Mapei Kerapoxy Adhesive is a two-component R2T epoxy tile adhesive for demanding wall and floor installations where chemical resistance, high bond strength and no vertical slip are required. It is suited to ceramic, porcelain and compatible stone, including specialist wet-area and swimming-pool applications such as bonding tiles to prepared fibreglass pool shells.
Unlike decorative epoxy grout products, Kerapoxy Adhesive is formulated primarily for bonding. The thixotropic epoxy mortar holds tiles in position on vertical surfaces and cures without shrinkage to form a rigid, durable bond resistant to humidity, oils, solvents, acids and alkalis within the product's stated limits.
Substrates must be strong, dry, clean and properly cured. Mix the full pre-dosed Component B into Component A with a low-speed mixer until uniform. Apply with a notched trowel and back-butter where necessary to achieve the required contact.
For projects where the primary requirement is a coloured, acid-resistant epoxy grout that can also be used as an adhesive, see Mapei Kerapoxy Easy Design. For cleaning fresh epoxy grout residue and haze from compatible tile surfaces, use UltraCare Kerapoxy Cleaner. Browse the broader Epoxy Adhesives range for alternative structural and specialist epoxy systems.
Yes, Kerapoxy Adhesive is suitable for bonding tiles in fibreglass swimming pools. It provides a durable bond that withstands immersion and common pool chemicals, maintaining bond strength even after water immersion or thermal shock.
No, Kerapoxy Adhesive must not be used for sealing flexible joints or those subject to movement. For these applications, use a suitable flexible sealant such as Mapesil AC or Mapeflex PU21.
Kerapoxy Adhesive provides a high initial bond shear strength of 7 N/mm². This strength is maintained at 4 N/mm² even after immersion in water or exposure to thermal shock, ensuring long-term adhesion in demanding conditions.
Tools and containers should be cleaned with plenty of water while the product is still fresh. Once Kerapoxy Adhesive has set, it can only be removed mechanically or by using a dedicated cleaner like Pulicol 2000.
| Application | Key benefit | Primary trades |
|---|---|---|
| Bonding ceramic and stone tiles to floors and walls | Achieves an R2T classification (improved epoxy adhesive with no vertical slip), preventing tile sag on vertical surfaces and ensuring durable internal/external bonds. | Tilers, Stonemasons, General Builders |
| Fixing bullnose and special ceramic tile shapes | Provides rigid, non-shrinking bond with no vertical slip, allowing precise placement and strong hold of intricate or heavy pieces. | Tilers, Stonemasons |
| Bonding tiles in fibreglass swimming pools | Offers high bond strength (4 N/mm² after water immersion) and resistance to chemical attack, maintaining integrity in submerged, chlorinated environments. | Pool Builders, Tilers |
| Attaching marble doorsteps and windowsills | Delivers excellent chemical hardening without shrinkage, ensuring a permanent and dimensionally stable fix for stone materials in exposed areas. | Stonemasons, Renovators |
| Industrial and commercial tiling where chemical resistance is needed | Resists acids, alkalis, solvents, and oils, making it suitable for areas exposed to aggressive cleaning agents or spillages. | Industrial Tilers, Commercial Builders |
Substrates must be cured, dry, clean and sound. Remove dust, laitance, oils, paints and waxes. Keep surfaces dry—do not apply to wet substrates.
Cure per thickness; mechanically prepare if required to achieve a clean, open surface.
Consolidate with Primer EP or Eco Prim T; allow to dry.
Use complete pre-dosed packs (A:B = 80:20 by weight). Add B into A; mix with a low-speed drill until a smooth, uniform paste forms.
Keep speed low to avoid heat build-up and pot life loss.
If splitting, weigh accurately to maintain 80:20 ratio. Do not estimate by eye.
Spread with a suitable notched trowel. For special shapes/bullnose, butter the back to fill voids. Press tiles to ensure full contact.
Open time ~60 min; adjustment ~130 min at 23 °C. Monitor in warmer conditions.
Apply up to 10 mm in a single coat as required to true the bed.
While fresh, clean tools/tiles with water. Once hardened, remove mechanically or with a suitable remover.
Danger: Kerapoxy Adhesive causes severe skin burns and eye damage. It may also cause an allergic skin reaction. It is toxic to aquatic life with long-lasting effects.
Always use close-fitting safety goggles or full face protection. Wear protective gloves made from Polychloroprene (CR), Nitrile rubber (NBR), Butyl rubber (IIR), or Fluorinated rubber (FKM) compliant with AS/NZS 2161.10. Use protective clothing that covers the skin, such as cotton, rubber, or PVC. When exposure levels exceed workplace limits, use appropriate respiratory protection selected per AS/NZS 1715-1716.
Ensure application areas are adequately ventilated to minimise exposure to vapours and mists. Avoid breathing vapours and mists.
Store Kerapoxy Adhesive in its original, sealed packaging away from food, drink, and animal feed, in adequately ventilated premises. The product remains stable for at least 24 months under these conditions. Do not dispose of this product in the environment; it is hazardous to aquatic life.
Proper substrate preparation is critical for Kerapoxy Adhesive's performance, ensuring a strong, lasting bond and preventing future failures.
Surface prep: Substrate must be well cured, mechanically strong, dry, and free from flaking parts, grease, oil, paint, or wax. Ensure cementitious substrates have completed shrinkage. For traditional screeds, allow at least one week of curing per centimetre of thickness. This can be accelerated using MAPEI binders like Mapecem or Topcem.
Primer: Not required for standard applications on sound cementitious surfaces.
Surface prep: Rust must be fully removed by sand-blasting to ensure direct adhesion to clean metal.
Primer: Not required.
Surface prep: Ensure surfaces are stable and free from dust or loose material.
Primer: Required. Consolidate these surfaces by applying a coat of Primer EP or Eco Prim T before adhesive application.
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Classification | R2T |
| Mixing Ratio | 80:20 |
| Pot Life | 45 minutes |
| Application Temperature | +10°C to +30°C |
| Open Time | 60 minutes |
| Adjustment Time | 130 minutes |
| Full Cure | 10-12 hours at +23°C |
| Ready for Use | 2 days |
| Initial Bond Shear Strength (EN 12003) | 7 N/mm² |
| Bond Shear Strength After Water Immersion (EN 12003) | 4 N/mm² |
| Bond Shear Strength After Thermal Shock (EN 12003) | 4 N/mm² |
| Service Temperature | -20°C to +100°C |
| Solid Content | 100% |
| Density | 1490 kg/m³ |
| Consumption per mm Thickness | 1.5 kg/m² |
| Shelf Life | 24 months |
| Consistency | thick paste |
| Viscosity | 800,000 (# F - 5 rpm) |
| Water Resistance | excellent |
| UV Resistance | excellent |
| Chemical Resistance | good |
Here are some common examples on where Mapei Kerapoxy Adhesive used by our customers.
