SikaCeram®-4

• EN 12004 - Initial Tensile Adhesion Strength and Tensile Adhesion Strength after water immersion, Slip-resistant (T), Cementitious (C) adhesive of class C1T
• ANSI 118.1 - Tile Shear Adhesion Strength

Blend of portland cement, graded sand and special additives

12 months from date of production

Store in undamaged, unopened, original sealed packaging in dry conditions at temperatures between +5°C and +35°C. Protect from direct sunlight, heat and moisture.

In normal conditions on cement-based substrate, no primer is required. However, for very high absorbent substrates (e.g. drywalls) or non-absorbent substrates, please contact Sika Technical Service for recommendation.

Min. 3 mm

Max. 6 mm

+5°C min. / +35°C max.

3.6 to 4.0 L of water per 20 kg bag

+5°C min. / +35°C max.

~5 min (Slake time)

~30 min

Values determined in laboratory conditions: +25°C ± 2°C, R.H. 50 % ± 5 %.
Higher temperatures will reduce the indicated waiting times, lower temperatures will increase the indicated waiting time.

Powder consumption and coverage depends on the surface profile and roughness of the substrate, size and reverse profile of the tiles and the placing technique (simple placing "floating" or back to back “buttering-floating”).
As a guide for solid bed application:

For 1 mm thickness over 1 m² area, approximately 1.5 kg of only powder is required.

For small sized tiles (side ≤30 cm), use small squared notch size trowel (4 - 6 mm) and progressively increase for medium tiles (side ≤45 cm, trowel 6 - 8 mm) or large tiles (side ≤60 cm, trowel 8 - 10 mm).

These figures are theoretical and do not allow for any additional material due to surface porosity, surface profile, variations in level, wastage or any other variations. Apply product to a test area to calculate the exact consumption for the specific substrate conditions and proposed application equipment. Above consumption indications refer to the installation of slightly profiled, non-vitrified or vitrified tiles on flat substrate e.g. render or cement screed.

Select the most appropriate equipment required for the project:

Substrate preparation equipment:

• Grinding equipment
• Abrading equipment
• Power washing equipment
• Sandblasting equipment

Mixing equipment:

• Low speed electric single or double paddle mixer (300–400 rpm) with a spiral mixing paddle.

Application equipment:

• Notched trowel, various seizes

Minimum age of the substrate:

• SikaLevel® range – 3 days
• Cement screed - 28 days

Note: The screed drying time is subject to the screed thickness and site conditions. For applications before 28d please contact Sika's Technical Service Department.

Newly applied cement screeds must not have a residual moisture content over 4%, anhydrite and/or gypsum-based screeds not more than 0.5% (measured with a CM meter).

All surfaces must be clean, dimensionally stable, sound and free from all traces of oil, grease, mould release agent and curing compound. It should be ensured that tiles are dry and free of contaminants that could impair adhesion.
Concrete, screeds, renders, and blockwork should be cured sufficiently, with shrinkage already occurred.
Prime very absorbent cement based substrates, plasterboards, cement boards, calcium silicate boards and aerated concrete.

• Mix a bag with the necessary, above mentioned, amount of water, using an electric blender with a suitable mixing spiral at low speed, in a clean bucket, to obtain a smooth paste free of lumps.
• Use a blender at 500 rpm maximum; do not mix at faster rate because of mechanical strength decay of the cured product.
• Allow a maturing time (slake time) of approx. 5 minutes for SikaCeram®-4 in the mixing container, then remix briefly prior to application.
• Always start with minimum recommended quantity of water (water/powder ratio), only if required, gradually add water to desired consistency. Do not exceed maximum allowed limit of water per bag weight.
• The obtained mix results should be very creamy, easily spreadable and thixotropic.
• Do not mix more material than can be used within 30 minutes.

Apply SikaCeram®-4 to a uniform thickness of 3 to 6 mm or sufficient to cover the studs or keys on the tile back; on a working area of not more than 1m². Solid bed fixing is recommended for all horizontal applications and for ceramic tiles. If preferred, SikaCeram®-4 can additionally be buttered on the backs of the tiles to ensure full adhesive contact. For all other vertical applications, the adhesive bed should be combed horizontally with a notched trowel to remove excess.

Adhesive application:

• Apply a thin scratch coat to the substrate with the smooth edge of the trowel.
• Comb mortar onto the fresh scratch coat with a notched trowel.
• Apply sufficient adhesive to the prepared fixing surfaces with the notched trowel to the required bed thickness, in one direction.
• Place the tiles in the adhesive bed with a twist and slide motion and adjust to correct position.
• Adjust the tiles if required.
• Clean off surplus adhesive from tile face and between tile joints before the adhesive has dried.

Clean all tools and application equipment with water immediately after use. Hardened / cured material can only be removed mechanically.