Tiles can be fixed to most walls and floors as long as they are properly prepared. All surfaces must suitably level, clean, dry, and free of dust, grease or any loose material.

Surface preparation

Primers

Weber PR360 - Primer

Tile primer for use in the preparation of most substrates prior to the application of tiles adhesives, levelling compounds and tanking systems offering good alkali resistance and adhesion properties in both wet and dry environments.

Weber Ireland tile fixing solutions. PR360 multi-purpose tile primer.

Can be used as a primer prior to applying tile adhesive for porous and non-porous substrates such as internal screeds, concrete and blockwork. weber PR360 is suitable for: concrete, anhydrite (calcium sulphate), plaster, wood, stone, vinyl and steel.

Technical Details
Coverage
Substrate Primer : Water Ratio / Coverage (litres/m²)
Concrete 1 : 3 / 0.10
Cement / Sand render or screed 1 : 3 - 1 : 5 / 0.20 - 0.40
Anhydrite screed 1 : 3 - 1 : 5 / 0.20 - 0.40
Plaster or plasterboard 1 : 3 - 1 : 5 / 0.20 - 0.40
Ceramic or vinyl tiles 1 : 1 / 0.20
Timber, steel or asphalt 5 : 1 / 0.20
Drying time 1 - 5 hours
Application temp. +10°C - +35°C
Tools cleaning Water
Packaging 1kg or 5kg bottle
Storage 12 months under normal conditions in its original, sealed packaging.
Mapei - Eco Prim Grip

Multi-purpose, ready-to-use bonding promoter primer with a very low emission of volatile organic compounds (VOC) for render, smoothing and levelling compounds and adhesives for ceramic tiles.

Mapei Ireland tile fixing solutions. Eco Prim Grip - multi-purpose tile primer with low VOC.

WHERE TO USE: Multi-purpose, ready-to-use primer for internal and external floors and walls. Eco Prim Grip may be used to improve the bond of all types of cement, gypsum and lime-based plasters on substrates made from concrete, brickwork, vibro-compressed concrete blocks, lightweight blocks and gypsum. Eco Prim Grip is also suitable for improving the bond of adhesives for ceramics, smoothing and levelling compounds on non-absorbent surfaces, such as ceramic, terrazzo and natural stone floors.

SOME APPLICATION EXAMPLES: Application of render on concrete, brickwork, substrates, etc. Application of smoothing and levelling compounds on old ceramic, terrazzo and natural stone floors. Laying ceramic and natural stone floors directly on top of old ceramic floors.

TECHNICAL CHARACTERISTICS: Eco Prim Grip is a solvent-free, primer composed of synthetic resin in water dispersion and selected inert materials with excellent bond strength, resistance to water and ageing. It guarantees a rough keying surface ideal for render, smoothing and levelling compounds, thus ensuring an excellent bond on smooth substrates and substrates with low absorbency, reducing and evening out absorption of water of absorbent surfaces. Once dry, it guarantees a tough bond of any cementitious render on various types of substrate: concrete, lightweight cellular cement blocks, bricks, stone, plasterboard, wood, ceramic, metal, render, gypsum, etc. Eco Prim Grip is a ready-to-use grey latex which is easy to apply using either a roller or a brush. Eco Prim Grip is non-flammable and has an extremely low emission level of volatile organic compounds (VOC). Therefore, the product is considered non-hazardous for those who use the product and final users of the environments where it is applied. It may also be stored without taking particular precautions.

Technical Details
Colour Grey
Coverage 0.20 - 0.30kg/m²
Drying time according to the surrounding conditions and the absorption of the substrate. Waiting time before applying render: 15-20 minutes.
Drying time according to the surrounding conditions and the absorption of the substrate. Waiting time before applying smoothing compound: 30 minutes.
Application temp. +5°C - +35°C
Tools cleaning Water
Packaging 5kg or 10kg drum
Storage 12 months under normal conditions in its original, sealed packaging.
Mapei - Primer G

Water-based synthetic resin primer for treating gypsum or anhydrite substrates prior to installing ceramic tiles or stone material with cementitious adhesives. Primer G has very low emissions of VOC. For general dust suppression and reducing the absorption of very porous substrates. Suitable for use on absorbent substrates only e.g. screed, plasterboard, plaster, plywood.

