TEC® TotalFlex® 150 Universal Polymer-Modified Mortar TA-459

Mixing
For best results, maintain all tiling materials, substrates, room and mortar at 50°-90°F (10-32°C) for 24 hours before and 72 hours after installllllllllllllation. Refer to the chart below for amount of water to add.

1. Add clean, cool water to a clean mixing container. Do not over-water.
2. Slowly add entire bag of TotalFlex 150 Mortar to water while mixing at 400-600 rpm.
3. Mix for two (2) minutes to a smooth and creamy consistency. Consistency will loosen during mixing process. Avoid breathing dust and contact with eyes and skin.
4. Allow the mortar to stand (slake) for 8 minutes.
5. Remix for 1 minute and apply.
6. If the mixture becomes thick, remix without adding more water.

Application

• Key in 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 20-40 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. Irregularities in substrate may require "back-buttering" of 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.
• Note: It is the sole responsibility of the installer to determine the suitability and compatibility of the product for the intended application.

Clean-up

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

Glass Tile Installllllllation

TotalFlex 150, with its proprietary formulation, has been tested and approved to be used with glass tile for the following applications:

1. Indoor applications only
2. Wall applications only
3. Intermittent water exposure (not for use with submerged applications).

Example such as:

• Kitchen Backsplash
• Shower wall accents

Note: When installing clear glass tile over waterproof membranes, visible mortar shadowing may occur.

The Materials approved are as follows

1. Clear Glass tiles with no backing with maximum area of 16 in2
2. 12" x 12" Matted Mosaic Tiles with clear or painted Mesh backing
3. 12" x 12" Matted Subway Tiles with Mesh backing
4. Glass tiles with painted backing up to 16 in2

• In specifying a setting system for the bonding of glass tile, the following issues must be taken into consideration:
• Glass Tile Type: Glass tile can be manufactured in a number of different ways such as clear, translucent with a colored body, or translucent with a colored backing. Each type has a different esthetic appearance. The color and composition of the mortar can have an effect on the final appearance, especially with clear or translucent tile.

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 per TCNA guidelines, 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)
• 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
• Adhesive residue (except tacky or pressure-sensitive adhesive). Mechanically remove the adhesive to expose at least 80% of the concrete surface. Random specks of adhesive and the appearance of a brown surface stain are acceptable
• Extruded foam waterproof tile board
• Uncoupling membranes

H.B. Fuller Construction Products Inc. ("HBF-CP") will warrant TotalFlex 150 with the use of ¾" floor-rated underlayment OSB as an approved substrate for the installation of uncoupling membranes. For gypsum underlayments, TEC® Multipurpose Primer must be applied directly to the gypsum underlayments prior to application of TotalFlex 150 for bonding of the uncoupling membrane. Please see the Multipurpose Primer product data sheet for dilution ratios and application instructions.

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) and 1/16" in 1 ft. (1.6 mm in 0.3 m) from the required plane for tile less than 15" (381 mm) on all sides. Maximum variations in all substrates must not exceed 1/8" in 10 ft. (3 mm in 3 m) and 1/16" in 2 ft. (1.6 mm in 0.6 m) from the required plane for tile 15" (381 mm) or greater on any one side. For large non-level, interior floors use a TEC Self-Leveling Underlayment. For best results over plywood and other suitable porous substrates, wipe the surface clean with a damp sponge just prior to application of mortar.

• Glass tile may not be suitable over some substrates (such as plywood, or some membranes). Verify substrate with glass tile manufacturer.
• Use only for thin-bed installation of glass tile.
• Only install when the ambient temperature is between 50-90ºF (10-32ºC).
• Not for installing green marble or other moisture-sensitive stone tile; use TEC® AccuColor EFX® Epoxy Grout and Mortar.
• Not for use over rubber, strip wood floors, oriented strand board (Can be used over OSB with the use of 3/4" floor-rated underlayment OSB as an approved substrate for the installation
• of uncoupling membranes), particle board, lauan plywood or tempered hardboard (e.g. Masonite).
• Only approved for use over single layer wood floors when using uncoupling membranes per the manufacturer's requirements.
• Temperature of area to be tiled must remain above 50°F (10°C) 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 mortar at 50°-90°F (10-32°C) for 24 hours before and 72 hours after installation. Refer to the chart below for amount of water to add.

1. Add clean, cool water to a clean mixing container. Do not over-water.
2. Slowly add entire bag of TotalFlex 150 Mortar to water while mixing at 400-600 rpm.
3. Mix for two (2) minutes to a smooth and creamy consistency. Consistency will loosen during mixing process. Avoid breathing dust and contact with eyes and skin.
4. Allow the mortar to stand (slake) for 8 minutes.
5. Remix for 1 minute and apply.
6. If the mixture becomes thick, remix without adding more water.

Application

• Key in 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 20-40 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. Irregularities in substrate may require "back-buttering" of 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.
• Note: It is the sole responsibility of the installer to determine the suitability and compatibility of the product for the intended application.

Clean-up

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

Glass Tile Installation

TotalFlex 150, with its proprietary formulation, has been tested and approved to be used with glass tile for the following applications:

1. Indoor applications only
2. Wall applications only
3. Intermittent water exposure (not for use with submerged applications).

Example such as:

• Kitchen Backsplash
• Shower wall accents

Note: When installing clear glass tile over waterproof membranes, visible mortar shadowing may occur.

The Materials approved are as follows

1. Clear Glass tiles with no backing with maximum area of 16 in2
2. 12" x 12" Matted Mosaic Tiles with clear or painted Mesh backing
3. 12" x 12" Matted Subway Tiles with Mesh backing
4. Glass tiles with painted backing up to 16 in2

• In specifying a setting system for the bonding of glass tile, the following issues must be taken into consideration:
• Glass Tile Type: Glass tile can be manufactured in a number of different ways such as clear, translucent with a colored body, or translucent with a colored backing. Each type has a different aesthetic appearance. The color and composition of the mortar can have an effect on the final appearance, especially with clear or translucent tile.

Residential - Extra Heavy Commercial (depending on substrate)

• Storage : Store in cool, dry location. Do not store open bags.
• Shelf Life : Maximum 1 year from date of manufacture in properly stored, unopened package.