Why use a primer and additive in your tiling installation
Primers
Primers usually mixed with cement or tile adhesive to form a slurry which is applied with a black-brush to the surface. Some primers are applied directly and require a curing time before the adhesive screed or waterproofing compound can be applied. Refer to the manufacturer’s instructions when applying a primer to ensure you are following the correct procedure.
Some substrates are porous or impervious, smooth or rough, or dusty and powdery. If you opt not to apply a primer, the substrate, if porous, could draw the liquid from the adhesive or screed mix; a dusty or powdery surface in turn, could prevent the adhesive or screed from bonding onto the surface and a smooth, impervious surface could be too smooth or dense for the adhesive or screed to form an adequate bond onto the substrate. When your surface is not prepared correctly, the integrity of your installation is compromised and may lead to installation failure. Using the correct primer will prevent this from occurring.
We have a range of primers with which to prepare the surface prior to the application of tiling adhesives, screeding and waterproofing compounds. The TAL range of primers consists of TAL Keycoat, TAL Floor Primer, TAL Floorkey, TAL Epoxy Primer and TAL Superprime.
Additives
An additive is a latex-based liquid, designed to replace water in a cement-based adhesive and / or grout mix which is used when tiling or grouting external areas, wet areas, high traffic areas and areas where some flexibility is required. Our range of additives includes TAL Bond and TAL Screedbinder.
TAL Bond improves the bond strength, flexibility and water-resistance when used as a water replacement in cement-based adhesive and grout mixtures.
Additives aid in water-resistance while increasing the flexibility of the adhesive and grout. For this reason, adding an additive to the grout mixture when you are installing tiles in wet areas, such as showers, and exterior applications is imperative. When TAL Screedbinder is added to TAL Superscreed, its bond strength and flexibility is improved. If you mix TAL Screedbinder with TAL Superscreed, the screeding compound can be used as a protective barrier under ceramic tile heating elements.
When using an additive in the adhesive or grout mixture, it is important to use the full amount of additive as stipulated in the instructions on the packaging. Never dilute the mix with water as this will compromise the latex, which affects the flexibility and water-resistance of the adhesive or grout. Also remember, the additive is always used as a water-replacement in the mix.
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