Mapei Ireland tile fixing solutions. Primer G - water-based synthetic resin primer for plywood, gypsum or anhydrite substrates.

WHERE TO USE: For treating gypsum surfaces prior to installing ceramic tiles. As an anchoring coat for gypsum-based sprayable plasters. To improve the adhesion of smoothing compounds on cementitious or anhydrite and gypsum-based surfaces. To provide uniform absorption in cementitious or gypsum surfaces.

SOME APPLICATION EXAMPLES: Preparing cement-based surfaces prior to smoothing with self-levelling or thixotropic smoothing compounds. Between layers of smoothing compounds once the first coat is perfectly dry. On gypsum plasters prior to smoothing with cementitious products. On anhydrite surfaces prior to applying cement based products. On cementitious renders prior to smoothing with gypsum based products. On gypsum walls as a fixative for wallpaper adhesives. Before installing ceramic tiles with cementitious adhesives on: – gypsum plasters and sprayed gypsum; – pre-cast gypsum panels; – fibrous-gypsum panels; – anhydrite screeds. Treating gypsum walls, chipboard, cement fibre boards, foamed concrete, renders etc. prior to papering or painting.

TECHNICAL CHARACTERISTICS: Primer G is a synthetic resin-based primer which, once applied to any surface, dry to form a flexible, compact, shiny coating which consolidates the surface, where needed. Primer G also improves the of gypsum of smoothing compounds, paint, adhesive for wall paper, adhesive for tiles and mortar for renders. The film of Primer G on the surface of gypsum or cement, prevents any chemical reaction between sulphates and the cement alluminates of gypsum which, in the presence of moisture, leads to the formation of the salt “ettringite’’ which is the cause of the separation of the two elements. Primer G makes wallpaper stripping far easier and decreases the amount of glue used for paperhanging. When used before applying sprayable plasters, Primer G prevents over-rapid absorption of water by the substrate, prolongs workability time and helps prevent shrinkage cracks.

APPLICATION:
As a treatment for ceramic tiles installed on gypsum. Stir the Primer G just before use, spread it uniformly on the surface with a flat brush or roller without diluting it. If the gypsum plaster surface is particularly smooth and glossy, it is recommended to abrade it beforehand. Once it has dried, install the tiles.
As an anchoring coat for gypsum plasters. Dilute Primer G 1:2 with water and stir well; spread uniformly the mix on the surface with a flat brush or roller or spray pump. Apply the sprayable gypsum plaster as soon as Primer G is dry.
As a primer before applying self-levelling compounds and thixotropic smoothing compounds from the MAPEI range on: cementitious substrates: dilute Primer G 1:1 with water; gypsum based substrate: use Primer G neat.
As a primer for wallpaper adhesives dilute Primer G 1:3 with water.
As a primer between smoothing layers dilute Primer G 1:1 with water.

Technical Details
Colour Light blue
Coverage 0.08 and 0.15kg/m²
Minimum drying time: 30-40 minutes.
Waiting time before applying the adhesive: 2-3 hours.
Application temp. +5°C - +35°C
Tools cleaning Water
Packaging 1L bottle or 5, 10, 25kg plastic drums
Storage 24 months in its original unopened packaging. Protect from frost.

Binder

Mapei - Topcem 20kg

Topcem is a special hydraulic binder which, when mixed with graded aggregates and water, can produce an early drying high strength screed ready to receive floor finishes between 24hrs and 4 days.

Mapei Ireland tile fixing solutions. Topcem special fast drying hydraulic binder.

WHERE TO USE: Formation of bonded, unbonded and floating or heated screeds on both existing and new concrete prior to the installation of wood, PVC, linoleum, ceramic tiles, natural stone, carpet or any other flooring where rapid drying is required for short installation times. Suitable for indoor and outdoor use.

SOME APPLICATION EXAMPLES:
Formation of screeds set to light foot traffic after 12 hours.
Formation of screeds on which ceramic tiles can be laid after 24 hours.
Formation of screeds on which natural stone can be laid after 2 days.
Formation of screeds on which resilient flooring and wooden flooring can be laid after 4 days.
Patching and repairing floor screeds where rapid restoration is required.
Preparation of screeds incorporating underfloor heating systems without the need for polymer additives.

