Mapei Keraflex

119525 ( White )

119125 ( Grey )

WHERE TO USE

Interior and exterior bonding of ceramic tiles (single fired, double-fired, porcelain tiles, terracotta, klinker, etc.) stone materials and mosaics of every type on floors, walls and ceilings. Also suitable for spot bonding of insulating materials such as expanded polystyrene, rock and glass wool, Eraclit ® (wood-cement panels), sound-deadening/reduction panels, etc.

Some application examples

• Bonding ceramic tiles (double fired, single fired, porcelain, clay tiles, klinker, etc.), stone materials and mosaics on the following substrates:

– cement or mortar wall renders;

– interior aerated concrete block walls;

– gypsum or anhydrite after having first applied Primer G ;

– gypsum board;

– underfloor heated installations;

– cement screeds, as long as they are sufficiently cured and dry;

– interior painted walls, as long as the paint is firmly anchored;

– waterproofed membranes for Mapelastic or Mapegum WPS line.

• Tile on tile of existing flooring.

• Bonding small sized tiles in swimming pools and basins.

• Bonding floors subject to heavy stress.

TECHNICAL CHARACTERISTICS

Keraflex is a grey or white powder composed of cement and graded aggregates. It contains a high quantity of synthetic resins and special admixtures created according to a formula developed in MAPEI’s Research & Development Laboratories. A mortar with the following features is obtained when mixed with water:

• easily workable;

• highly thixotropic: Keraflex can be applied on a vertical surface without slumping or letting the tiles slip, even for heavy tiles. Tiles can be installed from the top towards the bottom without using spacer pegs;

• perfect adherence to all materials normally used in building;

• hardens without appreciable shrinkage;

• extended open time.

RECOMMENDATIONS

Do not use Keraflex:

• on concrete subject to high shrinkage;

• on walls and floors subject to strong movement or vibration (wood, fibre-cement, etc.);

• on metal surfaces.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE

Preparing the substrate The substrates must be flat, mechanically resistant, free of loose parts, grease, oils, paints, wax, etc. Damp substrates can slow down the setting of Keraflex. Cement substrates should not be subject to shrinkage after the installation of the ceramic tiles, therefore, during spring and summer, renders must cure at least one week for each cm of thickness and cement screeds must have an overall cure time of at least 28 days, unless they are made with special binders for MAPEI screeds such as Mapecem, Mapecem Pronto, Topcem or Topcem Pronto.

Dampen with water to cool surfaces which have become heated from exposure to sunlight.

Gypsum substrates and anhydrite screeds must be perfectly dry (max. residual moisture 0.5%), sufficiently hard and free from dust. It is absolutely essential that they must be treated with Primer G or Mapeprim SP, while areas subject to extreme dampness must be primed with Primer S.

Preparing the mix

Mix Keraflex with clean water until a smooth, lump-free paste is obtained. Leave to rest approximately 5 minutes and re-stir. Use 29-32 parts water for every 100 parts by weight of Keraflex grey, which is equal to 7.3-8 litres of water for every 25 kg of powder and use 30-33 parts for every 100 parts by weight of Keraflex white, which is equal to 7.5-8.3 litres of water for every 25 kg of powder. Mixed this way, Keraflex has a pot life of approximately 8 hours.

Spreading the mix

Keraflex is applied to the substrate using a notched trowel. Choose a trowel that allows for complete coverage of the tile back. To achieve a good adhesion, spread an initial thin layer of Keraflex on the substrate using the flat side of the trowel. Immediately after, apply the desired thickness of Keraflex using a suitable notched trowel, depending on the type and size of the tiles (see “Coverage”). For external ceramic tile floors and walls, sizes greater than 900 cm², floors subject to heavy loads, when applying in swimming pools and basins filled with water, spread also the adhesive on the back of the tiles (back-buttering) in order to ensure a complete coverage.

Installing the tiles

There is no need to wet the tiles before installing them. Only with very dusty backs it is recommended to dip the tiles in clean water. Tiles should be installed under a firm pressure to ensure good coverage of the adhesive. In normal temperatures and humidity conditions, the open time of Keraflex is approximately 30 minutes. Unfavourable weather conditions (strong sun, wind, high temperatures, etc.) or a highly absorbent substrate can reduce the open time, even to just a few minutes. It is therefore necessary that careful checks be made to ensure that a skin does not form on the surface of the spread adhesive, which should stay fresh. If not, re-freshen the adhesive by re-spreading with a notched trowel. It is not recommended to wet the adhesive with water once a skin has formed because, instead of dissolving the skin, the water will form an anti-adhesive film. If necessary, tiles should be adjusted within 45 minutes of installation. Tiling installed with Keraflex must not be washed or exposed to rain for at least 24 hours and must be protected from frost and strong sun for at least 5-7 days.

Spot-bonding insulating materials

For spot-bonding sound-deadening or insulating panels, apply Keraflex with a trowel or a float.

GROUTING AND SEALING

Wall joints can be grouted after 4-8 hours and floor joints can be grouted after 24 hours with the specific MAPEI cementitious or epoxy grouts, available in different colours. Expansion joints must be sealed with the specific MAPEI sealants.

SET TO LIGHT FOOT TRAFFIC

Floors are set to light foot traffic after approx. 24 hours.

READY FOR USE

Surfaces are ready for use after approx. 14 days. Swimming pools and basins can be filled after 21 days. Cleaning Tools and containers should be cleaned with plenty of water while Keraflex is still fresh. Surfaces should be cleaned with a damp cloth, before the adhesive dries.

COVERAGE

Bonding ceramic tiles – Mosaics and small sizes in general (trowel n. 4): 2 kg/m² – Normal sizes (trowel n. 5): 2.5-3 kg/m² – Large sizes, exterior floors (trowel n. 6): 5 kg/m² Spot-bonding insulating material – Foam, etc.: approx. 0.5-0.8 kg/m² – Gypsum board panels, cellular concrete: approx. 1.5 kg/m²

PACKAGING

Keraflex white and grey are available in 25 kg bags and in 4x5 kg alupack boxes.

STORAGE

Keraflex in 25 kg bags can be stored for 12 months in a normal environment in original packaging, while the maximum recommended storage time for 5 kg alupack boxes is 24 months. The product complies with the conditions of Annex XVII to Regulation (EC) N° 1907/2006 (REACH), item 47.

SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS FOR PREPARATION AND APPLICATION

Keraflex contains cement that when in contact with sweat or other body fluids causes an irritant alkaline reaction and allergic reactions to those predisposed. It can cause damage to eyes. During use, wear protective gloves and goggles and take the usual precautions for handling chemicals. In case of contact with eyes or skin wash immediately with plenty of water and seek medical attention.For further and complete information about the safe use of our product please refer to the latest version of our Material Safety Data Sheet.

PRODUCT FOR PROFESSIONAL USE.

WARNING

Although the technical details and recommendations contained in this product data sheet correspond to the best of our knowledge and experience, all the above information must, in every case, be taken as merely indicative and subject to confirmation after long-term practical application; for this reason, anyone who intends to use the product must ensure beforehand that it is suitable for the envisaged application. In every case, the user alone is fully responsible for any consequences deriving from the use of the product.

LEGAL NOTICE

The contents of this Technical Data Sheet (“TDS”) may be copied into another project-related document, but the resulting document shall not supplement or replace requirements per the TDS in force at the time of the MAPEI product installation.

ANY ALTERATION TO THE WORDING OR REQUIREMENTS CONTAINED OR DERIVED FROM THIS TDS EXCLUDES THE RESPONSIBILITY OF MAPEI.