11
Gripset C-Rubber: A Technical Overview
Gripset C-Rubber is a rubber modified cement-based tile adhesive formulated for superior adhesion, flexibility, and durability in demanding applications. Its rubber modification provides enhanced deformation and impact resistance, making it ideal for challenging substrates and environments. Complies with AS ISO 13007-1 & AS 4992 classification C2TES1, delivering non-slip performance and extended open time.
C2TES1
AS ISO 13007-1 classification
Core Features & Specifications
- Rubber modified cement-based adhesive for wall and floor tiles.
- High flexibility for substrates subject to limited movement or vibration.
- Excellent adhesion to ceramic, porcelain, vitrified, and natural stone tiles.
- Non-slip (thixotropic) formula for ease of vertical installation.
- Extended open time allows for larger area coverage before fixing tiles.
- Suitable for tiling over Gripset waterproof membranes without priming.
- Internal and external applications in both residential and commercial projects.
- Pot life: ~3 hours at 23 °C; Adjustability time: ~20 minutes.
- Colour: Grey powder; Pack size: 20 kg bag.
- Meets C2TES1 classification to AS ISO 13007-1 and AS 4992.
The Gripset C-Rubber Advantage
- High deformability to absorb limited substrate movement.
- Improved impact resistance compared to standard cement adhesives.
- Strong adhesion even to low-porosity tiles like porcelain.
- Non-slip consistency reduces tile slump on vertical surfaces.
- Extended working time gives greater installation flexibility.
Proactive Troubleshooting
Scenario: Using in submerged areas too soon
Potential Outcome: Adhesive bond not fully developed; risk of debonding.
Best Practice: Allow minimum 21 days curing before immersing in pools or water tanks.
Scenario: Applying over dusty or contaminated substrates
Potential Outcome: Loss of adhesion; tiles lifting over time.
Best Practice: Clean substrate thoroughly; remove dust, grease, and laitance; prime if necessary.
Scenario: Incorrect water ratio during mixing
Potential Outcome: Reduced strength, poor workability.
Best Practice: Mix with 5–5.5 L of clean water per 20 kg bag; do not exceed recommended ratio.
Applications in Practice: Trade Scenarios
For Tilers: Porcelain Floor Tiles over Waterproof Membrane
The Professional's Challenge
Bonding low-porosity porcelain tiles over a flexible waterproofing system without slippage.
The Adheseal Solution
Spread C-Rubber with a suitable notched trowel; back-butter tiles; set within 30 minutes; check for full coverage; grout after 24 hours.
For Renovators: External Balcony Retiling
The Professional's Challenge
Replacing tiles on an exposed balcony subject to movement and weather extremes.
The Adheseal Solution
Use C-Rubber over Gripset waterproof membrane; ensure falls to drain; seal movement joints; use grout suitable for exterior use.
Frequently Asked Questions
What classification does Gripset C-Rubber meet?
It meets C2TES1 under AS ISO 13007-1, meaning it has improved adhesion, slip resistance, extended open time, and deformability.
Can Gripset C-Rubber be used externally?
Yes. It is suitable for external walls and floors, including balconies, terraces, and facades. Protect from rain during initial curing.
What types of tiles can I fix with C-Rubber?
Ceramic, porcelain, vitrified, and most natural stone tiles, provided the stone is not moisture-sensitive (check with supplier for suitability).
Can it be applied over Gripset waterproofing membranes?
Yes. It bonds directly to Gripset membranes such as BRW-PFN, C-1P, and 38FC without priming, provided membranes are fully cured and clean.
What is the recommended curing time before grouting?
Under normal conditions (23 °C, 50% RH), allow 24 hours before grouting. Longer times may be needed in cooler or more humid conditions.
Can I use it for submerged applications?
Yes, but allow the adhesive to cure for a minimum of 21 days before permanent immersion in pools, water tanks, or similar structures.
Applications & Benefits
| Application / Use Case | Key Benefit | Primary Trades |
|---|---|---|
| Internal & external wall/floor tiling | C2TES1 performance for high bond strength, slip resistance, and extended open time | Tilers, Builders |
| Wet areas (bathrooms, laundries, showers) | Non-slump formula achieves coverage targets and reduces tile slip on verticals | Tilers |
| Porcelain, ceramic, vitrified tiles & mosaics | Strong adhesion to low-porosity tiles; reliable ridge collapse and back-buttering | Tilers |
| Natural stone (non moisture-sensitive) | Flexible rubber modification absorbs minor movement and impact | Tilers, Stonemasons |
| Over Gripset waterproof membranes | Direct bond to compatible membranes, streamlining system installs | Tilers, Waterproofers |
| Green screeds & renders | Early install window helps accelerate project timelines | Tilers, Builders |
| Large-format tiles with clip systems | Non-slump bed supports back-buttering for high coverage and lippage control | Tilers |
| Acoustic underlay (sound, stable) | Compatible where underlay is approved for tiling; strong wet-bed contact | Tilers |
Applying Gripset C-Rubber: Enhanced Protocols & Best Practices
-
Surface Preparation
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.
Porous / Absorbent Surfaces
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.
Dense / Non-Porous Surfaces
Mechanically abrade steel-trowelled/burnished concrete or existing tiles (remove ≥80% glaze). Alternatively, prime with Gripset OP Primer at ~1 L/12 m².
Timing: Complete prep immediately before mixing to avoid re-contamination.Pro Tip: Respect movement joints per AS 3958.1 — never bridge with adhesive. -
Mixing
Use clean water and a mechanical mixer with paddle to achieve a smooth, lump-free paste. Always add powder to water.
