Sika Sikaceram-272 Ultra Flexible Rapid Set 20kg

Application Instructions

Substrate Preparation

All surfaces must be clean, dry, firm, and free from dust, dirt, oil, and loose coatings. They should be structurally sound and able to support the expected load. Worn or porous surfaces should be primed with SikaBond SBR+.

• Concrete, Screeds, Renders & Plasterboard: Rough or uneven surfaces should be leveled using a Sikafloor Self-Levelling compound, allowing 24-48 hours for curing. Fresh concrete must dry for at least 4 weeks before tiling. Prime surfaces with SikaBond SBR+ (diluted 3:1 with water) and allow to dry.
• Timber & Wood-Based Floors: Suitable for interior timber floors only. Ensure adequate ventilation beneath and cover floors with 12 mm moisture-resistant plywood, securely screwed every 300 mm. Leave 0.5 – 1 mm gaps for expansion and prime with a 1:3 diluted mix of SikaBond SBR+ to water before tiling. Alternatively, use cement backer board and treat as concrete.
• Existing Tiles: Ensure tiles are well-bonded. Roughen glazed surfaces and apply a neat coat of SikaBond SBR+, then apply adhesive while still tacky.
• Gypsum Plaster & Anhydrite Floors: Prime with two coats of SikaBond SBR+—first diluted 1:1, then apply a neat second coat before tiling.

Mixing & Application

Always add powder to water (approx. 5L water per 20kg of powder). Mix until smooth and slump-free.

• Apply adhesive using a notched trowel suited to the tile type:
  • 3 mm x 3 mm notch for mosaics
  • 5 mm x 5 mm notch for general wall tiling
  • 10 mm x 10 mm notch for floor tiling
• Press tiles firmly into place using a twisting and sliding action for full contact. Fix tiles within 40-60 minutes of spreading adhesive.
• Check periodically by lifting a tile—at least 75% of the tile should be covered with adhesive.
• Remove excess adhesive from tile surfaces and grout lines before it dries.

Grouting & Curing

Grouting can begin once tiles are firmly set (minimum 2 hours at 20°C). For underfloor heating, allow adhesive to cure for 2-3 weeks before turning the system on, gradually increasing temperature by 2°C per day.

Cleaning

Clean tools with water immediately after use. Wash hands after handling the product.

Limitations

• Always use clean water and do not exceed the recommended water ratio, as this reduces strength.
• Do not apply below 5°C or above 35°C, and avoid damp surfaces or persistent temperatures below 15°C, as this slows drying.
• Do not use on metal, painted surfaces, or unsealed gypsum plaster (see priming instructions).
• Floors must be structurally stable and at least 4 weeks old before tiling.
• Protect from rain for 24 hours when used externally.
• Do not walk on floors for at least 2 hours after application.
• Do not attempt to rework or add water to adhesive once it has started setting.

For further technical advice, contact Sika Technical Services