Description
Better, Cheaper, Stronger!
A polymer modified, S2 rated, cement-based tile adhesive designed for internal and external applications. Can be used for ceramic, porcelain and glass. Our cement adhesive is fully submersible, and is therefore suitable for use in bee- and bird-baths. Can be used over tiles areas as long as a primer is used first.
S2 rated adhesives contain more latex than S1 products. They are intended to be mixed with water only.
- CS Improved adhesion
- S2 Flexible – requires no extra additive
- works with glass when mixed with water
- Non Slumping
- Suitable for use on Concrete render, rendered brick work, plaster board, or fibre cement (Thermasheet etc.)
- Bright white colour
- Mix with approx. 360-400 mls water (per kilo dry product)
- mix to a creamy consistency, with no lumps
- Allow mix to stand for 3 mins
- Re-mix prior to use.
- For use with a direct laying method, I recommend the ‘baggie” system, or direct buttering of the substrate (spread larger areas with a notched trowel). Ready made mosaic baggies available from Merlin Mosaica here. These are a wonderful narrow shape, and come with reusable silicon ties.
- May be coloured with Merlin Mosaica pigments.
- Remove dried or semi-dried product from the edges of your work before curing. Leaving it there can make it more difficult to continue on in your next session. A Tile Lifter (spudger) is ideal for this.
- To clean cured adhesive off tiles, apply a mix of water (with a small amount of detergent added) with an old toothbrush, rub gently.
NOTE: I mix my adhesive in a silicon grouting bowl, so I can get every last drop out easily. I do have a small bucket of water handy to drop the bowl and spoon into, otherwise it may be problematic to clean up once you finish for the day.
Technical Data
- Coverage: Approx. 2 sq. mtr per kilo (based on a 4-5mm thick bed)
- Slake Time: 3 mins
- Open (Working) Time: 25 mins (at 23°C – cooler temps may extend this). The amount of time after applying the adhesive to a surface where it can still bond with another material before it starts to set.
- Pot Life: 90-120 mins – the amount of time a mixed adhesive or sealant remains workable after being mixed, although I find the product stays workable for a much longer when used with my Mosaic Baggies.
- Curing Time:
- Leave for 24 hours (at 20ºC) before grouting.
- Do not submerge for at least 2 days after application
- Leave for at least 7 days if using outdoors ungrouted (for example with Smalti).
- Usage temperature range: 5ºC – 40ºC
- Shelf life: 18 months if stored correctly.
- Storage:
- Sealed container (comes in a double bag).
- Avoid moisture.
- Store at least 90mm off the floor if possible, or separated by a moisture-proof. Cement is a dry, hygroscopic material – meaning it will draw moisture from its surroundings.
Safety Data Sheet available here
Questions:
A: No – it doesn’t seem to adhere, until it does. Once you have your tesserae set in position, don’t touch, move or bump them. The next day, they will be stuck like a rock. Full cure is not achieved for 24 hours. Before this, tiles may appear not to be sticking – but they definitely do. If you have to move them, scrape off old adhesive and re-apply.
This can work to your advantage once you know.
- Don’t worry about cleaning off fresh adhesive – it will only smear everywhere.
- Leave it until dry, but not set. Then you can clean off the edges with a spudger, or tool of your choice.
- This means that the next day you have a clean edge to continue on with your work.
- Also, don’t be tempted to smooth it out with your fingers (as I have seen some do). The oils from your fingers may impact the bond (a gloved hand is OK is smoothing over large areas of a substrate
Q: How long does CBA last after opening and does it have special storage requirements?
A: Brands MAY differ, but generally, CBA has a 12 month shelf life and is best stored dry in sealed containers. Avoid damp conditions, and if possible, store up off the floor. My product comes double bagged, for ease of shipping. (I can fit 2 bags in a standard Aussie small parcel. Postage at time of writing is $10.50)
High-Traffic areas: (Floors, pathways, driveways etc)
Merlin Mosaica sells a Latex additive, which can enhance strength for heavy traffic areas, or where more strength is required.
- Mix 1 part additive with 2 parts water:
- Product should be applied using a trowel method.
- Only recommended for high-traffic or vulnerable (e.g. edges) situations for added strength.
- NOTE: This will significantly reduce the working time, and is not recommended for use with the baggie method
- Liquid mix can be made up and will keep for up to 1 month
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