Achieve high-performance, durable tiling with a single, versatile adhesive. This formulation handles internal, external, and immersed applications, including large format tiles, porcelain, and natural stone. Your installation remains precise, even on walls, with a reliable bond backed by C2TES1 classification.
Gripset C-Mastic is a premium polymer modified tile adhesive engineered for demanding tiling projects. It delivers enhanced workability and non-slump properties, ensuring precision with large format tiles on both floors and walls. Beyond its performance, this adhesive features a respirable silica-free formulation, prioritising applicator health on site. Its design provides a broad application range, from general internal and external areas to fully immersed applications.
Mix Gripset C-Mastic with 5.5-6 litres of clean water per 20kg bag, using an electric stirrer to achieve a smooth, lump-free consistency. After a 3-minute stand, re-stir and apply with an appropriately sized notched trowel. For tiles larger than 300x300mm or with clip systems, back-buttering the tiles is required to ensure full adhesive coverage and prevent voids. This practice maintains the bond and prevents tile lipping.
The adhesive offers a 30-minute open time and 40 minutes of adjustment time, providing ample opportunity for precise tile placement. Grouting can commence after 24 hours, once the adhesive has sufficiently hardened. Keep surfaces clean with a damp cloth or sponge while the adhesive is still wet. Dried adhesive requires mechanical removal.
Gripset C-Mastic is typically applied after substrate preparation and any required priming, and crucially, after the installation of waterproofing membranes in wet areas. In tiled wet areas like bathrooms, laundries, and common area powder rooms, the C-Mastic serves as the tile adhesive, providing the critical bond for the final tiled finish. It frequently precedes the application of a flexible sanitary silicone sealant, such as Adheseal S100 Sanitary Silicone Sealant, to seal movement joints and perimeter details, ensuring a complete, watertight system.
Before application, porous or non-porous surfaces may require priming with Gripset GP Primer or Gripset OP Primer to optimise adhesion, depending on substrate type. This ensures a stable base for the adhesive, especially over substrates like concrete, screed, render, and compressed fibre cement sheeting.
While both Gripset C-Mastic and Gripset C-Lite Waterproofing Membrane offer reliable tile fixing, Gripset C-Mastic stands out as a premium, C2TES1 classified, respirable silica-free option. It provides superior non-slump and deformability, making it the ideal choice for demanding projects involving large format tiles, external installations, or immersed areas like swimming pools. Gripset C-Lite, while versatile for general internal wall and floor tiling, may not offer the same enhanced performance characteristics required for these more challenging conditions or for projects where deformability is critical for long-term durability.
Yes, Gripset C-Mastic is engineered for immersed applications, including swimming pools and surrounds. Its C2S1TE classification confirms the high bond strength and flexibility needed for these wet areas. Allow 7 days for curing before filling immersed areas.
No, Gripset C-Mastic is not suitable for direct application onto timber floors or for use with moisture-sensitive natural stone. For timber, differential movement can compromise the bond. For moisture-sensitive stone, the adhesive's properties can cause discolouration or warping.
| Application | Key benefit | Primary trades |
|---|---|---|
| Large format tile installation (internal/external walls and floors) | Non-slump properties and C2S1TE classification ensure secure fixing and accommodate substrate movement. | Tilers, Builders |
| Tiling in immersed areas (swimming pools, pool surrounds) | High tensile adhesion (≥1 MPa after water immersion) and C2S1TE classification provide durability in wet conditions. | Tilers, Waterproofers |
| General internal and external wall and floor tiling | Versatile application across concrete, screed, masonry, and plasterboard with strong, flexible bond. | Tilers, Builders |
| Fixing porcelain, vitrified tiles, and mosaics | Consistent workability and extended open time allow precise placement for various tile types. | Tilers |
| Projects requiring improved health and safety for installers | Respirable silica-free formulation reduces dust-related health risks during mixing and application. | Tilers, Builders, Safety Officers |
Ensure substrates are clean, sound, smooth, dry, and free from contaminants such as dust, oil, grease, curing compounds, or laitance. Mechanically remove unsound layers or contaminants. Follow specific substrate preparation requirements in the adhesion guide.
