How to Guide

Glass Tile Mortar
4. TECHNICAL DATA
Applicable Standard
TEC® Skill Set™ Glass Tile Mortar
Description
ANSI Requirement
Typical Results
28 Day Shear Strength
ANSI A118.1
Glazed Wall Tile
> 300 psi (2.1 MPa)
> 600 psi* (4.1 MPa)
Impervious Ceramic
Tile (Porcelain)
> 200 psi (1.0 MPa)
700 psi (4.8 MPa)
Quarry Tile
> 150 psi (1.0 MPa)
725 psi (5.0 MPa)
Sag on Vertical Surfaces
≤ 1/16”
0 – 1/32”
Open Time at Room
Temperature
≥ 50 minutes
100-120 minutes
Adjustability at Room
Temperature
≥ 30 minutes
50-70 minutes
Final Set
9-15 hours
11-13 hours
Flexibility (movement
absorbed before shear)
Porcelain to Concrete
No ANSI spec
currently available
1/16”
28 Day Shear Strength
ANSI A118.11
Quarry Tile to Plywood
> 150 psi (1.0 MPa)
335 psi** (2.3 MPa)
* ANSI-specified glazed wall tile failed at 600 psi (4.1 MPa)
** Plywood laminates typically failed over 325 psi (2.2 MPa)
Physical Properties
Description
Physical State
Dry Powder
Color
Available in white
Pot Life
2-3 hours
Initial Cure [at 72ºF
(22ºC)]
16-24 hours
Final Cure
21 days
Foot Traffic Rating
(ASTM C627)
Residential to Extra Heavy Commercial
(depending on substrate)
5. INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS
Surface 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 under all live and dead loads;
and be free from oil, grease, dust, paint, sealers or concrete curing
compounds. All contaminants should 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. Note: Vinyl asbestos tile or any substrate containing
asbestos shall 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.
Notes: 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. or
1
⁄
16
" in 1 ft. from the required plane. For non-level, interior surfaces
use TEC
®
Skill Set™ Self Leveling Underlayment.
Mixing
For best results, maintain all tiling materials, substrates, room and
adhesives at 50°-70°F (10-21°C) for 24 hours before and 48 hours
after installation. Avoid breathing dust and contact with eyes and
skin. Avoid using high speed mixing, not to exceed 300 rpm, to
prevent entraining air. Add powder to liquid for ease of mixing.
In a clean mixing container, slowly add product to 0.9 to 1.2 quarts
clean, cool water. Mix material for 2-5 minutes to a thick creamy
consistency, then allow the mortar to stand for 10 minutes. Remix
for 1-2 minutes and apply.
Application
Apply 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 20-30 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. It may be necessary to “back-
butter” large tiles to achieve complete coverage and firm support.
Translucent glass tile may require back buttering to ensure full
coverage and avoid shadows in appearance of tile. 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.
Drying Time
Grouting may be accomplished when tiles are held firmly in place,
typically 16-24 hours after installation is completed. No traffic is
permitted over the tiles prior to grouting. Cold temperatures or high
humidity may extend curing time. Unglazed tiles may require sealing
prior to grouting so discoloration will not occur. The use of TEC®
Skill Set™ grout products are highly recommended. Unsanded
Grout mixed with Grout Boost® Stain Resistant Grout Additive or
Power Grout™ are available in a wide array of designer colors,
these products provide stain resistance, high performance and ease
of use.