SikaCeram®-288 Flex S1

Portland cement, selected aggregates, water retention additives, re-dispersible polymer

12 months from date of production

The product must be stored in original, unopened and undamaged sealed packaging in dry conditions at temperatures between +5 °C and +35 °C.

C2TES1* according to EN 12004-1

C2TES1* according to ISO 13007-1

IS 15477: 2019,Type 4 Adhesive

*Tensile adhesion strength test after freeze-thaw cycles not conducted due to tropical climatic conditions

For the following substrates, a primer must be used:

+5 °C min. / +35 °C max.

+5 °C min. / +35 °C max.

~5 minutes

≥ 180 minutes (100 g mass, +27 °C)

~40 min (+27 °C)

Values determined in laboratory conditions: +23 °C ± 2 °C, R.H. 50 % ± 5 %. Higher temperatures will reduce the indicated waiting time, lower temperatures increase waiting time.

Consumption is dependent on the substrate, surface profile, roughness, size of the tiles, the joints between them and application technique (i.e. single spreading / floating method or double spreading / buttering method). Apply product to a test area to calculate the exact consumption for the specific substrate conditions and proposed application.

As a guide for a single adhesive layer:

Important: Avoid over-mixing to minimise air entrainment.

Requirement: Use a low speed electric single paddle mixer (< 500 rpm) with spiral paddle for mixing.

1. Pour the minimum recommended quantity of clean cold water into a clean mixing container.
2. Gradually add SikaCeram®-288 Flex S1 powder to the water while mixing.
3. Mix thoroughly for ~5 minutes until a uniformly coloured, smooth mix is achieved. Add additional water, if necessary, to the maximum specified amount.
4. Do not mix for ~5 minutes to allow mixed product to ‘mature’.
5. Remix for ~15 seconds.

Important: Apply sufficient adhesive to ensure adequate ‘wetting’ of the backs of the tiles.

Important: Coverage on the back of the tiles must be 100 %.

Important: Tiling must be carried out on freshly applied adhesive. Exert adequate pressure to ensure 100 % complete and uniform contact with the adhesive to achieve optimum adhesion.

Important: If a skin forms on the surface of the adhesive, immediately remove the adhesive layer with a trowel, discard material and apply a fresh layer of SikaCeram®-288 Flex S1 adhesive.

Important: Protect freshly applied material from freezing conditions and rain, etc.

Important: For natural stone tiles, always carry out a preliminary test application first.

Note: On cementitious substrates, SikaCeram®-288 Flex S1 can be used for laying non-absorbent tiles on non-heated floors in outdoor and indoor applications up to 32 ft² (e.g. 4 ft × 8 ft). On walls indoor up to 8 ft height up to 32 ft² (e.g. 4 ft × 8 ft) and outdoor up to 20 ft height up to 8 ft² (e.g. 2 ft × 4 ft).

Note: For tiles > 900 cm² (e.g. 30 × 30 cm), the double-spreading (buttering) technique is always recommended.

1. Apply sufficient adhesive to the prepared fixing surfaces with the flat side of trowel.
2. Comb additional adhesive with appropriate square notched trowel to the required bed thickness.
3. Wherever needed (for large tiles), back butter the tiles for full bedding.
4. Place tiles into wet, sticky adhesive and use rubber mallet to fully embed the tiles.
5. Adjust tiles if required. Provide support wherever needed.
6. Clean off surplus adhesive from tile face and between tile joints before the adhesive has dried.

Clean all tools and application equipment with water immediately after use. Hardened material can only be mechanically removed.