How to Guide

Fast Setting Mortar
4. TECHNICAL DATA
Applicable Standard
TEC® Skill Set™ Fast Setting Mortar
Description
ANSI Requirement
Typical Results
28 Day Shear
Strength ANSI A118.4
Glazed Wall Tile
> 300 psi (2.1 MPa)
430-525 psi (2.9-3.6
MPa)
Impervious Ceramic
Tile (Porcelain)
> 200 psi (1.4 MPa)
300-400 psi (2.0-2.7
MPa)
Quarry Tile
> 150 psi (1.0 MPa)
335-410 psi (2.3-2.8
MPa)
Sag on Vertical
Surfaces
≤ 1/16”
0-1/32”
Open Time at Room
Temperature
≥ 20 minutes
20-30 minutes
Adjustability at Room
Temperature
≥ 20 minutes
≥ 20 minutes
Final Set
≤ 3 hours
2 ½ - 3 hours
28 Day Shear
Strength ANSI
A118.11
Quarry Tile to
Plywood
> 150 psi (1.0 MPa)
190-250 psi (1.3 – 1.7
MPa)
Physical Properties
Description
Physical State
Dry Powder
Color
Available in gray
Pot Life
50 minutes
Initial Cure [at 72ºF
(22ºC)]
2 ½ - 3 hours
Final Cure
21 days
Foot Traffic Rating
(ASTM C627)
Residential to Extra Heavy Commercial
(depending on substrate)
5. INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS
Surface Preparation
All substrates must be dry, structurally sound with maximum
deflection per industry standards of
L
⁄
360
for ceramic tile installations
and
L
⁄
720
for natural stone installations under all live and dead loads;
and be free from oil, grease, dust, paint, sealers or concrete curing
compounds. All contaminants should be removed prior to installation
of tile. Surface protrusions and tile glazes shall be removed by
sanding, scraping or scarifying. After preparation, remove all dust by
vacuuming. Note: Vinyl asbestos tile or any substrate containing
asbestos shall not be sanded, scored or scarified because of the
potential health hazard of breathing dust. Any substrate containing
asbestos must be handled in accordance with existing EPA
regulations. Contact your local EPA office.
Notes: Expansion joints must be provided in the tile work over all
construction, control and expansion joints in the backing and where
backing materials change. Follow ANSI A108.01 Section 3.7
Requirements for Expansion Joints. Maximum variations in all
substrates must not exceed
1
⁄
4
" in 10 ft. or
1
⁄
16
" in 1 ft. from the
required plane. For non-level, interior surfaces use TEC
®
Skill Set™
Self Leveling Underlayment.
Mixing—With Water
For best results, maintain all tiling materials, substrates, room and
adhesives at 50°-70°F (10-21°C) for 24 hours before and 48 hours
after installation. Avoid breathing dust and contact with eyes and
skin. Avoid using high speed mixing, not to exceed 300 rpm, to
prevent entraining air. Add powder to liquid for ease of mixing.
In a clean mixing container, slowly add product to clean, cool, water
as specified in the chart below.
Size
Water
25 lbs.
2.5-3 quarts
50 lbs.
5-6 quarts
Mix material for 2-4 minutes to a thick creamy consistency.
Use immediately.
Application
Apply mortar using flat side of trowel to promote better substrate
contact, then comb in one direction with the notched side of the
trowel. Spread only an area that can be tiled while surface is still
tacky (typically 10-15 minutes.) Press tiles into setting bed, then
push in a direction perpendicular to the notched trowel ridges to
achieve optimum coverage. Apply mortar in a heavy enough layer
so that complete contact (no voids) between mortar and tile is
accomplished when tile is positioned. It may be necessary to “back-
butter” large tiles to achieve complete coverage and firm support.
Periodically remove and check a tile to assure proper coverage.
Keep a minimum of 2/3 of the joint depth between tiles for grouting.
Open time and tile hand adjustability may vary with job site
conditions. Stir occasionally during use to maintain the
smooth, creamy consistency of the product. Do not add
additional water.
Drying Time
Grouting may be accomplished when tiles are held firmly in place,
typically 2 ½ - 3 hours after installation is completed. No traffic is
permitted over the tiles prior to grouting. Cold temperatures or high
humidity may extend curing time. Unglazed tiles may require sealing
prior to grouting so discoloration will not occur. The use of TEC®
Skill Set™ brand grouts or TEC® Power Grout™ is highly
recommended.