USES:
High traffic areas such as airports, shopping centres, schools, hospitals etc.
Fast track construction where the screed needs to be trafficked or overlaid early.
Suitable for thin resin or cementitious systems such as Mapefloor or Ultratop.
Suitable for underfloor heating system.

Technical Details
Colour Grey
Mixing ratio 250kg of Topcem with 1m³ of aggregate (diameter from 0-8 mm)
Mixing time 5-10 minutes
Working time of mix 60 minutes
Set to light foot traffic after 12 hours
Ready for use 4 days
Application of levelling compound after 1-4 days
Waiting time before installation 24 hours for ceramic tiles
2 days for stone material
4 days for resilients and for wood
Residual moisture after 4 days (%) <2.0
Application temp. +5°C - +35°C
Tools cleaning Water
Packaging 20kg bags
Storage 12 months in a dry place in the original packaging.

Self levelling compounds

Weberfloor Flex Level 25kg

Fibre-modified, quick drying floor screed mix which offers extra flexibility for use on most interior floor substrates. Our best screed for underfloor heating and covering substrates such as wood which are subject to movement.

Weber Ireland tile fixing solutions. Weberfloor Flex Level quick drying flexible self levelling compound.

Weberfloor Flex Level is a self-smoothing floor levelling compound — often incorrectly referred to as a self levelling screed or self levelling floor compound — which can be tiled onto and is an easy screed for applying onto floor substrates subject to some movement, such as wood or underfloor heating.

Features and benefits:
Extra flexible levelling screed for substrates subject to movement or expansion.
A high performance alternative to a latex self levelling compound.
Low Dust Technology™ reducing the amount of dust expelled during the mixing process.
Suitable for use as a under tile warming and underfloor heating screed.
Quick drying screed — can take light foot traffic or be tiled onto after 1-2hrs.
Coverage of 1.5m² per 25kg bag, when applied at 10mm thickness.

Uses
For levelling:
Cement screeds, concrete slabs and pre-cast elements
Floors with under-floor heating or under tile warming
Wooden flooring (plywood and particle board panels)
Existing ceramic and rigid plastic tiles
Floating floors.

Suitable for covering with:
Tiles
Flexible floor coverings
Parquet flooring.

Constraints: Not suitable for:
Exterior use
Floors with rising damp
Industrial areas
As a wearing surface.

Preparation
Switch off any under-floor heating systems at least 24 hours before application.
Substrates should be completely dry, hard, rigid and clean. Remove any traces of paint, plaster or laitance or other unsound materials. Thoroughly remove all traces of dust by vacuuming. Fill any large deep holes and allow to dry. Localised holes, up to a total thickness of 50mm can be filled with Weberfloor Flex.
Timber should be rigid and strong enough to support the expected load with minimum defl ection, normally at least 18mm thick of a flooring grade and ventilated beneath. Screw wood panels to joists at least every 200 – 300mm to prevent movement and ensure that every board edge is adequately supported by its adjacent board or joists and noggins. Ensure that all joints and cavities in the substrate are protected to prevent leakage.
Priming with Weber PR360 is recommended to improve adhesion, reduce air bubbles, improve the flow of the screed and prevent de-watering.
Weberfloor 4945 fibre mesh should be used to reinforce Weberfloor Flex in critical areas. The mesh should be fixed to the substrate to prevent it floating to the surface during the application of the screed.

Mixing
Do not mix if the temperature is outside of the range +5°C to +30°C. Thoroughly mix 5 litres of clean water per 25kg bag using a slow speed electric mixer (250 rpm) for at least two minutes until a fluid, homogenous paste is obtained. Allow the mix to stand for 2 minutes, then use within 20 minutes. At higher temperatures this time will be reduced. Do not attempt to extend the pot life by the addition of more water

Application
Pour the mix onto the floor and spread evenly with a steel trowel, spatula or spiked roller. Do not apply at thicknesses above 50mm. The product will self-smooth and most trowel marks will disappear. The minimum application thickness for stabilising wooden substrates is 10mm. Weberfloor Flex is not intended as a wearing surface so the final finishing layer should be applied as soon as possible after drying has completed. If it is to be left for prolonged periods of time the surface should be suitably protected. Allow for suitable expansion or control joints in screeds or slabs, by following them through the new topping.

