TEC® Super Flex™ Ultra-Premium Polymer Modified Mortar TA-392

• Flexible: absorbs 1⁄16" (1.6 mm) in-plane movement
• Patented bonding formula
• Approved for up to 20" (50 cm) o.c. manufactured, I-beam, floor truss systems.
• Best for bonding porcelain tile
• One part—just add water and mix
• Exceeds ANSI A118.4E, A118.11 and A118.15E specifications
• Interior/exterior use
• Zero VOC
• Contains recycled materials(Gray formula contains 7% pre-consumer recycled material. White formula contains 0% pre-consumer recycled material.)

Coverage will vary with condition of substrate. Required trowel size will vary with the tile size, type and substrate uniformity. Select the trowel size that will ensure 100% coverage. Figures below are presented only as guidelines.

Suitable Substrates

When properly prepared, suitable substrates include:

• Cured concrete, cured mortar beds, brick and masonry (interior and exterior installations)
• APA Grade Trademarked Exposure 1 Plywood [Underlayment grade or better, two layers, 11⁄8" (28 mm) total minimum thickness for joists 16" (40 cm) o.c., interior floors only].
• Gypsum wallboard (dry interior wall areas only)
• Water resistant gypsum wallboard (i.e.: greenboard, interior walls only, dry to intermittent water exposure only)
• Cementitious backer units (CBU) or glass mat backerboard
• Existing ceramic tile and natural stone, provided existing flooring is well-bonded to an approved substrate.
• Vinyl composition tile, asphalt tile, linoleum or non-cushioned vinyl sheetgoods provided such surfaces are single layered, well-bonded to an approved substrate and properly prepared.
• Plastic laminate (interior countertops only) provided the counter is structurally sound and level.
• Adhesive residue (except tacky or pressure-sensitive adhesive).

Substrate 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; and free from oil, grease, dust, paint, sealers or concrete curing compounds. All contaminants must 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.

Notes: Vinyl asbestos tile or any substrate containing asbestos must 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. 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. (6 mm in 3 m) or 1⁄16" in 1 ft. (1.6 mm in 0.3 m) from the required plane. For non-level, interior surfaces use an appropriate TEC® Self-Leveling Underlayment.

• Only install when the temperature is between 40-95ºF (4-35ºC).
• Glass tile may not be suitable over some substrates (such as plywood, or some membranes). Verify substrate with the glass tile manufacturer.
• Use only for thin-bed installation of glass tile.
• Contact TEC® Technical support before installing glass with a decorative coating on the tile backing or glass tile larger than 6" x 6" (15 x 15 cm) as these materials require more detailed precautions.
• Not for installing green marble, other moisture-sensitive stone tile or resinbacked marble; use TEC® AccuColor EFX® Epoxy Grout and Mortar.
• For non-green marble tile applications, use white thin set mortars.
• Not for use over rubber, strip wood floors, oriented strand board, particle board, lauan plywood.
• Do not apply over single layer wood floors.
• Temperature of area to be tiled must remain above 40ºF (4ºC) for 72 hours.
• Certain natural stone tiles may be affected by mortar shadowing or staining. Test a small area prior to use to determine suitability.

Mixing
For best results, maintain all tiling materials, substrates, room and adhesives at 50°-70°F (10-21°C) for 24 hours before installation. Maintain recommended room temperature for 48 hours after installation. In a clean mixing container, add Super Flex™ mortar to clean, cool water as specified in the chart.

Add powder to liquid for ease of mixing. Mix material to a thick creamy consistency. Avoid breathing dust and contact with eyes and skin. Allow the mortar to stand for 10 minutes. Remix and apply. Avoid using high speed mixing, not to exceed 300 rpm, to prevent entraining air.

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 20-30 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.

Clean-up

Clean tools, hands, and excess materials from face of tile, while mortar is still fresh, with warm soapy water.

Grouting/Curing

Grouting may be accomplished when tiles are held firmly in place, typically 16 to 24 hours after installation is completed. No traffic is permitted over the tiles prior to grouting. Cold temperatures or high humidity may extend curing time, working time, and pot life. Hot temperatures or low humidity may decrease curing time, working time, and pot life. Unglazed tiles may require sealing prior to grouting so discolorations will not occur. The use of TEC® brand grouts is highly recommended.

Residential - Extra Heavy Commercial (depending on substrate)

• 50 lb. (22.68 kg) moisture-resistant bags (Gray, White)
• 50 lb. (22.68 kg) plastic bags (Gray, White)
• 25 lb. (11.34 kg) moisture-resistant bags (White)
• 9.75 lb. Pure Pak container (4.42 kg) (White)
   

• Storage : Store in a cool, dry area away from direct sunlight. Do not store open containers.
• Shelf Life : Maximum of 1 year from date of manufacture in unopened package.