For internal and external tiling installations on wall and floor substrates, C-Rubber Tile Adhesive provides a flexible, non-slump, respirable silica-free formulation. It is suitable for fixing porcelain, ceramic, vitrified tiles, mosaics, and moisture-stable natural stone in high-exposure areas like internal and external wet areas, screeds, and renders.
C-Rubber Tile Adhesive is a white, rubber-modified cementitious adhesive that accommodates substrate movement while preventing tile slump during installation. The formula is completely free of respirable silica, reducing inhalation hazards on-site. By meeting the C2TES1 classification under ISO 13007, it delivers high bond strength and deformability, making it suitable for bonding tiles over critical substrates including Gripset waterproofing membranes, compressed fibre cement sheeting, plasterboard linings, and acoustic underlays. It can also be applied over green screeds and renders after 24 hours of curing.
Suitable for bonding to the following prepared substrates:
Mix C-Rubber at a ratio of 8 litres of clean water per 20kg bag. Always add the powder to the water while mixing continuously with an electric stirrer and paddle until a smooth, lump-free consistency is achieved. Allow the mixture to stand for 3 minutes, then re-stir before use.
Apply the adhesive using an appropriately sized notched trowel, limiting the application to 1m² at a time to prevent the adhesive from skinning. For tiles larger than 300 x 300mm, or tiles with lugs, grooves, or uneven backing, back-butter the tile in addition to trowelling the substrate. When using tile clip systems, use a 12mm, 15mm, or 20mm notch and back-butter the tile. Ensure a minimum final bed thickness of 2mm for walls and 3mm for floors. Do not disturb the tiled surface for at least 24 hours at 20°C before grouting or allowing light foot traffic. Allow 3 to 4 days of drying before commissioning wet areas.
Substrates must be primed prior to adhesive application:
Yes, Gripset C-Rubber is classified as C2TES1, making it suitable for both internal and external wall and floor tiling applications. It handles conditions from dry to water immersion and freeze/thaw cycles with ≥1 MPa adhesion strength.
No, Gripset C-Rubber is not recommended for direct fixing onto timber floors. For timber substrates, consider specific timber-compatible systems or consult with Gripset technical services.
The respirable silica free formulation removes a significant health hazard for installers, reducing the risk of respiratory irritation during mixing and application. This helps ensure a safer working environment on site.
Grouting can commence after 24 hours at 23°C and 50% RH. Ensure the adhesive has hardened sufficiently and the tiles are secure before beginning the grouting process.
| Application | Key benefit | Primary trades |
|---|---|---|
| General floor and wall tiling (internal/external) | C2TES1 classification ensures strong, flexible adhesion across varied conditions, minimising callbacks. | Tilers, builders, renovators |
| Wet area tiling (internal/external) | Maintains ≥1 MPa adhesion after water immersion, ensuring waterproof system integrity when used over compliant membranes. | Waterproofers, tilers, plumbers |
| Fixing porcelain, ceramic, and vitrified tiles | Non-slump properties and C2TE classification support large format or heavy tiles on walls and floors without slip. | Tilers |
| Tiling over green screeds and renders | Allows earlier project progression by accommodating substrates cured for as little as 24 hours. | Builders, tilers |
| Health-conscious projects | Respirable silica free formulation reduces health risks for applicators, improving site safety. | OHS managers, builders, tilers |
Substrates must be clean, sound, and flat. Remove dust, laitance, oils/grease, curing compounds and loose/weak material. Ensure concrete ≥7 days cure, wood-float finish, and ≥20 MPa compressive strength.
Prime with Gripset GP Primer at ~1 L/8–10 m². Allow to dry per primer TDS. For green screeds/renders (≥24 h), ensure surface is firm and free of surface water.
Mechanically abrade steel-trowelled/burnished concrete or existing tiles (remove ≥80% glaze). Alternatively, prime with Gripset OP Primer at ~1 L/12 m².
Use clean water and a mechanical mixer with paddle to achieve a smooth, lump-free paste. Always add powder to water.
Add 8 L water per 20 kg bag while mixing (≤500 rpm) until homogeneous.
Scale at ~0.4 L per kg of powder. Maintain the same mixing procedure.
Apply only as much adhesive as can be tiled within the open time. Press tiles into a full wet bed using a sliding action; check coverage by lifting a tile.
Use an appropriate notch (e.g., 10 mm). Aim for ≥90% coverage (internal dry) or ≥95% (wet/external). Final bed thickness: ≥2 mm walls, ≥3 mm floors.
Use 12, 15 or 20 mm notch and back-butter. Maintain ≥95% coverage; do not spot-fix.
Protect freshly tiled areas from traffic, rain and vibration until initial set. Clean any adhesive in joints before grouting.
Grout after ~24 hours. Light foot traffic after ~24 hours. Wet-area service after ~3–4 days.
Allow extended times before grouting and service. Do not disturb for longer than 24 hours if temperatures are low or humidity is high.
Remove residue before it hardens; clean equipment promptly.
Wipe tile faces with a damp sponge/cloth. Rinse frequently to avoid film.
Remove mechanically. Do not use solvents.
Signal Word: Danger
Gripset C-Rubber is a hazardous chemical that causes skin irritation and serious eye damage, and may cause respiratory irritation. Follow all safety instructions to prevent exposure.
Wear safety shoes, overalls, gloves (nitrile rubber recommended for intermittent contact), safety glasses, and a dust mask. Wash hands before eating, drinking, or smoking, and wash contaminated clothing before reuse.
Ensure ventilation is adequate to maintain air concentrations below exposure standards. Use only outdoors or in well-ventilated areas. Avoid generating and inhaling dusts, using local exhaust ventilation or a dust mask.
Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated place, out of direct sunlight and away from foodstuffs. Keep container tightly closed and 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 reliable tile adhesion, ensuring the Gripset C-Rubber performs as specified and prevents bond failure.
Surface prep: Concrete slabs must cure for at least seven days, have a wood float finish, and a minimum compressive strength of 20MPa. Steel-trowelled, burnished, or dense surfaces require mechanical abrasion to roughen for a key.
Primer: Optional. For steel-trowelled or dense surfaces not mechanically abraded, prime with Gripset OP Primer.
Surface prep: Surfaces must cure for at least 24 hours before tiling. All loose material, dirt, and contaminants must be removed.
Primer: Optional. Highly porous surfaces benefit from Gripset GP Primer.
Surface prep: Tiles must be well bonded, sound, and secure. Mechanically abrade or roughen the surface of existing tiles to remove at least 80% of the glaze.
Primer: Optional. If not mechanically abraded, prime with Gripset OP Primer.
Surface prep: All surfaces must be clean, sound, smooth, and dry, free from loose material, dirt, oil, grease, and other contaminants. Structurally unsound layers must be mechanically removed.
Primer: Refer to Gripset primer data sheets for specific guidance on porous (Gripset GP Primer) and non-porous (Gripset OP Primer) surfaces.
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Form/Colour | White powder |
| Bulk Density | 0.94 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 (ISO 13007) | C2TES1 |
| 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 | 3-4 days |
| Mixing Ratio | 8 litres water per 20kg bag |
| Coverage (10mm notched trowel) | 10-12 m² per 20kg bag |
| Final Bed Thickness (wall) | ≥2 mm |
| Final Bed Thickness (floor) | ≥3 mm |
| Application Temperature | 5-35 °C |
| Shelf Life | 12 months |
Here are some common examples on where Gripset C-Rubber Tile Adhesive used by our customers.
