Gripset C-Rubber Tile Adhesive

Prioritise safety and performance with Gripset C-Rubber, a professional-grade, flexible white rubber-modified tile adhesive featuring a respirable silica-free formulation. Designed for Australian tilers, builders, and renovators, this high-performance adhesive meets the demanding C2TES1 classification, signifying high bond strength (C2), non-slump properties (T), extended open time (E), and flexibility (S1). Its white colour makes it ideal for use with light-coloured tiles and grout. Gripset C-Rubber offers outstanding coverage and value, suitable for fixing porcelain, ceramic, vitrified tiles, mosaics, and non-moisture sensitive natural stone to a wide range of substrates, including concrete, render, plasterboard, CFC sheeting, and even over green screeds/render after just 24 hours.

Primer Information: Proper substrate preparation is key. For porous/absorbent surfaces like concrete, screed, render, or blockwork, prime with GRIPSET GP PRIMER (approx. 1L/8-10m²). For non-porous/non-absorbent surfaces like existing tiles (abraded) or dense concrete, use GRIPSET OP PRIMER (approx. 1L/12m²). Always refer to the specific Gripset primer TDS for detailed instructions.

Cure Time: Gripset C-Rubber offers practical working times: 30 minutes open time and 40 minutes adjustment time at 23°C/50%RH. It has a pot life of approximately 1 hour. Allow 24 hours before grouting or permitting light foot traffic. For wet area service, allow 3-4 days. Note: Drying times are extended in cooler temperatures (below 10°C) or high humidity – common considerations for projects in southern states or during humid periods.

Coverage Rate: Achieve excellent coverage of approximately 10-12 square metres per 20kg bag using a 10mm notched trowel. This makes Gripset C-Rubber a highly economical choice without compromising on C2TES1 performance, helping project managers and quantity surveyors budget effectively.

Application Temperature Range: Apply Gripset C-Rubber when ambient and substrate temperatures are between 5°C and 35°C (41°F to 95°F). Avoid application in extreme heat or cold, which can affect working and drying times. This range accommodates most typical Australian working conditions year-round.

Chemical Properties: As a cement-based adhesive modified with rubber polymers, Gripset C-Rubber offers excellent water resistance once cured, making it suitable for internal and external wet areas. Its formulation provides a robust bond resistant to degradation under normal service conditions.

Key Features of Gripset C-Rubber

• Respirable Silica Free: Significantly enhances worksite safety by eliminating respirable crystalline silica exposure during mixing and application, crucial for meeting WHS requirements in Australia.
• C2TES1 Classification (AS ISO 13007): Independently verified high performance: High Adhesion Strength (C2), Non-Slump (T), Extended Open Time (E - 30 mins), and Flexibility (S1). Ensures reliable tiling for demanding jobs.
• Tile Over Green Screed/Render: Can be applied over screeds and render after just 24 hours curing time (at 20MPa strength for concrete), saving valuable days on project schedules compared to traditional waiting periods.
• Flexible (S1): Accommodates minor substrate movement and vibration, reducing the risk of tile cracking. Suitable for use over CFC sheeting and acoustic underlays subject to deflection.
• White Adhesive Formulation: Provides a clean, bright base, ideal for light-coloured tiles, translucent mosaics, and preventing shadowing with light grouts.
• Highly Economical Coverage: Covers 10-12m² per 20kg bag (10mm trowel), offering excellent value for a C2TES1 classified adhesive.
• Versatile Application: Suitable for internal and external walls and floors, including bathrooms, laundries, balconies, and general living areas.

Why Choose Gripset C-Rubber:

• Protect Your Health: Work safer with a respirable silica-free formula, reducing long-term health risks associated with traditional cementitious adhesives. A vital consideration for all professional tilers.
• Save Time on Site: Accelerate project timelines by tiling over concrete, screeds, and renders much sooner (min. 24hrs for screed/render, 7 days for concrete). Gain efficiencies welcomed by builders and project managers.
• Achieve Reliable, Compliant Results: Trust the high bond strength (C2), non-slump (T), and flexibility (S1) performance for durable tile installations that meet Australian Standards (AS 3958 requires adhesives appropriate to the application).
• Get Excellent Value: Benefit from outstanding coverage rates combined with premium C2TES1 performance, making it a cost-effective choice for quality results.
• Versatility for Multiple Jobs: Use one adhesive for a wide range of common Australian tiling scenarios – porcelain on concrete floors, ceramics on plasterboard walls, mosaics in bathrooms, external facades (non-immersed).

