For internal and external tiling jobs where high movement, large format tiles, or continuous water immersion require a highly flexible bond, Gripset C-Lite Tile Adhesive provides a commercial-grade, non-slump solution. Formulated as a white adhesive, it is suitable for fixing porcelain, vitrified tiles, mosaics, and non-moisture-sensitive natural stone over floors, walls, underfloor heating systems, and Gripset waterproofing membranes.
C-Lite Tile Adhesive is classified as C2TES2 under ISO 13007. This designation confirms a high-performance cementitious adhesive (C2) with slip resistance (T), extended open time (E), and high deformability (S2). The S2 classification ensures the cured bed absorbs the structural stress and thermal expansion found in underfloor heating systems, external walls, and swimming pools without shearing or losing adhesion. Its non-slump consistency supports heavy large-format tiles and prevents lippage during installation.
Suitable for internal and external wall and floor tiling, wet areas, pools, spas, and water features. Compatible substrates include:
All work must be carried out in accordance with AS 3958. C-Lite must be mixed at a ratio of 4.5 litres of clean water per 15kg bag by adding powder to water and mixing with an electric stirrer to a lump-free consistency. Let the mix stand for 3 minutes and re-stir before use.
Apply the adhesive in 1m² sections to prevent early skinning. If the adhesive skins, it must be removed and replaced with fresh material. Press tiles using a sliding action to ensure complete coverage. For tiles larger than 300 x 300mm, tiles with lugs, grooves, or uneven backing, and when using tile clip systems, back-butter the tile in addition to notching the substrate. The final bed thickness must be at least 2mm for wall tiling and 3mm for floor tiling.
Yes, Gripset C-Lite is suitable for immersed applications like pools, spas, and water features. It achieves a tensile adhesion strength of ≥1 MPa after water immersion, ensuring a durable bond in these demanding environments.
C2TES2 means Gripset C-Lite is a high-performance, cementitious adhesive with improved characteristics, an extended open time, and high deformability. This classification confirms its suitability for challenging installations like large format tiles and areas subject to movement.
No, Gripset C-Lite is not recommended for direct fixing onto timber floors. Refer to Gripset technical guidelines for alternative solutions for timber substrates.
For tiles larger than 300 x 300mm, back-butter the tiles in addition to notching the substrate. This ensures full adhesive coverage and prevents voids, which is critical for the long-term performance of large format installations.
| Application | Key benefit | Primary trades |
|---|---|---|
| Internal and external wall and floor tiling | Delivers commercial-grade bond strength (C2TES2) across diverse conditions. | Tilers, Builders |
| Wet areas, including showers and bathrooms | Achieves ≥1 MPa tensile adhesion after water immersion, ensuring long-term durability. | Waterproofers, Tilers |
| Immersed applications (pools, spas, water features) | Maintains critical bond integrity in constant water exposure with 7-day cure for service. | Pool builders, Tilers |
| Large format tile installations | High flexibility (S2 classification) and non-slump properties reduce tile lippage and stress cracks. | Tilers |
| Tiling over early age concrete, render, and screeds | Formulated to accommodate residual moisture and movement in new construction with reduced waiting times. | Builders, Tilers |
| Underfloor heating systems | High deformability (S2) accommodates thermal expansion and contraction cycles without bond failure. | Tilers, Floor heating installers |
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).
Prime with Gripset GP Primer at 1 L per 8–10 m².
Prime with Gripset OP Primer at 1 L per 12 m².
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.
Mix for 2–3 minutes, allow to stand for 3 minutes, then re-stir before use.
For smaller areas, proportion mix ratio accurately to maintain performance consistency.
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.
Spread no more than 1 m² at a time to prevent premature skinning.
Use 12–20 mm notch trowels and ensure adhesive coverage meets AS 3958 standards.
Allow adhesive to cure for 24 hours before grouting. Ensure all adhesive residue is removed from joints before grout application.
Grout only when tiles are firmly set and will not be displaced.
Protect from rain for 24 hours after grouting; allow 3–4 days before wet area service and 7 days before immersion.
Danger: Gripset C-Lite causes skin irritation, serious eye damage, and may cause respiratory irritation.
Wear safety shoes, overalls, nitrile rubber gloves, safety glasses, and a dust mask. Ensure all PPE is suitable for the work and identified hazards.
Use only outdoors or in a well-ventilated area. Ensure ventilation is adequate to maintain air concentrations below exposure standards, and avoid generating dust.
Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated place out of direct sunlight. Keep container tightly closed and store locked up. Shelf life is 12 months in original unopened packaging. Dispose of contents/container in accordance with local regulations.
Proper substrate preparation is critical for adhesion and system longevity. Ensure all surfaces are clean, sound, dry, and free from contaminants that could compromise the bond.
Surface prep: Allow concrete slabs to cure for at least seven days, with a minimum compressive strength of 20MPa and a wood float finish. Steel-trowelled, burnished, or dense concrete must be mechanically abraded to roughen the surface and provide a key.
Primer: Optional. For abraded, dense concrete, prime with Gripset OP Primer.
Surface prep: Allow rendered and screeded surfaces to cure for at least 24 hours.
Primer: Required for highly porous surfaces. Apply Gripset GP Primer at 1 litre/8-10m².
Surface prep: Ensure existing tiles are well bonded, sound, and secure. Mechanically abrade or roughen the tile surface to remove at least 80% of the glaze for direct fixing.
Primer: Optional. Alternatively, prime tiled surfaces with Gripset OP Primer at 1 litre per 12m².
Surface prep: Ensure membranes are fully cured and clean as per their specific data sheets.
Primer: Not required.
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Form/Colour | White powder |
| Bulk Density | 1.13 kg/dm³ |
| Tensile Adhesion Strength 28 Days Dry | ≥1 MPa |
| Tensile Adhesion Strength Water Immersion | ≥1 MPa |
| Tensile Adhesion Strength Freeze/Thaw | ≥1 MPa |
| Classification | C2TES2 |
| Coverage 10mm Notch | 6-7 m² |
| Open Time | 30 minutes |
| Adjustment Time | 40 minutes |
| Pot Life | 2 hours |
| Ready for Grouting | 24 hours |
| Light Foot Traffic | 24 hours |
| Wet Area Service | 3-4 days |
| Immersed Areas Service | 7 days |
| Mixing Ratio | 4.5 litres water per 15kg bag |
| Shelf Life | 12 months |
Here are some common examples on where Gripset C-Lite Tile Adhesive used by our customers.
