Powder.
THICK BED INSTALLATION
How do I install a tile over a Mortar Bed?
There are two options.
“Cured” Mortar Bed – Allow the mortar bed to harden and then thin set the tiles to the mortar bed using a LATICRETE liquid latex fortified thin set mortar system.
“Green” Mortar Bed – beat the tiles into the fresh mortar bed by applying a slurry bond coat consisting of LATICRETE 211 Powder mixed with LATICRETE 4237 Latex Additive directly to the mortar bed and to the backs of the tiles. Place the tiles into the wet slurry bond coat and beat / level into the mortar bed with a beating block or rubber mallet.
Related Documents:
Drawing for a bonded mortar bed ESF112
Drawing for an unbonded mortar bed ESF111
Drawing for an unbonded mortar bed in a roof deck Plaza & Deck System configuration ESF104