When to Choose Gripset C-Rubber versus Alternatives:

• Choose Gripset C-Rubber over Standard (C1) Adhesives when: You need higher bond strength (e.g., large format tiles, dense porcelain), flexibility (e.g., over CFC sheeting, external areas), non-slump for walls, or tiling over less-cured screeds. Crucially, choose C-Rubber when prioritising a respirable silica-free workplace.
• Choose Gripset C-Rubber over Epoxy Adhesives when: Extreme chemical resistance or rapid setting isn't the primary requirement. C-Rubber offers easier cleanup, longer working time, and is generally more economical for standard high-performance tiling.
• Consider other options when: Fixing moisture-sensitive stone (use a specific reactive resin adhesive like Gripset 1P), tiling directly onto timber floors (requires specific preparation or adhesives designed for timber), or for immersed applications like swimming pools/spas (use a dedicated pool-grade adhesive system).

Trade-Specific Applications for Gripset C-Rubber:

Application Information

• Required Tools: Electric drill stirrer with paddle attachment, clean mixing pail, measuring jug (for water), appropriately sized notched trowel (e.g., 10mm or 12mm square notch, potentially larger for very large tiles or clip systems as per AS 3958), margin trowel, damp sponge/cloth for cleanup, utility knife.
• Trade-Specific Tips:
  • *Tilers:* Always mix powder to water. Let stand for 3 mins and re-stir. Check coverage periodically by lifting a tile. Back-butter tiles >300x300mm. Work in manageable sections (approx 1m²) to avoid skinning, especially on warm QLD days.
  • *Builders:* Ensure substrates meet requirements (sound, clean, dry, cured - 7 days concrete, 24hrs screed/render). Ensure correct primers (GP/OP) are used where specified.
  • *General:* Follow AS 3958 guidelines for surface prep, trowel selection, coverage requirements, and movement joints.
• Common Issues and Solutions:
  • *Adhesive Skinning:* Applying too large an area or working in hot/windy conditions. Work in smaller sections (~1m²), remove skinned adhesive and re-apply fresh.
  • *Poor Coverage/Voids:* Incorrect trowel size or technique. Use correct notch size for tile/substrate, apply firm pressure with sliding action, back-butter large tiles. Spot fixing is non-compliant.
  • *Slow Drying:* Low temperatures (<10°C) or high humidity. Ensure minimum 5°C application temp, allow longer cure times before grouting/traffic, especially in VIC/TAS winters.
  • *Weak Bond:* Surface contamination (dust, oil, old coatings) or incorrect/no priming. Ensure thorough surface prep and use specified Gripset primers on porous/non-porous surfaces.

Storage and Shelf Life

• Storage Requirements: Store 20kg bags flat, off cold floors (use a pallet or dunnage), in a cool, dry, shaded area. Protect from moisture, frost, and direct sunlight. Critical in humid coastal areas or hot inland regions.
• Shelf Life Information: 12 months from date of manufacture when stored correctly in original, unopened bags. Check 'Best Before' date on packaging.
• Temperature Considerations: Avoid freezing conditions. Storage outside recommended temperatures can reduce shelf life and affect performance.

Certifications and Compliance

• ISO 13007 Classification: C2TES1: Confirms high-performance characteristics against international standards widely referenced in Australia.
  • C2: High adhesion strength (≥1.0 MPa dry, water immersion, freeze-thaw).
  • T: Slip resistance (non-slump) - essential for wall tiling.
  • E: Extended open time (≥30 minutes).
  • S1: Flexibility - accommodates some substrate movement.
• Respirable Silica Free: Formulation designed to eliminate this known hazard, supporting safer work practices under Australian WHS regulations.
• Australian Standards Compliance: Meets performance requirements suitable for applications covered under AS 3958.1 (Guide to the installation of ceramic tiles).