Standard Batch
Add 8 L water per 20 kg bag while mixing (≤500 rpm) until homogeneous.
Small Batch
Scale at ~0.4 L per kg of powder. Maintain the same mixing procedure.
Timing: Mix, then stand for ~3 minutes and re-stir lightly before use. Pot life ~1 hour @ 23 °C, 50% RH.Pro Tip: Do not re-temper with extra water once mixed — it weakens the bond. -
Trowelling & Tile Placement
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.
Standard Tiles ≤300 × 300 mm
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.
Large-Format / Clip Systems
Use 12, 15 or 20 mm notch and back-butter. Maintain ≥95% coverage; do not spot-fix.
Timing: Open time ~30 minutes; adjustment time ~40 minutes @ 23 °C, 50% RH. If skinning occurs, remove and re-apply fresh adhesive.Pro Tip: Periodically lift tiles to verify ridge collapse and contact — especially with porcelain. -
Curing & Grouting
Protect freshly tiled areas from traffic, rain and vibration until initial set. Clean any adhesive in joints before grouting.
Normal Conditions
Grout after ~24 hours. Light foot traffic after ~24 hours. Wet-area service after ~3–4 days.
Cool / Humid Conditions
Allow extended times before grouting and service. Do not disturb for longer than 24 hours if temperatures are low or humidity is high.
Timing: Times quoted are @ 23 °C, 50% RH and will vary with site conditions.Pro Tip: Keep tiling covered from wind and direct sun to maintain open time and workability. -
Clean Up
Remove residue before it hardens; clean equipment promptly.
While Wet
Wipe tile faces with a damp sponge/cloth. Rinse frequently to avoid film.
When Cured
Remove mechanically. Do not use solvents.
Timing: Clean as you go — within the adhesive’s open time.Pro Tip: Keep joints free of adhesive to speed up grouting and avoid staining.
Limitations & Safety
Limitations
- Use only when substrate and ambient temperature are between +5 °C and +35 °C.
- Not for use over unstable or flexible substrates subject to excessive movement.
- Do not apply to metal, plastic, or rubber surfaces, except compatible Gripset membranes.
- Not suitable for moisture-sensitive stone unless confirmed by the supplier.
- Protect fresh adhesive from rain, frost, and strong winds during curing.
Safety
- Contains cement – may cause skin, eye, and respiratory irritation.
- Wear protective gloves, clothing, safety glasses, and a dust mask.
- Mix and apply in well-ventilated areas; avoid inhalation of dust.
- If contact with eyes occurs, rinse immediately with water and seek medical advice.
- Refer to the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for full safety information.
Gripset C-Rubber Application Guide
Concrete (Slabs)
Surface Preparation
Clean, sound, smooth; remove dust, laitance, curing agents, oil/grease and contaminants. Minimum 7 days cure, wood-float finish, ≥20 MPa compressive strength. Mechanically abrade dense/steel-trowelled/burnished concrete to create a key.
Primer Requirements
Primer as required by porosity
Porous concrete: prime with Gripset GP Primer (~1 L/8–10 m²). Dense/burnished: abrade or prime with Gripset OP Primer (~1 L/12 m²).
Gripset GP Primer; Gripset OP PrimerScreeds & Renders (Cementitious)
Surface Preparation
Cure minimum 24 hours; ensure falls to waste; remove dust and weak surface. Suitable over “green” screeds and render as specified.
Primer Requirements
Primer recommended
Prime with Gripset GP Primer (~1 L/8–10 m²) to stabilise and control suction.
Gripset GP PrimerBlockwork / Masonry
Surface Preparation
Point joints flush; fill voids and feather undulations; remove dust and contaminants. Ensure a flat, sound surface before tiling.
Primer Requirements
Primer required
Prime with Gripset GP Primer (~1 L/8–10 m²).
Gripset GP PrimerCompressed Fibre Cement Sheeting (CFC)
Surface Preparation
Install to manufacturer specs; ensure fixings/joints are flush; clean dust/debris; verify sheet rigidity and support spacing.
Primer Requirements
Primer recommended
Use Gripset GP Primer on absorbent CFC (~1 L/8–10 m²).
Gripset GP PrimerPlasterboard Linings (Wet-Area Rated)
Surface Preparation
Fix per code; ensure joints and fasteners are flush; remove dust. Confirm wet-area grade where applicable.
Primer Requirements
Primer recommended
Prime with Gripset GP Primer (~1 L/8–10 m²) to stabilise paper face and control suction.
Gripset GP PrimerAcoustic Underlay (Sound, Stable)
Surface Preparation
Confirm underlay is securely bonded and suitable for tiling; clean and de-dust surface; follow underlay manufacturer requirements.
Primer Requirements
Primer case-by-case
Conduct an adhesion test; prime if required per underlay porosity and coating.
Gripset GP Primer (if required)Existing Tiled Surfaces (Sound)
Surface Preparation
Tiles must be secure. Mechanically abrade to remove ≥80% of glaze for direct fixing; clean thoroughly.
Primer Requirements
Primer required if not fully abraded
Prime with Gripset OP Primer (~1 L/12 m²) where adequate mechanical key cannot be achieved.
Gripset OP PrimerGripset Waterproofing Membranes (Fully Cured)
Surface Preparation
Ensure membranes are fully cured, clean and dry; remove dust and laitance; respect movement joints.
Primer Requirements
Primer typically not required
C-Rubber bonds directly to compatible Gripset membranes (e.g., BRW PFN, C-1P, 38FC).
—
- Choosing a selection results in a full page refresh.