TEC® Totalflex XMS

Mixing

Ready to use. No mixing required.

General Guidelines

TotalFlex XMS Tile Adhesive is applied to one side only and cures by reacting with moisture from the air, substrate and tile. To ensure consistent curing, dampen the substrate with a wet sponge (SSD - surface saturated dry) or lightly spritz the substrate or applied adhesive with water just prior to setting the tile. Adding moisture is particularly important when installlllllllllllling tile in low ambient humidity conditions (<30% RH), when combining two non-porous materials and for large format tile. TotalFlex XMS is designed for applications where the maximum depth of adhesive will not exceed ½". Excess adhesive thickness will inhibit curing. Note that open time and repositioning time will vary depending on humidity and temperature. Relative humidity above 50% will cause shorter open/repositioning times while relative humidity below 20% will noticeably extend cure times.

Application

Gaged Porcelain Tile Panels/Slabs Installllllllation:

To ensure consistent adhesive curing, immediately before tile installation, dampen the substrate surface with a moist sponge or spray mist. Substrate surface should be SSD (surface saturated dry). Apply adhesive using the recommended trowel to either the substrate surface or the back of the tile. Only one side requires adhesive coverage. Refer to Coverage Guide for trowel size. Gaged porcelain tile panels/slabs require special equipment, handling, and techniques to insure a successful long-lasting installation. For additional installation instructions, please refer to the TEC Gaged Porcelain Tile and Gaged Porcelain Tile Panels/Slabs Installation Guide found on the TECspecialty.com website.

1. Using the flat back side of the trowel, key in a light coat of adhesive to the substrate or back of tile.
2. Apply additional adhesive with the recommended trowel combing it in straight lines parallel to the short side of the tile. Ensure 100% surface coverage including corners and edges.
3. Spread only as much adhesive as can be tiled while the adhesive will transfer to the opposite surface. Do not allow the adhesive to skin over.
4. Edge leveling straps and caps are required to minimize lippage between panel edges.
5. Carefully align and firmly place the tile.
6. Using a high-speed cordless orbital sander with pad, work from the center of the panel outward to the edges. This will expel air from behind the panel and maximize edge-to-edge adhesive coverage.
7. Cinch down the leveling caps tightly to bring adjoining panel edges into alignment.
8. Clean excess adhesive from the panel’s surface and clean out between the panel joints to the full depth of the panel while the adhesive is still fresh.

Standard-sized Wall Tile Installation:

1. TotalFlex XMS offers excellent slip resistance for wall tile applications up to 4 lbs/ft2 (19.5 kg/m2). Apply adhesive to wall surface only. Refer to Coverage Guide for trowel size.
2. Using the flat back side of the trowel, key in a light coat of adhesive to the wall surface.
3. Apply additional adhesive with the recommended trowel combing it in straight lines parallel to the short side of the tile. Ensure 100% surface coverage including corners and edges.
4. Spread only as much adhesive as can be tiled while the adhesive will transfer to the opposite surface. Do not allow the adhesive to skin over.
5. Press the tile firmly onto wall and then push in a direction perpendicular to the notched trowel ridges to achieve optimum coverage. Periodically remove and check a tile to assure proper adhesive coverage. Clean excess fresh adhesive between tiles, maintaining a minimum of 2/3 of grout depth between tiles for grouting.
6. Allow adhesive to cure for 12 hours before grouting.

Glass Tile Installation:

1. TotalFlex XMS has been tested and approved to be used with glass tile for the following applications:
2. Wall applications only for non-pool installations. See separate application section for pool installation instructions.
3. Interior and exterior
4. Dry, intermittent water exposure, and submerged applications including chlorinated and salt water
5. Maximum glass tile sizes: Exterior installations up to 6" x 6". Interior installations up to 2' x 4'.

In specifying a setting system for the bonding of glass tile, the following factors must be taken into consideration:

Glass Tile Type:

Glass tile can be manufactured in multiple ways such as clear, translucent with a colored body, or translucent with a colored backing. Each tile type has a different esthetic appearance. The color and composition of the adhesive can influence the final appearance, especially with translucent tile. Always pre-test a small area to confirm suitability. Refer to Coverage Chart for trowel size. Note that glass tile installations require 100% continuous adhesive coverage. Always read and follow the glass tile manufacturer’s specifications for suitability and installation.