Overlay
Weberfloor Flex is compatible with Weber floor tile adhesives and thin topping screeds. Weberfloor Flex is ready to receive a tiled covering after 1-2 hours. In small residential areas it can be covered directly with a flexible floor covering such as carpet but a thin layer of Weberfloor Level is always recommended.
Weberfloor Flex is ready to receive Weber thin screeds after 1-2 hours (in normal conditions). However the drying time of 24 hours at 5mm thick must be observed before the final floor covering can be applied.
It should not be painted or used without a floor finish.

Drying time
Weberfloor Flex can receive tiles after a drying time of 1 – 2 hours at an ambient temperature of +20°C. If necessary, the surface can be ground after 2 days following application. High humidity of the substrate, ambient temperature and thickness of Weberfloor Flex will have an impact on exact drying times.

Technical Details
Colour Grey
Coverage Approximately 1.7kg/m²/mm
Mixing ratio 5 litres / 25kg
Working time of mix 20 minutes
Hardening time (before foot traffic) 1 - 2 hours
Drying time (before tiling) 1 - 2 hours at 5mm thick
Drying time (before covering with carpet, plastic or wood) 24 hours at 5mm thick
Maximum thickness 50mm
Application temp. +5°C - +30°C
Tools cleaning Water
Packaging 25kg bags
Storage 12 months in a dry place in the original packaging.
Mapei - Ultraplan Renovation Screed

Fibre reinforced self-levelling compound designed for the renovation/refurbishment of existing floor substrates. For use in both commercial and domestic situations. Can be used from 3-40mm on concrete, screed, stone, ceramic, timber (plywood, chipboard, T&G floor boards). Suitable for use with underfloor heating and for encapsulating electric cable undertile heating systems.

Mapei Ireland tile fixing solutions. Ultraplan Renovation Screed self-levelling compound for underfloor heating.

WHERE TO USE: Used for interior levelling, smoothing and infilling differences in thickness from 3 to 40 mm on new or existing concrete, screeds, stone, terrazzo and ceramic tiles, old and new timber floors, floor boards, chipboard panels, plywood, parquet for use in dry locations as an underlayment for floor finishes such as tile, stone, vinyl, carpet and wood flooring. Ultraplan Renovation Screed is suitable where good resistance to loads is required, also for wheelchair traffic and underfloor and undertile heating systems.

Preparation of the Substrate
The substrate should be solid, free of dust, loose particles, paint, oil, gypsum residues or other contamination that could compromise the bond. Timber substrates should be clean and solidly fixed, open joints should be sealed. Cementitious surfaces that are not sufficiently compacted must be removed. Cracks in the substrate should be repaired. The substrate should be primed with Eco Prim Grip prior to the application of Ultraplan Renovation Screed.

Preparing the mix
Pour a 25kg bag of Ultraplan Renovation Screed into a bucket containing 4.25-4.5 litres of clean water and mix with a low speed electric mixer to obtain an homogeneous, self-levelling, lump free mix. Larger quantities of Ultraplan Renovation Screed can be prepared in suitable mixers. After 2-3 minutes of slackening, the mix should then be restirred and then it is ready for use. The amount of Ultraplan Renovation Screed mixed at any time must be used within 20 minutes (at a temperature of +23°C).

Application
Apply in a single coat from 3 to 40 mm in thickness. To minimise aeration a spiked roller may be used. The self levelling properties of Ultraplan Renovation Screed will provide a surface ready to accept all kinds of floor coverings.

Technical Details
Colour Grey
Coverage Approx 6m² at 3mm thickness
Mixing ratio 4.25-4.50 litres of water per 25kg bag
Working time of mix 20 minutes
Setting time 30-90 minutes
Walkable 4-6 hours
Waiting time before bonding 1-3 days depending on the thickness
Thickness per coat 3 to 40mm
Application temp. +5°C - +30°C
Tools cleaning Water
Packaging 25kg bags
Storage 12 months in a dry place in the original packaging.