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Gripset C-Lite: A Technical Overview
Gripset C-Lite is a premium-grade, white, flexible, non-slump tile adhesive engineered for long-term durability. Meeting C2TES2 classification under ISO 13007, it is suitable for challenging applications including large-format tiles, porcelain, mosaics, natural stone (non-moisture sensitive), and immersed areas. The high polymer modification delivers excellent adhesion to a wide range of prepared substrates, with outstanding resistance to thermal movement and vibration. With open time of 30 minutes and pot life of 2 hours, it provides optimal workability for professional tilers while enabling high early bond strength for fast turnaround. Compatible with underfloor heating systems and Gripset waterproofing membranes, C-Lite ensures reliable performance across diverse Australian climate zones.
Core Features & Specifications
- White, non-slump formula for clean application and precision tile alignment.
- Highly flexible adhesive accommodating thermal movement and vibration without bond failure.
- Commercial-grade performance meeting C2TES2 classification under ISO 13007.
- Suitable for internal and external wall and floor tiling, including wet areas and immersed applications.
- Excellent adhesion to early age concrete, screeds, renders, and Gripset waterproofing membranes.
- Extended open time (30 minutes) and adjustment time (40 minutes) for precise installation.
- Pot life of 2 hours for sustained workability on larger projects.
- Compatible with large-format tile systems and underfloor heating applications.
The Gripset C-Lite Advantage
- Delivers engineered certainty with proven C2TES2-class adhesion strength in demanding conditions.
- Non-slump formula ensures consistent coverage, preventing tile lipping and hollow spots.
- Adaptable to diverse Australian climates and substrates, reducing site delays and call-backs.
- Supports compliance with AS 3958 for tile installation, ensuring professional standard results.
- Minimises wastage and rework through superior coverage and long working time.
Proactive Troubleshooting
Scenario: Applying over dusty or contaminated substrates
Potential Outcome: Bond failure and tile debonding under service loads.
Adheseal Best Practice: Mechanically clean and prime surfaces with Gripset GP Primer or Gripset OP Primer as per substrate type before adhesive application.
Scenario: Allowing adhesive to skin before tile placement
Potential Outcome: Reduced adhesion and compromised bond strength.
Adheseal Best Practice: Apply adhesive in small sections (≤1 m²) and press tiles into a fresh wet bed using a sliding action.
Applications in Practice: Trade Scenarios
For Tilers (On-Site Applicator): Large-format porcelain tile installation
The Professional's Challenge
Achieving full coverage on large-format tiles without lipping, especially in external or high-moisture environments, while meeting AS 3958 standards.
The Adheseal Solution: Engineered Certainty in Practice
Gripset C-Lite’s non-slump, high-flexibility formula ensures full contact. Back-butter tiles larger than 300 × 300 mm and use a 12–20 mm notch trowel with clip systems to achieve >90% coverage in service areas.
Best Practice Note
Regularly lift and check tiles during installation to confirm coverage, especially in corners and edges where voids are common.
For Waterproofers (Specifier/Engineer): Immersed applications
The Professional's Challenge
Ensuring tile adhesion in submerged conditions where hydrostatic pressure and chemical exposure can compromise performance.
The Adheseal Solution: Engineered Certainty in Practice
C-Lite meets C2TES2 classification and maintains ≥1 MPa adhesion after water immersion, delivering long-term stability in pools, spas, and water features.
Best Practice Note
Allow 7 days cure before immersion and protect tiling from inclement weather during curing to maintain bond integrity.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Gripset C-Lite be used for tiling over freshly poured concrete?
Yes. Gripset C-Lite is suitable for use over early age concrete provided it has cured for at least 7 days, has a wood float finish, and a compressive strength of ≥20 MPa. Ensure the surface is clean and primed as required.
What trowel size should I use for large-format tiles with Gripset C-Lite?
For tiles larger than 300 × 300 mm, use a 12–20 mm notch trowel and back-butter the tile to achieve full coverage, especially with clip levelling systems.
Is Gripset C-Lite suitable for tiling in swimming pools?
Yes. Gripset C-Lite is classified C2TES2 and maintains ≥1 MPa adhesion after water immersion. Allow a 7-day cure before filling the pool to ensure optimal bond strength.
Can I use Gripset C-Lite over existing tiles?
Yes, provided the existing tiles are well bonded. Mechanically abrade at least 80% of the glaze or prime with Gripset OP Primer before applying the adhesive.
What is the open time for Gripset C-Lite?
The adhesive has an open time of approximately 30 minutes at 23°C and 50% RH. Apply tiles within this timeframe to avoid reduced adhesion from surface skinning.
Applications & Benefits
| Application / Use Case | Key Benefit | Primary Trades |
|---|---|---|
| Internal & external wall and floor tiling | Non-slump, high-flexibility formula ensures precise alignment and strong bonds | Tilers, Builders |
| Wet area tiling (bathrooms, laundries) | C2TES2 classification ensures water resistance and adhesion in humid conditions | Tilers, Waterproofers |
| Immersed applications (pools, spas, water features) | ≥1 MPa adhesion after water immersion for long-term submerged durability | Tilers, Waterproofers |
| Large-format tile installation | Non-slump performance prevents lipping; extended open time allows precise positioning | Tilers |
| Underfloor heating systems | High flexibility accommodates thermal expansion and contraction | Tilers, Builders |
| Tiling over Gripset waterproofing membranes | Excellent compatibility ensures full system performance and warranty compliance | Tilers, Waterproofers |
Applying Gripset C-Lite: Enhanced Protocols & Best Practices
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Surface Preparation
Ensure all substrates are clean, sound, smooth, dry, and free from contaminants such as dust, oil, grease, wax, moss, or laitance. Mechanically remove unsound layers and ensure surfaces meet relevant Australian Standards (AS 3958).