1. Using the flat side of the trowel, key adhesive into the substrate.
2. Apply additional adhesive and comb in one direction with the notched side of the trowel.
3. Knock down the ridges to ensure they are not visible through the tile.
4. Firmly place the tile into the adhesive.
5. Remove paper facings following the tile manufacturer’s instructions. Removing the paper while the adhesive is still fresh allows for individual tile adjustment.
6. Clean excessive adhesive from tile with a dry non-abrasive towel.
7. Allow adhesive to cure for 12 hours before grouting.

Countertop Installation:

TotalFlex XMS Tile Adhesive is designed for applications where the maximum depth of adhesive will not exceed ½ in. Excess adhesive thickness will inhibit curing.

1. Check for surface levelness before countertop installation. Cabinet adjustment or shimming may be required. Cantilevered applications may require bracing per code requirements.
2. Apply adhesive with a small hand tool adhesive spreader as required at the cabinet and sink perimeters.
3. If bonding two non-porous surfaces or under very dry conditions (less than 30% humidity) lightly spritz water on the adhesive using a plant mister spray bottle.
4. Lower the countertop onto the cabinets.
5. Materials may be repositioned within 10-15 minutes after countertop placement.
6. Allow 12 hours for adhesive cure before use.

Mosaic Tile Installation:

Refer to Coverage Chart for trowel size. TotalFlex XMS can be used for installing sheet-mounted mosaic glass tile or stone tiles or individual tiles in thin-set applications. Applications include; pools and pool decks, shower walls & floors. Refer to tile manufacturer for suitability for intended application.

1. Using the flat side of the trowel, key adhesive into the substrate.
2. Apply additional adhesive and comb in one direction with the notched side of the trowel.
3. For mosaic and glass tile, knock down the ridges to ensure they are not visible through the tile.
4. Firmly place the tile into the adhesive and then push in a direction perpendicular to the notched trowel ridges to achieve optimum coverage. Periodically remove and check a tile to assure proper adhesive coverage.
5. To achieve the flattest possible surface, lightly tap the sheets with a wooden beating block and a finish hammer. To unify sheet transitions, tap from one sheet to the next.
6. Remove paper facings following the tile manufacturer’s instructions. Removing the paper while the adhesive is still fresh allows for individual tile adjustment.
7. Clean excessive adhesive from tile with a dry non-abrasive towel.
8. Allow adhesive to cure for 12 hours before grouting.

Pool Tile, Water Features and Spa Installation:

TotalFlex XMS Tile Adhesive was developed for use in chlorinated or saltwater pools. Suitable substrates for pool installations include TEC HydraFlex Crack Isolation Waterproofing Membrane, TEC Triple Flex Waterproofing Crack Isolation Membrane and stainless steel. Refer to Coverage Guide for trowel size. TotalFlex XMS allows for grouting after 12 hours and pool filling after 7 days when used with TEC Power Grout® or TEC AccuColor EFX® Epoxy Grout and Mortar. Refer to the TEC Pool and Water Feature Installation Guide on the TEC website for detailed pool instructions.

Clean-up

Clean excess adhesive from face of tile, while mortar is still fresh, with a dry non-abrasive towel. Dried adhesive may be carefully scraped from the tile surface using a plastic scraper.

Caulking/Grouting

Caulking/grouting the tile joints may be accomplished when tiles are held firmly in place, typically 12 hours after installation is completed. Low humidity and low temperatures will extend cure time, working time, and pot life. High humidity and high temperatures will decrease cure time, working time, and pot life. Gaged porcelain panel manufacturers typically specify the use of 100% silicone sealant to allow for dimensional changes in exterior applications. The use of TEC brand grouts and TEC® AccuColor 100® 100% Silicone Sealant is highly recommended.

• Interior and exterior walls, countertops and mosaic tile for shower floors
• Gaged porcelain tile panels/slabs and thin set applications
• Submerged use including pools, water features and showers
• Porcelain, glass, metal, stone, and resin-backed tiles
• Residential, light & heavy commercial

When properly prepared, suitable substrates include:

• Cured concrete, brick and masonry (interior and exterior installations)
• APA Grade Trademarked Exposure 1 Plywood (exterior grade)
• Steel, aluminum, epoxy, and fiberglass
• Gypsum wallboard (dry interior wall areas only. Priming may be required)
• Water resistant gypsum wallboard (i.e.: green board, interior walls only, dry to intermittent water exposure only)
• Cementitious backer units (CBU) or glass mat backer board
• Existing ceramic tile and natural stone, provided it is well-bonded to an approved substrate
• Extruded foam water proof board
• TEC® HydraFlex™ Crack Isolation and Water proofing Membrane, Triple Flex™ Waterproofing Crack Isolation Membrane

Preparation

• All substrates must be clean, dry, structurally sound, and free from oil, grease, dust, adhesive, paint, sealers, or concrete curing compounds.
• Maximum deflection must comply with industry standards of L/360 for ceramic tile installations and L/720 for natural stone and GPTP installations or applicable building codes.
• All contaminants must be removed prior to installation of tile.
• For Gaged Porcelain Tile Panels/Slabs installation, reference the TEC Thin Porcelain Panel Installation Guide on tecspecialty.com.
• 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. Movement joints must be provided per TCNA Method EJ-171 or TTMAC guidelines.

