Instructions / Assembly

Glass Tile Premium Thin-Set Mortar / TDS-200
Bonding to Concrete Surfaces
Concrete or plaster must be fully cured and must accept water
penetration. Test by sprinkling water on various areas of the substrate.
If water penetrates, then a good bond can be achieved; if water beads,
surface contaminants are present, and loss of adhesion may occur.
Contaminants should be mechanically removed before installation.
Concrete must be free of efflorescence and not subject to hydrostatic
pressure. Concrete slabs should have a coarse finish to enhance the
bond. Smooth concrete slabs must be mechanically abraded to
achieve proper bond.
Bonding to Lightweight Cement and Gypsum Surfaces
Lightweight or gypsum based underlayments must obtain a minimum
2000 psi (13.8 MP) compressive strength. The underlayment must be
sufficiently dry and properly cured to the manufacturer’s specifications
for permanent, non-moisture permeable coverings. Surfaces to be tiled
must be structurally sound and subject to deflection not to exceed the
current ANSI Standards. Surfaces shall be free of all grease, oil, dirt,
dust, curing compounds, waxes, sealers, efflorescence, or any other
foreign matter.
All Lightweight cement or Gypsum surfaces should be primed with a
properly applied sealer or a primer coat of RedGard, consisting of 1
part RedGard diluted with 4 parts clean, cool water. Mix in a clean
bucket at low speed to obtain a lump free solution. The primer can be
brushed, rolled or sprayed to achieve an even coat. Apply the primer
coat to the floor at a rate of 300 sq. ft.l (7.5 sq. m/L). Drying time
depends on site conditions, but is normally less than 1 hour.
Extremely porous surfaces may require 2 coats. At this point,
RedGard can be applied to the primed lightweight or gypsum based
surface. Refer to the individual product data sheet or packaging
directions for application instructions. Expansion joints must be
installed in accordance with local building codes and ANSI/TCNA
guidelines. Refer to TCNA EJ171.
Bonding to Plywood Surfaces
Plywood floors, including those under resilient flooring, must be
structurally sound and must meet all ANSI A108.01 Part 3.4
requirements. Maximum allowable deflection: L/360 tile L/720 stone.
See TCNA F150-13 Tile Installations, TCNA F141-13 and F250-13 for
Stone. For questions about proper subfloor installation requirements,
call Custom technical services.
Bonding to Backerboards
As an alternative to an additional layer of plywood, WonderBoard
backerboard may be installed over plywood subfloors for ceramic tile
installations. Refer to TCNA F144-13 tile installations, TCNA F250-13
stone installations. Call Custom technical services when installing
natural stone over plywood subfloor.
Bonding to Existing Surfacing Material
Existing Ceramic Tile, Resilient Flooring or Plastic Laminates:
Resilient flooring or plastic laminates must be well bonded, as well as
clean and free of all contaminates. Roughen the surface by sanding or
scarifying; rinse and allow to dry. Do not sand flooring that contains
asbestos. For existing well bonded ceramic tile, mechanically abrade
the surface. Rinse and allow to dry. When sanding, an approved
respirator should be used.
Bonding to Cutback Adhesive
Adhesive layers must be removed, as they reduce mortar bond
strength to cement surfaces. Use extreme caution; adhesives may
contain asbestos fibers. Do not sand or grind adhesive residue, as
harmful dust may result. Never use adhesive removers or solvents, as
they soften the adhesive and may cause it to penetrate into the
concrete. Adhesive residue must be wet scraped to the finished
surface of the concrete, leaving only the transparent staining from the
glue. To determine desirable results, do a test bond area before
starting. Refer to the RFCI Pamphlet, "Recommended Work Practices
for Removal of Resilient Floor Coverings" for further information.
Movement Joint Placement
Movement joints are required for perimeters and other changes of
plane in all installations. Expansion joints and cold joints, as
described in ANSI A108.01, should never be bridged with setting
material. They must be brought through the tile work and filled with an
appropriate elastomeric sealant, such as Custom's 100% Silicone.
Contact Custom's Technical Services for the proper treatment of
control or saw cut joints. Refer to TCNA EJ171, F125 & F125A.
Mixing Ratios
Thoroughly mix approximately 27 fl oz quarts (0.8 L) clean, cool water
and a full 7 lb. (3.18 kg) box of Glass Tile Mortar together to a smooth,
paste-like consistency.
Mixing Procedures
Mix by hand or use a low 150 – 200 rpm speed 1/2" (13 mm) drill to
achieve a smooth, paste-like consistency. Let the mixture slake or
stand 5 – 10 minutes; stir again and use. Stir occasionally, but do not
add more water. When properly mixed, troweled ridges will stand
without slump.
Application of Product
Installation must conform to ANSI A108.5. Use a properly sized notch
trowel to ensure proper coverage under tiles. Using the flat side of the
trowel, apply a skim coat of mortar to the surface. With the notch side
of the trowel held at a 45° angle, apply additional mortar to the
surface, combing in one direction. Press the tile firmly into place in a
perpendicular motion across ridges, moving back and forth. The
perpendicular motion flattens ridges and closes valleys, allowing
maximum coverage. With some tile, specifically glass, back buttering
is highly recomended. Adjust the tile promptly and beat it in with a
block and rubber mallet. Periodically pull up a tile and check the back
to ensure proper adhesive coverage. If the material has skinned over
(not sticky to the touch), re-comb with the notch trowel; if too dry,
remove and replace the dry material with fresh material. Thin Set
Mortar should not be used to fill low spots in the flooring. Mortar can
be applied up to 1/4" (6 mm) thick after beat in. For large format tile
and uneven flooring, use mortars designed for Medium Bed
applications.
Glass Tile Premium Thin-Set Mortar
Published Date: 2/12/2021