• Forms a powerful bond with cement surfaces 
• Ideal for standard tile installations 
• Reliable mortar for everyday projects

• Concrete, mortar beds, masonry, and Portland cement plaster
• Liquid applied membranes
• Gypsum wallboard
• Fully bonded sheet vinyl flooring
• Plastic laminates
• Cutback adhesive

50 lb (22.5 kg) double wall bag

Reference the tile manufacturers documentation to verify suitability of KeedeSet Sanded Floor Mix as a thinset mortar for the tile work. Follow the directions of the tile manufacturer to determine the maximum allowable moisture content (RH) or transmission of the substrate. If the moisture content (ASTM F-2170) or moisture vapor transmission rate (ASTM F-1869) of the substrate exceeds the requirements of the flooring system, utilize an approved 100% epoxy moisture vapor mitigator prior to installation of the KeedeSet Sanded Floor Mix.

Surface Preparations

Surfaces must be structurally sound. The substrate should be dry, clean, sound concrete that is free of gypsum compounds and all materials that may inhibit bond such as: oil, curing compound, dust, mastic, and other surface contaminants. Glossy or painted surfaces must be sanded or abraded and stripped of all contaminants. 

Concrete must be cured for 28 days and accept water penetration. Concrete must be free of efflorescence and not subject to hydrostatic pressure. Concrete slabs should have a coarse finish to enhance the bond. Smooth concrete surfaces, existing glazed tile, terrazzo, or polished stone should be scarified. Sheet vinyl must be well bonded and stripped of old finish. Roughen the surface by sanding or abrading, then rinse and allow to dry. 

Ambient temperature should be maintained above 50° F (10° C) or below 100° F (38° C) for 72 hours to achieve proper bond. Expansion joints should never be bridged with setting material. Provide for expansion and control joints as specified per TCNA Method EJ171. For questions about proper subfloor installation, call Technical Services.

Bonding to Cutback Adhesive

Adhesive layers must be removed as they reduce mortar bond strength to cement surfaces. Do not sand or grind adhesive residue, as harmful dust may result. Use caution as adhesives may contain asbestos. Never use adhesive removers or solvents, as they soften the adhesive and may cause it to penetrate the concrete. Adhesive residue must be wet scraped to the finished surface of the concrete, leaving only the transparent staining from the glue. Do a test bond area first, to determine desirable results. 

Mixing

KeedeSet Sanded Floor Mix should be added to clean, potable water (50°- 80° degrees F) at the rate of approximately 6 quarts (5.68 L) per 50 lb. bag. Mix thoroughly until the mortar is smooth and no lumps or dry powder remains visible. Allow it to slake for 5-10 minutes, then re-mix before use. Do not add water, additional mortar or other ingredients after the slaking period. The proper mortar consistency is such that when applied with the recommended notched trowel to the tile backing, the ridges formed in the mortar will not sag or slump. Do not use mortar after initial set. During use, remix mortar occasionally to keep it workable.

Material Application

Use a properly sized notch trowel to ensure 100% coverage under tiles. DO NOT USE to set porcelain tile. Using the flat side of trowel, apply skim coat of mortar to the surface. Apply additional mortar with notched side of trowel held at a 45° angle to the surface, combing in one direction. Press tile firmly into place in a perpendicular motion across ridges, moving back and forth. Perpendicular pressing flattens ridges and closes valleys allowing maximum coverage. With some tile, back-buttering is advisable. Adjust tile promptly and beat in with a beating block and rubber mallet. Mortar can be applied up to 1/4” (6 mm) thick after beating in. For thicker applications, use a medium bed mortar. Periodically pull up a tile and check the back to ensure complete coverage with the mortar. Do not spread more material than can be tiled in 15 minutes or while material has wet tack (sticky to the touch). If material has skinned over (not sticky), recomb with notched trowel. 

Curing & Grouting

• A minimum cure is obtained in 12-24 hours depending on ambient temperature
• Normal grouting should be done 24 hours later
• Curing time is affected by ambient temperature and humidity