For dense or steel-trowelled concrete, mechanically abrade using a grinder or abrasive blast to create a textured key.
Prime porous substrates with Gripset GP Primer and non-porous surfaces with Gripset OP Primer as per coverage rates.
Measure 5.5–6 litres of clean water per 20 kg bag. Add C-Mastic powder gradually while mixing with an electric stirrer fitted with a paddle attachment until smooth and lump-free. Allow mix to stand for 3 minutes, then re-stir before use.
Always add powder to water (not vice versa) to achieve optimal consistency and avoid lumps.
Only mix quantities that can be applied within the 1-hour pot life to maintain bond integrity.
Apply adhesive to the substrate using the correct size notched trowel for the tile size. For tiles >300×300 mm, back-butter in addition to notching the floor/wall. Spread no more than 1 m² at a time to prevent skinning before laying tiles.
Press tiles into adhesive with a sliding action to achieve full contact and avoid voids.
Use a 12, 15, or 20 mm notch and back-butter tiles to achieve full coverage in compliance with AS 3958.
Allow at least 24 hours before grouting. Protect tiling from rain and moisture during curing. In wet areas, wait 3 days before service; in immersed areas, allow 7 days before filling.
Begin once adhesive has cured and tiles are secure, removing any adhesive from joints before grouting.
Allow a longer curing period in humid or cold conditions to ensure full adhesive set before exposure to moisture.
Danger: Causes skin irritation. Causes serious eye damage. May cause respiratory irritation.
Wear safety shoes, overalls, gloves (nitrile rubber recommended), safety glasses, and a dust mask. Wash hands before eating, drinking, or smoking. Wash contaminated clothing before reuse.
Use only outdoors or in a well-ventilated area. Ensure adequate ventilation to maintain air concentrations below exposure standards and to avoid inhaling dust.
Store in original unopened packaging for up to 12 months in a cool, dry, well-ventilated place, out of direct sunlight. Keep away from foodstuffs and incompatible materials. Avoid freezing and cold floors. Store locked up. Dispose of contents/container according to local regulations.
Proper surface preparation and priming are critical for ensuring adhesive performance and preventing bond failure.
Surface prep: Clean, sound, dry, and free from contaminants. Steel-trowelled, burnished, or dense surfaces require mechanical abrasion to create a key.
Primer: Optional. Use Gripset OP Primer if mechanical abrasion is not performed on dense concrete.
Surface prep: Clean, sound, dry, and free from contaminants. Structurally unsound layers must be mechanically removed.
Primer: Required for porous/absorbent surfaces. Use Gripset GP Primer at 1 litre per 8-10m².
Surface prep: Clean, sound, dry, and free from contaminants. Ensure surfaces are stable and constructed to manufacturer recommendations.
Primer: Required for porous/absorbent surfaces. Use Gripset GP Primer at 1 litre per 8-10m².
Surface prep: Mechanically abrade/roughen the surface to remove at least 80% of the tile glaze for direct fixing. Clean thoroughly.
Primer: Optional. Use Gripset OP Primer if mechanical abrasion is insufficient or preferred.
Surface prep: Ensure membrane is clean, fully cured, and free from contaminants.
Primer: Not required over Gripset waterproofing membranes.
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Form | Powder |
| Colour | White |
| Bulk Density | 1.18 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 | C2S1TE |
| Open Time | 30 minutes |
| Adjustment Time | 40 minutes |
| Pot Life | 1 hour |
| Ready for Grouting | 24 hours |
| Light Foot Traffic | 24 hours |
| Wet Area Service | 3 days |
| Immersed Areas Service | 7 days |
| Shelf Life | 12 months |
Here are some common examples on where Gripset C-Mastic Tile Adhesive used by our customers.
