SikaCeram®-401

Blend of Portland cement, graded aggregates and organic polymer.

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.

Grey: ~1.9 kg/l (mixed, at 25°C)

White: ~2.0 kg/l (mixed, at 25°C)

≥ 0.5 N/mm² (Initial, 28 days cured at +23°C)

Min. 4 mm / Max. 40 mm

+5°C min. / +40°C max.

~2 min. (Slake time at 25°C)

~3 hours (25°C)

~20 min. (25°C)

Powder consumption and coverage depends on the surface profile and roughness of the substrate, size and reverse profile of the tiles.

As a guide:
For 1 mm thickness over 1 m² area approximately 1.6 kg of grey powder or approximately 1.7 kg of white powder, is required.

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.

All surfaces must be clean, dimensionally stable, sound and free from all traces of oil, grease, mould release agents and curing compounds. It should be ensured that tiles and pavers are dry, and free of contaminants that could impair adhesion.
Concrete and screeds should be cured sufficiently that all shrinkage movement has occurred.

• Mix a bag with the necessary, above mentioned, amount of water, for 3 minutes 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 400 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. 2 minutes for SikaCeram®-401 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 the maximum allowed limit of water per bag weight.
• Higher volumes should ideally be mixed in a forced action mixer.

Apply SikaCeram®-401 to a uniform thickness of 4 mm to 40 mm or sufficient to cover the studs or keys on the tile back, on a working area of not more than 1 m².
Tiles / pavers should be dry and fixed by pressing into place with slight twisting motion, ensuring the tile back achieves full contact with the adhesive.
Solid bed fixing is recommended for all applications of SikaCeram®-401 Thick Bed Mortar. This is achieved by applying a coat of adhesive to the back of the tiles to ensure full adhesive contact.

Adjustments to tiles should only be made during the adhesives open time.
Remove excess adhesive from the face of the tile with a damp sponge or cloth before it sets.
Similarly, joints must be raked out to be ready for grouting.
Leave adhesive to cure for a minimum of 24 hours before grouting.
Select the appropriate grout from the SikaCeram® range depending from joint size, service and use.

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