We can see the sun muscling its way through, so with a few long weekends on the cards thanks to the first run of bank holidays, we want to give you some suggestions on how to use that time wisely!
We have worn our suppliers down to give us the best new products at a fraction of the price just for you. Our crusade to saving you money on the biggest and costly of jobs is our main aim in this wonderful thing called life haha.
Geo-Fix from Bond It
This stuff is crazy! It’s a single component joint filling system that can be used for pointing paved areas. Joints over 5mm are no match for Geo-Fix! It’s super strong, cures fast, doesn’t stain, AND supresses weeds. There isn’t any messy mixing either and it can be applied with a brush which makes it a piece of… well, you know how that saying goes!
There are 2 options available. Geo-Fix Original, which needs to be applied in dry conditions and isn’t compatible for use with porcelain tiles. If you have a dry few days, this is a great option as it comes in a larger 20kg tub.
The other is Geo-Fix All Weather. Same show-offy skills as the original, but just as its name suggests, it can be applied in both wet and dry conditions! A smaller tub size of 14kg, but if you’re limited for time to get the job done, then the All Weather is a wise choice.
Mapetherm/Mapewall Systems from Mapei
The Mapetherm AR1 GG and Mapewall GPR are 2 mighty rendering products that work amazingly with a range of other renders to ensure you have the best protection in all the land! Along with the Mapetherm Net, this render system is set to last a lifetime! *
*’lifetime’ is used loosely, but it will definitely last for years to come!
So, here’s how it all works. Are you paying attention? 😊
Mapetherm AR1 GG is a cement mortar for bonding, levelling, and reinforcing thermal insulation panels and systems. Great for use on insulation or render carrier board in areas such as basements, ventilated facades, etc. AR1 can be used both internally and externally, doesn’t shrink once hardened, and bonds perfectly to all materials used in the building industry. Can we have a round of applause please?!
Mapewall GPR on the other hand, is a general purpose render for masonry and blockwork. It contains special synthetic resins which make it a dream to apply. It does have its limits as it mustn’t be used on gypsum or gypsum based surfaces, but for everything it can do, we forgive it! This can also be used internally and externally and layered up to a maximum of 40mm thick!
If you throw the Mapetherm Net on top of wither of these renders, then you’re looking at some mighty tough stuff! The Net is an alkali resistant fibreglass mesh that is great for reinforcing skimming layers when repairing facades. It is applied once the reinforcing coat has hardened and prevents cracks forming due to movement in the surface.
‘Lifetime’ doesn’t seem like such a crazy word now does it?
Silanolor Render System from Mapei
The Silancolor System is a silicone based render thanks to the ColorMap system, it comes in over 1000 colours! Mind blowing, isn’t it?! The Basecoat and Topcoat are both available in all these colours, and there are 2 different grains for the topcoat to give a textured finish. Let’s dive into the 2 part system, which by the way, works perfectly over the Mapetherm AR1 GG, Mapewall GPR and Mapetherm Net system.
Good old Mapei!
Silancolor Basecoat. And just like with anything, the basecoat comes first, and surprise surprise, so does the Silancolor. This silicone based paint is perfect for water dispersion. It’s used to even out the absorption and promote bonding of multiple coats of paint from the Silancolor range. This can be topped with one of the following render Topcoats.
Silancolor Tonachino sounds like a fancy drink, but this will last longer than a few sips! Tonachino is the type of grain this topcoat comes in and it’s available in a grain size of 1.5mm. (see below for imagery)
The Tonachino is also available in all 1002 colours in the ColorMap system, and we always advise matching your base and topcoat for the nest colour. This is also silicone based and comes in a paste form which makes it great at filling! Great for internal and external walls where the growth of algae, mould and fungi loves to live. Basically, it’s a super duper water repellent to last and protect! Can’t sniff at that now, can we?
Silancolor Tonachino PLUS is last, but in no means least. The Plus does everything the standard Tonachino does but with some tasty extras. It’s still available in all the 1002 ColorMap colours and both the 1.2mm and 1.5mm grains (see above), but this one has added anti mould and algae protection!
The Plus is specifically designed for buildings located in coastal and more rural areas. Being subject to more of the elements means something with a little more punch. And the Plus packs it!
All advice on the Mapewall, Mapetherm, and Silancolor systems is available if you should need it. You can get in touch with us by simply popping an email over, call us or even get in touch on live chat. 😊
For more of our renders and mortars, have a browse by clicking here.
Mapei’s Elastocolor Paint and Render Primer
If the Silancolor System seems a bit too specific and you’re maybe leaning more towards a protective paint for your render, then stop right there! The Malech Primer and Elastocolor Paint is the combo to decorate and protect.
The Malech Primer is an acrylic based primer, making is an expert in water dispersion. Great for concretes and cement mortars, it works a dream alongside the paint both internally and externally. It can even be used to contain asbestos when used in alternative water systems such as Aquaflex.
Clever little so and so.
But sticking with the pretty yet fierce Elastocolor Render Paint as a topper, this pair works beautifully in unison. Protecting and waterproofing concrete structures and sealing any cracks, Elastocolor forms an elastic film (hence the name) that’s impermeable to water, but still allows vapours to freely come and go. A* for this paint! Not only that, its comes in the whole RAL K7 colour range which you can browse right here.
Last but no means least, Kerapoxy and its fancy resin based ability to be amazing at its job… but so intense when it comes to cleaning up!
Kerapoxy Cleaners from Mapei
If you have worked with a resin grout, you know that its longevity and zest for living life is second to none! I mean, its ability to stay looking as fresh as the day it was laid is remarkable, but cleaning up after working with it can be tricky. It is a resin after all, and that stuff does NOT budge.
These 2 products are going to blow your mind if you have, plan to or regularly work with a resin grout such as Kerapoxy, Kerapoxy CQ or Kerapoxy Easy Design.
Kerapoxy UltraCare Cleaner comes in 2 sizes depending on the size of the job and is excellent for a not yet set grout. Let’s set the scene. You’ve finished grouting, the job is impeccable! You’re a professional after all, or at least a jack of all trades. But that residue isn’t shifting. Grab your Kerapoxy Cleaner and get to work wiping off that dull film from your tiles and BAM! Looking good as new.
This spray will remove all traces and stains of epoxy residue from a variety of coated tiles. Not only that it can clean up your tools too 😉
Epoxy Off Gel comes in later, when you can see a residue or notice that lump of completely set epoxy grout that was missed! Epoxy Off will make this look like easy work as it removes these marks without causing any damage to the tiles. Due to its viscosity, it can also be used vertically.
Both cleaners are ready to use and great to add straight into the tool kit. You can shop our whole range of primers, cleaners, treatments, and stains right here.
