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Ardex X 18 Tile Adhesive is a polymer fortified cement-based tile adhesive engineered for high-performance bonding in residential and commercial environments. This C2 TE S1 rated formula utilizes specially developed fibres to provide micro-reinforcement, effectively reducing shrinkage and protecting against tile cracking on high-traffic floors and vertical surfaces.
The non-slump mastic-type consistency allows contractors to fix heavy, large-format porcelain or natural stone tiles without sagging, while the 30-minute extended open time helps precise alignment on complex layouts.
Specifically developed for versatility, it permits tiling over 7-day old concrete and liquid-applied waterproofing membranes, bypassing the standard 28-day cure period to meet aggressive project deadlines. For aquatic applications such as swimming pools and spas, mixing with ARDEX E90 enhances flexibility and water resistance, maintaining a tensile adhesion strength of ≥1.0 MPa after immersion.
To ensure long-term bond integrity, steel-trowel finished concrete must be mechanically roughened to provide a key, and all porous substrates should be primed with ARDEX Multiprime to manage surface absorption.
Frequently Asked Questions
How soon can I tile on new concrete or screed with Ardex X 18?
Ardex X 18's innovative formula allows you to tile over concrete after only 7 days and new cement screeds after just 24 hours. This significantly accelerates project schedules compared to traditional adhesives, allowing you to move onto the next stage of the job faster.
Is Ardex X 18 suitable for tiling a swimming pool?
Yes, it's engineered for fully immersed applications. For maximum performance and resilience in pools, mix Ardex X 18 with ARDEX E 90 admixture as specified in the datasheet. This creates an incredibly durable, water-resistant bond that withstands pool chemicals and constant immersion.
What is the open time and pot life of Ardex X 18?
Ardex X 18 gives you a generous 30-minute open time for tile adjustment and a pot life of approximately 3 hours at 23°C. This provides professional tilers with excellent workability and enough time to achieve precise layouts without the mortar skinning over prematurely.
Can I use this adhesive for large format wall tiles?
Absolutely. Ardex X 18 is specifically designed with non-slump properties, making it the perfect choice for heavy and large format wall tiles. It provides exceptional grab, preventing any sag or slippage during installation for a perfect finish.
Applications & Benefits
| Application / Use Case | Key Benefit | Primary Trades |
|---|---|---|
| Wall & Floor Tiling | Fibre-reinforced S1 flexibility and non-slump properties for reliable fixing of all tile types. | Tilers |
| Swimming Pools & Wet Areas | Excellent water resistance and high bond strength ensure durability in immersed conditions. | Tilers, Waterproofers |
| Large Format Tile Installation | Superior non-slump performance prevents slippage of heavy tiles on vertical surfaces. | Tilers |
| Tiling Over Early-Age Concrete | Can be used on concrete after 7 days, speeding up project timelines. | Tilers |
| Internal & External Applications | Versatile formulation is suitable for both interior and exterior use on floors and walls. | Tilers |
Applying Ardex X 18: Professional Protocol
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Step 1: Substrate Preparation
Ensure your substrate is structurally sound, clean, dry, and free from any contaminants like dust, oil, or curing agents. All preparation must comply with Australian Standard AS 3958. Prime porous surfaces with ARDEX Multiprime.
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Step 2: Mixing
Add a 20kg bag of Ardex X 18 powder to 5-6 litres of clean water in a container. Mix with a mechanical stirrer for at least 2 minutes until a lump-free, creamy mortar is achieved. Let it stand for 5 minutes, then remix for a final 2 minutes.
Pro Tip: Do not add extra water after the initial mixing, as this will compromise the adhesive's non-slump properties and final bond strength. -
Step 3: Application & Fixing
Apply the adhesive to the substrate with a notched trowel suitable for the tile size. Spread only enough adhesive that can be tiled within the 30-minute open time. For large format tiles (>400mm) or tiles with ribbed backs, also butter the back of the tile to ensure 100% coverage and eliminate voids.
Fixing Technique
Press tiles firmly into the mortar bed with a sliding motion at a right angle to the notches. Periodically lift a tile to confirm full coverage has been achieved.
Grouting: Allow the adhesive to set for approximately 24 hours before grouting. This can be longer in cool or humid conditions.
Limitations & Safety
Product Limitations
Temperature: Do not apply at temperatures below 5°C or on substrates with frozen water.
Moisture Sensitive Stone: Not suitable for fixing moisture-sensitive natural stones. Refer to the ARDEX Natural Stone System for these applications.
Substrate Movement: Not for use over substrates subject to significant shrinkage or movement, such as timber floors. Not for use over metal.
Deflection: Do not use on floors with deflection greater than joist span divided by 500 (for tiles <600mm) or 700 (for tiles >600mm).
Safety & Handling
Personal Protective Equipment
Always wear protective gloves, safety goggles/face shield, and appropriate dust mask (P2/N95) when mixing and handling the powder. Wear long sleeves and trousers to avoid skin contact.
Ventilation & Handling
Use only in well-ventilated areas. Avoid breathing in dust. When mixed, wet cement is alkaline and can cause skin irritation or burns. Wash hands thoroughly after handling.
Emergency First Aid
Eyes
Rinse immediately and cautiously with water for several minutes. Remove contact lenses if present. Continue rinsing and call a POISON CENTER or doctor immediately.
Skin
Wash with plenty of soap and water. If skin irritation or a rash occurs, seek medical advice. Wash contaminated clothing before reuse.
Inhaled
Remove person to fresh air and keep comfortable for breathing. Call a doctor if you feel unwell.
Ingested
Rinse mouth with water. Do NOT induce vomiting. Seek immediate medical advice.
Substrate Adhesion & Preparation Guide
Concrete, Renders & Screeds
Surface Preparation
Ensure surfaces are firm, clean, and free of laitance, curing compounds, or grease. New concrete must be at least 7 days old. Mechanically roughen steel-trowelled or dense concrete (>35 MPa) to create a key. New renders/screeds should be wood-float finished and cured for at least 24 hours.
Primer Requirements
Primer recommended for porous surfaces
To prevent water loss into porous substrates and ensure a stronger bond, prime with ARDEX Multiprime before applying the adhesive.
ARDEX MultiprimeFibre-Cement Sheet & Plasterboard
Surface Preparation
Boards must be rigidly fixed according to the manufacturer's instructions to support the tile weight. Ensure surfaces are clean and free from dust. For floor applications, use compressed fibre-cement sheets and follow AS 3958 guidelines.
Primer Requirements
Primer recommended for fibre-cement
Priming is recommended for fibre-cement sheets to minimise water absorption. Plasterboard does not typically require priming unless jointing compound is present.
ARDEX MultiprimeExisting Ceramic Tiles (Internal Dry Areas)
Surface Preparation
Existing tiles must be sound, stable, and clean. The glazed surface must be mechanically roughened to remove at least 80% of the glaze, creating a sufficient key for the new adhesive to bond to. This method is not suitable for immersed or wet areas.
Primer Requirements
Primer required
After roughening the surface, clean off all dust and apply a coat of ARDEX Multiprime or ARDEX P 9 to ensure a tenacious bond between the old tile surface and the new adhesive.
ARDEX MultiprimeDownloads & technical resources
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