Mapei Mapecem is a specialist hydraulic binder for making rapid-setting, fast-drying cementitious floor screeds on site. Unlike a ready-mixed bagged screed, Mapecem is combined with properly graded aggregate and water in the specified proportions, allowing professional installers to control the screed mix for the job.
Choose Mapecem for compatible bonded, unbonded and other specified screed systems where a shorter flooring programme is required and the installer can accurately batch the materials. Its role is to form a screed base for subsequent floor finishes, rather than to level a finished floor with a thin self-smoothing layer.
Mapecem is the binder, not the finished screed mix. If separately sourcing and grading the sand is undesirable, Mapecem Pronto supplies a preblended screed mortar. For smoothing an existing internal floor, UC Leveller serves a different purpose.
On a large job where graded aggregate is already available, Mapecem gives the screeding contractor control over the mortar mix while retaining the benefits of a rapid-setting hydraulic binder. It is intended for carefully proportioned site-made screeds, including specified bonded and floating installations, rather than being used straight from the bag as a ready-made mortar.
This distinction matters commercially: choose the binder when the crew can manage aggregate grading, mixing and consistency across the floor. Choose Mapecem Pronto when the convenience and repeatability of factory-proportioned sand and binder are more valuable. Both options serve screed construction; neither replaces a pumped leveller for smoothing an existing floor.
Follow the prescribed aggregate grading, water proportions, placement, compaction and curing. Bonded applications require an approved bonding slurry applied in the specified manner. Do not use the binder neat as a surface primer or floor leveller.
How quickly can Mapecem screeds take foot traffic?
About 2–3 hours.
When can ceramic tiles or natural stone be installed?
After about 3 hours.
What is the open time?
About 20–30 minutes.
Can Mapecem be used without aggregate?
No. It is a hydraulic binder and must be mixed with correctly graded aggregate.
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Base Chemistry | Hydraulic binder |
| Mixing Ratio | 350-450 kg Mapecemp per m³ aggregates, 80-160 kg water |
| Open Time | 20-30 minutes |
| Application Temperature | 5°C to 35°C |
| Ready for Light Foot Traffic | 2-3 hours |
| Full Cure | 24 hours |
| Residual Moisture | <2% after 24 hours |
| Compressive Strength | 33-57 N/mm² |
| Flexural Strength | 5.4-8.0 N/mm² |
| Service Temperature | -30°C to +90°C |
| Coverage Rate | 3.5-4.5 kg/m² per cm thickness |
| Shelf Life | 12 months |
| Consistency | powder |
| Bulk Density | 1,300 |
| Solid Content | 100 |
| Density | 2,200-2,250 |
| Mixing Time | 3-4 minutes |
| Ready for Levelling | after 4 hours |
| Recoat Time | 3 hours for ceramic tiles and stone material; 24 hours for resilient coverings and wood |
| Chemical Resistance | fair |
Here are some common examples on where Mapei Mapecem used by our customers.
