When a tiling project demands both flexibility and robust adhesion, particularly in demanding internal or external areas, getting the right adhesive is critical. Gripset C-Rubber delivers the C2TES1 classification required for high-performance tiling, ensuring tiles stay fixed through temperature shifts and moisture exposure. It handles porcelain, vitrified, and natural stone tiles with consistent bond strength, offering peace of mind where flexibility and durability are non-negotiable.
Gripset C-Rubber is formulated as a flexible, rubber-modified tile adhesive that meets C2TES1 standards. It provides a high-performance solution for a wide range of tiling applications, from general floor and wall installations to internal and external wet areas. This adhesive offers strong adhesion across various tile types and substrates, ensuring a durable, long-lasting finish.
Its respirable silica free formulation also supports safer working conditions on site without compromising performance.
Gripset C-Rubber achieves a C2TES1 classification under ISO 13007. This means it offers enhanced cementitious adhesion (C2), extended open time (E), excellent slip resistance (T), and flexibility (S1). These properties ensure tiles remain securely bonded in demanding conditions, including those subject to thermal expansion and contraction or heavy foot traffic.
The adhesive maintains a tensile adhesion strength of ≥1 MPa after dry cure, water immersion, and freeze/thaw cycles. This consistent strength guarantees durability whether tiles are installed outdoors, in wet areas, or in environments prone to temperature fluctuations. A 30-minute open time and 40-minute adjustment time provide adequate flexibility for precise tile placement, especially for larger formats, without rushing the process or compromising bond integrity.
Mixing Gripset C-Rubber is straightforward: add a 20kg bag to 8 litres of clean water, then stir until smooth. Allow a 3-minute stand time, then re-stir before use. Apply the adhesive to the substrate using a notched trowel suitable for the tile size, working in 1m² sections to prevent skinning.
Allow 24 hours for curing before grouting or light foot traffic, and 3-4 days before exposing wet areas to service. Drying times may extend in cooler, more humid conditions.
Gripset C-Rubber excels in diverse tiling scenarios where durability and flexibility are paramount:
Gripset C-Rubber forms a critical final step in many tiling systems. It is commonly used directly over Gripset waterproofing membranes, ensuring a seamless and compliant build-up from substrate to finished tile. For optimal adhesion, highly porous surfaces should be primed with Gripset GP Primer, while non-porous surfaces benefit from Gripset OP Primer before adhesive application, ensuring maximum bond strength.
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.