Porous Surfaces
Prime with Gripset GP Primer at 1 L per 8–10 m².
Non-Porous Surfaces
Prime with Gripset OP Primer at 1 L per 12 m².
Timing: Allow primers to dry fully before adhesive application.Pro Tip: For dense concrete or glazed tiles, mechanically abrade surface before priming to enhance adhesion. -
Mixing
Mix 15 kg of Gripset C-Lite with 4.5 L of clean water in a clean pail. Add powder to water while stirring continuously with an electric stirrer and paddle attachment until smooth and lump-free.
Standard Method
Mix for 2–3 minutes, allow to stand for 3 minutes, then re-stir before use.
Batch Mixing
For smaller areas, proportion mix ratio accurately to maintain performance consistency.
Timing: Pot life is approximately 2 hours at 23°C and 50% RH.Pro Tip: Never add more water once the mix has begun to set; this will weaken adhesive performance. -
Application
Apply adhesive with a notched trowel suited to tile size. For tiles larger than 300 × 300 mm, back-butter the tile in addition to notching the substrate.
Standard Tiling
Spread no more than 1 m² at a time to prevent premature skinning.
Clip Levelling Systems
Use 12–20 mm notch trowels and ensure adhesive coverage meets AS 3958 standards.
Timing: Open time ~30 minutes; adjustment time ~40 minutes.Pro Tip: Press tiles into the wet adhesive using a sliding action to eliminate voids. -
Grouting
Allow adhesive to cure for 24 hours before grouting. Ensure all adhesive residue is removed from joints before grout application.
Standard Cure
Grout only when tiles are firmly set and will not be displaced.
Wet Area Precautions
Protect from rain for 24 hours after grouting; allow 3–4 days before wet area service and 7 days before immersion.
Timing: Times may extend in cool or humid conditions.Pro Tip: Use a grout suited to the service environment for maximum durability.
Limitations & Safety
Product Limitations
Do not apply when surface or ambient temperatures are below 5°C or above 35°C, as this can impair curing and adhesion.
Not recommended for direct fixing onto timber floors; use suitable underlay or sheeting systems.
Not suitable for moisture-sensitive stone; always confirm stone compatibility prior to installation.
Safety & Handling Requirements
Personal Protective Equipment
Wear chemical-resistant gloves (e.g., nitrile), safety glasses, and protective clothing to prevent skin and eye contact. Use knee pads when tiling floors to prevent long-term strain injuries.
Ventilation Requirements
Use in well-ventilated areas. When working indoors, maintain airflow with fans or open windows to minimise dust accumulation during mixing.
Fire & Handling Precautions
Gripset C-Lite is non-flammable. Store in a cool, dry location away from direct sunlight and sources of moisture. Keep packaging sealed until ready for use.
Emergency First Aid
Eyes:
Rinse immediately with plenty of clean water for at least 15 minutes. Seek medical attention if irritation persists.
Skin:
Wash thoroughly with soap and water. Remove contaminated clothing.
Inhaled:
Move to fresh air. Seek medical advice if symptoms occur.
Swallowed:
Rinse mouth with water. DO NOT induce vomiting. Seek immediate medical attention.
Seek medical attention immediately in all cases of serious exposure.
Gripset C-Lite Application Guide
Concrete
Surface Preparation
Cure for at least 7 days, wood float finish, compressive strength ≥20 MPa. Remove contaminants, laitance, and curing compounds mechanically. Dense or burnished concrete must be mechanically abraded.
Primer Requirements
Primer recommended for optimal adhesion
Use Gripset OP Primer for dense or steel-trowelled surfaces; Gripset GP Primer for porous concrete.
Gripset GP Primer / Gripset OP PrimerScreed & Render
Surface Preparation
Allow to cure for at least 24 hours. Ensure surface is clean, smooth, and free from laitance or loose material.
Primer Requirements
Primer recommended for optimal adhesion
Apply Gripset GP Primer for porous screeds/renders.
Gripset GP PrimerRendered Masonry & Blockwork
Surface Preparation
Ensure surfaces are sound, clean, and free from efflorescence or debris. Remove loose particles mechanically.
Primer Requirements
Primer recommended for optimal adhesion
Prime with Gripset GP Primer on porous surfaces.
Gripset GP PrimerPlasterboard Linings
Surface Preparation
Ensure surfaces are dry, dust-free, and structurally sound. Remove all surface contaminants before priming.
Primer Requirements
Primer required for critical applications
Use Gripset GP Primer for porous paper-faced boards.
Gripset GP PrimerCompressed Fibre Cement Sheeting
Surface Preparation
Ensure sheets are fixed according to manufacturer’s specifications, clean, and free of surface contaminants.
Primer Requirements
Primer recommended for optimal adhesion
Prime with Gripset GP Primer for porous surfaces.
Gripset GP PrimerExisting Tiled Surfaces
Surface Preparation
Tiles must be sound and secure. Mechanically abrade to remove at least 80% of glaze for direct fixing.
Primer Requirements
Primer recommended for optimal adhesion
Prime with Gripset OP Primer if mechanical abrasion is not fully achieved.
Gripset OP Primer
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