Mixing

Ready to use. No mixing required.

General Guidelines

TotalFlex XMS Tile Adhesive is applied to one side only and cures by reacting with moisture from the air, substrate and tile. To ensure consistent curing, dampen the substrate with a wet sponge (SSD - surface saturated dry) or lightly spritz the substrate or applied adhesive with water just prior to setting the tile. Adding moisture is particularly important when installing tile in low ambient humidity conditions (<30% RH), when combining two non-porous materials and for large format tile. TotalFlex XMS is designed for applications where the maximum depth of adhesive will not exceed ½". Excess adhesive thickness will inhibit curing. Note that open time and repositioning time will vary depending on humidity and temperature. Relative humidity above 50% will cause shorter open/repositioning times while relative humidity below 20% will noticeably extend cure times.

Application

Gaged Porcelain Tile Panels/Slabs Installation:

To ensure consistent adhesive curing, immediately before tile installation, dampen the substrate surface with a moist sponge or spray mist. Substrate surface should be SSD (surface saturated dry). Apply adhesive using the recommended trowel to either the substrate surface or the back of the tile. Only one side requires adhesive coverage. Refer to Coverage Guide for trowel size. Gaged porcelain tile panels/slabs require special equipment, handling, and techniques to insure a successful long-lasting installation. For additional installation instructions, please refer to the TEC Gaged Porcelain Tile and Gaged Porcelain Tile Panels/Slabs Installation Guide found on the TECspecialty.com website.

1. Using the flat back side of the trowel, key in a light coat of adhesive to the substrate or back of tile.
2. Apply additional adhesive with the recommended trowel combing it in straight lines parallel to the short side of the tile. Ensure 100% surface coverage including corners and edges.
3. Spread only as much adhesive as can be tiled while the adhesive will transfer to the opposite surface. Do not allow the adhesive to skin over.
4. Edge leveling straps and caps are required to minimize lippage between panel edges.
5. Carefully align and firmly place the tile.
6. Using a high-speed cordless orbital sander with pad, work from the center of the panel outward to the edges. This will expel air from behind the panel and maximize edge-to-edge adhesive coverage.
7. Cinch down the leveling caps tightly to bring adjoining panel edges into alignment.
8. Clean excess adhesive from the panel’s surface and clean out between the panel joints to the full depth of the panel while the adhesive is still fresh.

Standard-sized Wall Tile Installation:

1. TotalFlex XMS offers excellent slip resistance for wall tile applications up to 4 lbs/ft2 (19.5 kg/m2). Apply adhesive to wall surface only. Refer to Coverage Guide for trowel size.
2. Using the flat back side of the trowel, key in a light coat of adhesive to the wall surface.
3. Apply additional adhesive with the recommended trowel combing it in straight lines parallel to the short side of the tile. Ensure 100% surface coverage including corners and edges.
4. Spread only as much adhesive as can be tiled while the adhesive will transfer to the opposite surface. Do not allow the adhesive to skin over.
5. Press the tile firmly onto wall and then push in a direction perpendicular to the notched trowel ridges to achieve optimum coverage. Periodically remove and check a tile to assure proper adhesive coverage. Clean excess fresh adhesive between tiles, maintaining a minimum of 2/3 of grout depth between tiles for grouting.
6. Allow adhesive to cure for 12 hours before grouting.

Glass Tile Installation:

1. TotalFlex XMS has been tested and approved to be used with glass tile for the following applications:
2. Wall applications only for non-pool installations. See separate application section for pool installation instructions.
3. Interior and exterior
4. Dry, intermittent water exposure, and submerged applications including chlorinated and salt water
5. Maximum glass tile sizes: Exterior installations up to 6" x 6". Interior installations up to 2' x 4'.

In specifying a setting system for the bonding of glass tile, the following factors must be taken into consideration:

Glass Tile Type:

Glass tile can be manufactured in multiple ways such as clear, translucent with a colored body, or translucent with a colored backing. Each tile type has a different aesthetic appearance. The color and composition of the adhesive can influence the final appearance, especially with translucent tile. Always pre-test a small area to confirm suitability. Refer to Coverage Chart for trowel size. Note that glass tile installations require 100% continuous adhesive coverage. Always read and follow the glass tile manufacturer’s specifications for suitability and installation.

