For resilient and textile floor installations complying with AS 1884, ARDEX AF 171 is an off-white, low-VOC universal flooring adhesive that provides high resistance to plasticiser migration, extended open times, and excellent dimensional stability under vinyl sheet, luxury vinyl tiles, planks, and linoleum.
ARDEX AF 171 secures resilient and textile floorcoverings to prepared internal subfloors with high initial grab and high final bond strength. It accommodates different flooring formats through dual application methods: as a wet-set adhesive to ensure rapid transfer for luxury vinyl planks (LVP) and luxury vinyl tiles (LVT), or as a semi-wet adhesive bed for commercial and residential sheet vinyl.
The formulation resists plasticiser migration, preventing the bond degradation and dimensional shifting that can occur when plasticisers in vinyl flooring migrate into the adhesive layer over time.
This adhesive is suitable for securing the following floor coverings to compatible substrates:
Compatible substrates include cementitious underlayments over concrete, hardboard underlay (conforming to AS/NZS 21854.9), HP MDF (conforming to AS/NZS 1859.2), plywood underlay grade C (conforming to AS/NZS 2269.0), fibre cement sheet (conforming to AS/NZS 2908.2), and plasterboard. Contact ARDEX Technical Services for advice regarding installation over terrazzo, ceramic tiles, and metal substrates.
All surfaces must be dry, smooth, clean, and absorbent. Ambient and substrate temperatures must be maintained consistently in accordance with AS 1884 and the flooring manufacturer's guidelines for 48 hours before, during, and after installation.
Highly absorbent subfloors must be primed with ARDEX P 51 Primer before adhesive application. For damp or green concrete substrates exceeding 80% relative humidity (ASTM F2170) or 15g/m²/24hrs (ASTM F1869) but below 90% RH, prepare the subfloor using one of the following moisture stop options before applying the required 3mm levelling underlayment:
Coverage rates depend on substrate porosity and texture. Trowel selection should be site-verified to ensure adequate adhesive transfer:
Yes, ARDEX AF 171 is specifically designed for bonding Luxury Vinyl Tiles (LVT) and Luxury Vinyl Planks (LVP). It offers high resistance to plasticiser migration, preventing adhesive breakdown and discolouration, and features an extended open time for precise placement.
For concrete with moisture content above 80% RH or 15gm/m²/24hrs, a moisture barrier system is required. Use ARDEX WPM 300 or ARDEX WPM 368. Always apply a minimum 3mm ARDEX levelling compound over the moisture barrier before applying AF 171.
Yes, ARDEX AF 171 is formulated with high resistance to plasticiser migration. This protects the adhesive from softening and bond failure, which is critical for the long-term performance of vinyl and rubber floor coverings.
For sheet vinyl, allow ARDEX AF 171 to dry for 40-50 minutes in a semi-wet method before installing the flooring. This time can vary based on site and sub-floor conditions. Always ensure full adhesive crush-out by flattening trowel notches.
| Application | Key benefit | Primary trades |
|---|---|---|
| Luxury Vinyl Tiles (LVT) and Planks (LVP) | High resistance to plasticiser migration, maintaining bond integrity and preventing adhesive softening or discolouration. Extended open time for precise alignment. | Flooring installers, builders |
| Sheet Vinyl | Offers a semi-wet-set application method, allowing optimal flash-off and tack for reliable adhesion. High initial grab reduces movement during installation. | Flooring installers, commercial fit-out teams |
| Linoleum and Rubber (up to 4mm) | Achieves a high final bond strength for demanding flooring types, ensuring dimensional stability and long-term performance. | Flooring specialists, commercial builders |
| Direct Stick and Dual Bond Carpet | Provides versatile bonding capabilities for various carpet backing types, supporting both full adhesion and dual bond systems. | Carpet installers, shopfitters |
| General flooring installations on prepared substrates | Low VOC content contributes to healthier indoor air quality during and after installation, meeting environmental requirements. | Health-conscious builders, green construction projects |
Verify dry, smooth, clean substrate per AS 1884 moisture test. Prime absorbent floors.
Apply ARDEX WPM 300 at 3m²/L or WPM 368; broadcast Primer Sand on WPM 300 if needed, cure overnight then level 3mm min.
Prime with diluted ARDEX P 51 if absorbent.
Spread with appropriate trowel; install per method.
V-notch trowel, install within 15 min, check 100% transfer.
U1 trowel, dry 40-50 min, press in, flatten notches.
ARDEX AF 171 is classified as a NON-HAZARDOUS CHEMICAL and NON-DANGEROUS GOODS.
Wear safety glasses or chemical goggles, gloves (e.g., PVC or nitrile), and appropriate protective clothing. Safety footwear and a PVC apron are recommended. Ensure an eye wash unit is available.
Avoid inhaling vapours or spray. Ensure adequate ventilation during mixing and application to maintain airborne concentrations below exposure standards.
Store in original unopened packaging in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area, away from incompatible materials and foodstuffs. Keep containers securely sealed. Shelf life is 12 months when stored at 23ºC and 50% RH. Do not reuse containers. Dispose of adhesive and containers according to Federal, State, and Local regulations. Do not flush adhesive down drains.
Proper substrate preparation is critical for bond performance and prevents callbacks. This guide outlines standard requirements for ARDEX AF 171.
Surface prep: Ensure surfaces are dry, smooth, clean, and absorbent. Follow Australian Standard 1884 for resilient sheet flooring, including moisture testing. If moisture content exceeds 80% RH or 15gm/m²/24hrs, a moisture barrier (ARDEX WPM 300 or WPM 368) is required, followed by a minimum 3mm ARDEX levelling compound.
Primer: Optional. Prime highly absorbent sub-floors with ARDEX P 51 Primer, following its dilution ratio recommendations. Not required over ARDEX WPM 368.
Surface prep: Ensure surfaces are dry, smooth, and clean. Substrate must be dimensionally stable and free from contamination. Absorbency is key for strong bond. Follow AS 1884 guidelines.
Primer: Optional. Prime highly absorbent timber-based substrates with ARDEX P 51 Primer as per its technical data sheet.
Surface prep: Ensure surfaces are dry, smooth, and clean. Substrate must be sound and free from dust or loose material. Verify absorbency for optimal bond performance.
Primer: Optional. Prime highly absorbent sheets with ARDEX P 51 Primer. Not typically required for less absorbent, stable surfaces.
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Colour | Off White |
| Cure Time | 72 hours at 20°C |
| Packaging | 15 litre Pail (18kg) |
| Shelf Life | 12 months |
| pH as supplied | ~7 |
| Initial Boiling Point | 100 °C |
| Relative Density (Water=1) | ~1.2 |
| Solubility in Water | Miscible |
| Wet Set Method (LVT/LVP) Open Time | 15 minutes |
| Semi-Wet Method (Sheet Vinyl) Flash-off Time | 40–50 minutes |
Here are some common examples on where Ardex AF 171 Universal Vinyl Adhesive used by our customers.
