For internal wall tiling on plasterboard, render, and concrete substrates, RLA Polymastic Acrylic Adhesive is a pre-mixed paste that prevents tile slip. It is formulated to secure porous ceramic, mosaic, and large-format wall tiles without requiring on-site mixing.
Polymastic Acrylic Adhesive is a ready-to-use paste that cures by drying. It holds tiles immediately upon placement on vertical substrates due to its non-slump body, which supports larger wall tile sizes during installation. With its D1TE classification, it provides extended open time and slip resistance, allowing tila installers to adjust tiles and establish full contact coverage without the adhesive skinning over too quickly. Because it is an acrylic formulation, it maintains flexibility to absorb minor stress movements across sheet joints and plasterboard interfaces.
Polymastic is suitable for wall tiling in internal dry and residential wet areas. It bonds to the following prepared substrates:
All preparation and installation must follow AS 3958: 2023. Apply the adhesive using an appropriately sized notched trowel, limiting application to 1m² at a time to prevent premature skinning. If the adhesive skins, it must be scraped off and replaced with fresh paste.
For tiles larger than 300 x 300mm, or tiles with deep lugs, grooves, or uneven backing, back-butter the tiles with adhesive in addition to trowelling the wall substrate to secure full coverage. Highly porous substrates must be primed with RLA Porous Primer at a minimum coverage rate of 1 litre per 8m² before applying the adhesive. Allow new cement render to cure for a minimum of 7 days, and mechanically abrade steel-trowelled or burnished concrete to create a physical key.
No, RLA Polymastic is not suitable for floor tiling applications. It is specifically formulated and classified for internal wall use only, providing essential non-slump properties for vertical surfaces.
Yes, Polymastic is designed for large format wall tiling. For tiles larger than 300x300mm, back-buttering is required in addition to trowelling adhesive onto the wall to ensure full coverage and bond strength.
Polymastic has limited suitability over approved waterproof membranes. Avoid using large or low porosity tiles over these surfaces and allow significantly longer drying times to ensure proper cure and adhesion.
Grouting can commence after the adhesive has cured for 24 hours at 23ºC. Ensure tiles are well fixed and will not be displaced during the grouting process.
| Application | Key benefit | Primary trades |
|---|---|---|
| Internal wall tiling | D1TE classification provides high grab and reduced slump for vertical surfaces. | Tilers, Builders, Renovators |
| Large format wall tiles | Flexible and non-slump properties maintain tile position, reducing lippage and movement during cure. | Tilers, Architects, Designers |
| Porous ceramic and mosaic tiles | Specifically formulated for reliable bonding to porous tiles. | Tilers, Interior Designers |
Ensure substrates are clean, sound and dry. Cure render ≥7 days; mechanically abrade dense/burnished concrete surfaces.
Use an appropriate notched trowel (6 mm typical). Spread no more than ~1 m² at a time to prevent skinning.
Press tiles into the wet bed with a sliding action for full coverage. Back-butter tiles >300×300 mm or with lugs/grooves.
Do not disturb tiling for ~24 hours at ~20–23 °C. Commence grouting when tiles are firm and not displaced by tooling.
Wear safety glasses with side shields or chemical goggles. Use general protective gloves, such as lightweight rubber gloves. Overalls are recommended. For prolonged exposure or poor ventilation, use a Type A-P Filter respirator.
Use in a well-ventilated area to minimise exposure. Engineering controls should be prioritised to remove hazards at the source.
Store in original, unopened packaging in a cool, dry area at room temperature, away from direct sunlight and cold floors. Shelf life is 12 months. Recycle containers where possible or dispose of residue at an approved site according to State Land Waste Authority guidelines.
Proper substrate preparation is critical for the long-term performance of any tiling system. This guide covers specific requirements for common internal wall substrates.
Surface prep: Steel-trowelled, burnished, and dense concrete surfaces must be mechanically abraded to roughen them and create a key. All surfaces must be clean, sound, dry, and free from contaminants.
Primer: Optional. Highly porous concrete surfaces require priming with RLA POROUS PRIMER at 1 litre/8m² per coat, allowing it to dry before adhesive application.
Surface prep: Rendered surfaces must be allowed to cure for at least 7 days. Ensure surfaces are clean, sound, dry, and free from contaminants.
Primer: Optional. Highly porous render surfaces require priming with RLA POROUS PRIMER at 1 litre/8m² per coat, allowing it to dry before adhesive application.
Surface prep: Ensure surfaces are clean, sound, dry, and free from contaminants. All installations must follow manufacturer recommendations and relevant building codes.
Primer: Optional. Highly porous surfaces require priming with RLA POROUS PRIMER at 1 litre/8m² per coat, allowing it to dry before adhesive application.
Surface prep: Ensure surfaces are clean, sound, dry, and free from contaminants. All installations must follow manufacturer recommendations and relevant building codes.
Primer: Not required for typical plasterboard, unless unusually porous. Always check for excessive porosity.
Surface prep: Ensure the membrane is fully cured and free from any contaminants. Adhere to the membrane manufacturer's guidelines for tiling over the system.
Primer: Not required. However, note the limited suitability for Polymastic over membranes, particularly with large or low porosity tiles. Expect significantly longer drying times.
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Appearance | White paste |
| Physical State | Non Slump Paste |
| Relative Density (Water = 1) | 1.6 |
| pH (as supplied) | 8.5 |
| Initial Boiling Point and Boiling Range | <100 °C |
| Solubility in Water | Miscible |
| Open Time | 30 minutes |
| Drying Time | 40 minutes |
| Ready for Grouting | 24 hours |
| Classification | D1TE |
| Coverage | 9m² using a 6mm notch (per 4 litre pail) |
| Shelf Life | 12 months |
Here are some common examples on where RLA Polymastic Acrylic Adhesive used by our customers.