1. Using the flat side of the trowel, key adhesive into the substrate.
2. Apply additional adhesive and comb in one direction with the notched side of the trowel.
3. Knock down the ridges to ensure they are not visible through the tile.
4. Firmly place the tile into the adhesive.
5. Remove paper facings following the tile manufacturer’s instructions. Removing the paper while the adhesive is still fresh allows for individual tile adjustment.
6. Clean excessive adhesive from tile with a dry non-abrasive towel.
7. Allow adhesive to cure for 12 hours before grouting.

Countertop Installation:

TotalFlex XMS Tile Adhesive is designed for applications where the maximum depth of adhesive will not exceed ½ in. Excess adhesive thickness will inhibit curing.

1. Check for surface levelness before countertop installation. Cabinet adjustment or shimming may be required. Cantilevered applications may require bracing per code requirements.
2. Apply adhesive with a small hand tool adhesive spreader as required at the cabinet and sink perimeters.
3. If bonding two non-porous surfaces or under very dry conditions (less than 30% humidity) lightly spritz water on the adhesive using a plant mister spray bottle.
4. Lower the countertop onto the cabinets.
5. Materials may be repositioned within 10-15 minutes after countertop placement.
6. Allow 12 hours for adhesive cure before use.

Mosaic Tile Installation:

Refer to Coverage Chart for trowel size. TotalFlex XMS can be used for installing sheet-mounted mosaic glass tile or stone tiles or individual tiles in thin-set applications. Applications include; pools and pool decks, shower walls & floors. Refer to tile manufacturer for suitability for intended application.

1. Using the flat side of the trowel, key adhesive into the substrate.
2. Apply additional adhesive and comb in one direction with the notched side of the trowel.
3. For mosaic and glass tile, knock down the ridges to ensure they are not visible through the tile.
4. Firmly place the tile into the adhesive and then push in a direction perpendicular to the notched trowel ridges to achieve optimum coverage. Periodically remove and check a tile to assure proper adhesive coverage.
5. To achieve the flattest possible surface, lightly tap the sheets with a wooden beating block and a finish hammer. To unify sheet transitions, tap from one sheet to the next.
6. Remove paper facings following the tile manufacturer’s instructions. Removing the paper while the adhesive is still fresh allows for individual tile adjustment.
7. Clean excessive adhesive from tile with a dry non-abrasive towel.
8. Allow adhesive to cure for 12 hours before grouting.

Pool Tile, Water Features and Spa Installation:

TotalFlex XMS Tile Adhesive was developed for use in chlorinated or saltwater pools. Suitable substrates for pool installations include TEC HydraFlex Crack Isolation Waterproofing Membrane, TEC Triple Flex Waterproofing Crack Isolation Membrane and stainless steel. Refer to Coverage Guide for trowel size. TotalFlex XMS allows for grouting after 12 hours and pool filling after 7 days when used with TEC Power Grout® or TEC AccuColor EFX® Epoxy Grout and Mortar. Refer to the TEC Pool and Water Feature Installation Guide on the TEC website for detailed pool instructions.

Clean-up

Clean excess adhesive from face of tile, while mortar is still fresh, with a dry non-abrasive towel. Dried adhesive may be carefully scraped from the tile surface using a plastic scraper.

Caulking/Grouting

Caulking/grouting the tile joints may be accomplished when tiles are held firmly in place, typically 12 hours after installation is completed. Low humidity and low temperatures will extend cure time, working time, and pot life. High humidity and high temperatures will decrease cure time, working time, and pot life. Gaged porcelain panel manufacturers typically specify the use of 100% silicone sealant to allow for dimensional changes in exterior applications. The use of TEC brand grouts and TEC® AccuColor 100® 100% Silicone Sealant is highly recommended.

• 4 gallon plastic pail (15.1 L)

• Shelf Life : Maximum of 1 year from date of manufacture in unopened container.
• Storage Conditions : 50°-90°F (10°C -32°C)
• Freeze/Thaw Stability : Protect from freeze in storage and transit
• Store in cool, dry location out of direct sunlight. Do not leave pail uncovered for extended periods when not in use. To maximize storage shelf life, cover remaining adhesive with the supplied plastic film and securely seal the lid. Cured adhesive can be peeled from the surface and sides to expose uncured adhesive.