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Ardex X 68: A Product Overview
Ardex X 68 is an ultralight, polymer-fortified tile adhesive designed to deliver superior performance and efficiency for tilers. Its unique, environmentally sustainable sand-free formula makes an 11kg bag easier to handle than a traditional 20kg bag, while still offering extended coverage. This makes it light to transport, mix, and spread. Engineered for both internal and external use, this flexible, non-slump adhesive is the ideal choice for fixing all tile types, from mosaics to large format porcelain, even in the most demanding environments like swimming pools and over Ardex undertile waterproofing systems.
10.5m²
Extended wall coverage from a single 11kg bag, maximising material efficiency on site.
Core Features & Specifications
- Ultralight Formula: Low weight design makes it easier to carry, mix, and spread, reducing physical strain on the job.
- Non-Slump Performance: Holds wall tiles instantly, perfect for large format and heavy tiles without slippage.
- Extended Coverage: The sand-free formulation provides more coverage per kilogram than conventional adhesives, offering better value.
- ISO 13007 Classification C2 TE S1: Certified high-performance with improved adhesion (C2), reduced slip (T), extended open time (E), and flexibility (S1).
- Versatile Application: Suitable for all tile types, including fully vitrified porcelain and mosaics, on a wide range of substrates.
- Low VOC Content: With only 1 g/L of VOCs, it meets Green Star requirements for environmentally conscious projects.
The Ardex X 68 Advantage for Tilers
- Reliability: With a tensile adhesion strength of ≥1.0 MPa in all conditions, including water immersion, you can trust it to deliver a bond that lasts, preventing tile failure and callbacks.
- Innovation: The ultralight technology is a game-changer for on-site logistics and application, helping you work faster and with less fatigue.
- Professional Performance: A 30-minute open time and 20-minute adjustment time provide the workability you need for a perfect layout, every time. It’s the pro’s choice for jobs that demand flexibility and strength.
Proactive Troubleshooting for Tilers
Scenario: Tiling over New Concrete or Screeds
Potential Outcome: Tiling over concrete or a screed that hasn't fully cured can lead to tile delamination or cracking. As the substrate shrinks during the curing process, it places immense stress on the tile bed, causing bond failure.
Adheseal Best Practice: Always follow Australian Standard AS 3958. Allow new concrete to cure for at least 4 weeks and new screeds/renders to cure for at least 7 days before tiling. This ensures a stable, movement-free substrate for a permanent bond.
Applications in Practice: Tiler & Waterproofer Scenarios
For Tilers (On-Site Applicator): Installing Large Format Wall Tiles
The Tiler's Challenge
Fixing heavy, large format porcelain tiles (e.g., 600x1200mm) on a bathroom wall requires an adhesive that can bear the weight immediately without any slump, which could ruin the layout and bond.
The Adheseal Solution
Ardex X 68's non-slump (T-rated) properties are engineered for this exact task. After mixing to a creamy consistency, apply to the wall and back-butter the tile to ensure full coverage. The adhesive provides immediate grab, holding the tile in place and allowing you to build your wall from the top down if needed, confident that your lines will stay perfect.
Best Practice Note
For large format tiles, always back-butter to achieve the required coverage as per AS 3958. Periodically lift a tile to check for voids and ensure you have achieved at least 85% contact.
For Waterproofers & Tilers: Tiling a Swimming Pool
The Challenge
A swimming pool is a high-stakes environment with constant water immersion and chemical exposure. The tile adhesive must provide a tenacious, waterproof bond and have enough flexibility to handle thermal movement.
The Adheseal Solution
Ardex X 68 is fully suitable for swimming pools. Its ≥1.0 MPa bond strength after water immersion ensures long-term performance. For enhanced flexibility and resilience, mix Ardex X 68 with Ardex E 90 admix (2L E90 to 4L water per 11kg bag). This creates a tile adhesive system with superior strength and movement accommodation, perfect for immersed applications.
Best Practice Note
Ensure the pool shell is properly prepared, waterproofed, and has cured according to standards before tiling. Allow the tile bed to cure for at least 14 days before filling the pool.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Ardex X 68 "ultralight" and what's the benefit?
Ardex X 68 uses an advanced, sand-free formulation with low-density fillers. This makes an 11kg bag easier and safer to carry around site than a traditional 20kg bag. For tilers, this means less strain on your back, plus it's lighter and fluffier to mix and spread, reducing fatigue throughout the day.
Can I use this adhesive to tile directly over existing tiles?
Yes, but for internal dry areas only. The existing tiles must be sound and firmly bonded. You need to mechanically roughen the surface to remove at least 80% of the glaze, creating a key for the new adhesive. The surface must then be thoroughly cleaned of all dust and contaminants before tiling. Tiling over existing tiles in wet or immersed areas is not recommended.
What does the C2 TE S1 classification mean for my job?
It's a guarantee of professional-grade performance under the international standard ISO 13007. C2 means it has high, improved bond strength. T means it has reduced slip or non-slump properties, essential for wall tiling. E means it has an extended open time (30 mins), giving you more time to work. S1 means it is flexible and can accommodate minor substrate movement.
Do I need to prime the substrate before using Ardex X 68?
For porous substrates like cement render, screeds, or fibre-cement sheeting, priming with Ardex Multiprime is recommended to seal the surface and ensure a consistent bond. This prevents the substrate from drawing water out of the adhesive too quickly. For plasterboard, priming is not usually necessary unless over jointing compound.
Applications & Benefits
| Application / Use Case | Key Benefit | Primary Trades |
|---|---|---|
| Large Format Wall Tiling | Non-slump properties prevent heavy tiles from slipping, ensuring perfect alignment. | Tilers |
| Swimming Pools & Wet Areas | High bond strength (≥1.0 MPa) in immersed conditions ensures long-term durability. | Tilers, Pool Builders |
| General Floor & Wall Tiling | Ultralight formula with extended coverage saves time, effort, and material costs. | Tilers |
| Tiling over Waterproofing Membranes | Flexible (S1) to accommodate minor movement and fully compatible with Ardex liquid membranes. | Tilers, Waterproofers |
Applying Ardex X 68: Protocols & Best Practices
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Mixing
Add the 11kg bag of Ardex X 68 powder to 5.5 litres of clean water in a bucket. Mix with a paddle mixer for at least 2 minutes to a lump-free, creamy consistency. Let it stand for 3 minutes, then re-mix for another 2 minutes.
Pro Tip: For swimming pools or improved flexibility, create an admix of 2 litres Ardex E 90 and 4 litres of water to mix with the 11kg bag of powder. -
Application
Apply the mixed adhesive to the prepared substrate using a notched trowel. Select a trowel size appropriate for the tile size and substrate, as per AS 3958. Only spread enough adhesive that can be tiled within the 30-minute open time.
For Large Format Tiles (>400mm)
In addition to trowelling the substrate, you must also 'back-butter' the tile by applying a thin, flat coat of adhesive to the back to ensure full bed contact and eliminate voids.
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Fixing Tiles
Press tiles firmly into the wet adhesive bed with a sliding motion, perpendicular to the notches. Check coverage periodically by lifting a tile. Remove any excess adhesive from joints and tile faces before it sets. Grouting can begin after 24 hours.
Timing: You have a 30-minute open time and 20 minutes of adjustment time at 23°C. These times can shorten in hotter or drier conditions.
Limitations & Safety
Product Limitations
Moisture Sensitive Stone: Do not use for moisture-sensitive natural stones that can be prone to warping or discolouration. Use a designated adhesive from the Ardex Natural Stone System.
High Movement Substrates: Not suitable for use over timber floors or substrates subject to significant shrinkage or movement. Ardex provides other systems for these applications.
Temperature: Do not apply in temperatures below 10°C or on surfaces subject to direct, intense heat.
Bed Thickness: The adhesive bed should be applied at a thickness between 3mm and 10mm. It is not designed for thick-bed levelling applications.
Safety & Handling Requirements
Personal Protective Equipment
This product is alkaline and contains cement. Wear full protective gear including gloves, eye protection (goggles), and P2-rated respiratory protection to avoid breathing in dust.
Health Hazards
Causes serious eye damage and skin irritation. May cause an allergic skin reaction (dermatitis) and respiratory irritation. Prolonged or repeated exposure may cause organ damage.
Emergency First Aid
Eyes:
Flush immediately with running water for at least 15 minutes. Transport to a hospital or doctor without delay.
Skin:
Quickly remove all contaminated clothing. Flush skin and hair with plenty of running water.
Inhaled:
Remove from contaminated area to fresh air. Lay patient down and keep warm. Transport to a hospital or doctor.
Swallowed:
Do NOT induce vomiting. Give water to rinse mouth and seek medical advice. Call Poisons Information Centre on 131 126.
Always refer to the full Safety Data Sheet (SDS) before use.
Ardex X 68 Substrate Guide
Concrete, Renders & Screeds
Surface Preparation
New concrete must cure for at least 4 weeks. All surfaces must be firm, clean, and dry. Mechanically roughen steel-trowelled or dense concrete (>35 MPa) to remove laitance and create a mechanical key. Renders and screeds should have a wood float finish.
Primer Requirements
Primer Recommended
To prevent water loss into the substrate and ensure maximum bond strength, prime all porous surfaces before applying adhesive.
Ardex MultiprimeFibre-Cement Sheet & Plasterboard
Surface Preparation
Ensure all boards are rigidly fixed as per the manufacturer's instructions to support the tile weight. Surfaces must be clean, dry, and free from dust. Tiling over compressed fibre-cement must comply with AS 3958.
Primer Requirements
Primer Optional / Recommended
Priming is recommended for fibre-cement sheet. It is generally not required for plasterboard, except where jointing compound has been used.
Ardex MultiprimeExisting Ceramic Tiles (Internal Dry)
Surface Preparation
Existing tiles must be sound, stable, and thoroughly cleaned. Mechanically grind the surface to remove at least 80% of the glaze. Vacuum away all dust before tiling. This process is critical for achieving a reliable bond.
Primer Requirements
Primer not required
After mechanically preparing the surface, no primer is needed. Alternatively, if mechanical preparation is not possible, the Ardex P 9 Priming system can be used.
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