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RLA Polymastic: A Technical Overview
RLA Polymastic is a white, acrylic, premixed wall tile adhesive engineered for internal applications. Classified D1TE, it delivers flexible, non-slump performance with excellent workability and consistency. With a practical open time and fast initial set, it helps installers achieve full coverage and clean lines on vertical surfaces—ideal for porous ceramic, mosaic, and large-format tiles in accordance with AS 3958.
Core Features & Specifications
- D1TE classification — dependable adhesion, reduced slip on walls.
- Non-slump & flexible — holds large wall tiles in place while accommodating minor movement.
- Excellent workability — smooth, consistent paste for quicker trowelling and clean bedding.
- Open time ~30 minutes & dry time ~40 minutes — efficient install cadence on walls.
- Final adhesive bed ≥2 mm — supports reliable coverage and bond integrity.
- Coverage (6 mm notch): ~9 m² per 4 L pail — predictable material planning.
The RLA Polymastic Advantage
- Vertical hold with confidence — non-slump body limits tile slip during set.
- Cleaner, faster workflow — premixed acrylic paste reduces mixing errors and cleanup.
- Trade-friendly timing — practical open time helps manage layout without rush.
- System compatibility — suitable over internal substrates and (with limitations) RLA wet area membranes.
Proactive Troubleshooting
Scenario: Over-spreading leading to skinning
Potential Outcome: Poor wetting and reduced bond if tiles are placed into skinned adhesive.
Adheseal Best Practice: Apply no more than ~1 m² at a time. If skin forms, remove and re-apply fresh adhesive.
Scenario: Large/low-porosity tiles over membranes
Potential Outcome: Extended drying; risk of incomplete cure and delayed grouting.
Adheseal Best Practice: Avoid large/low-porosity tiles over membranes or allow significantly longer drying. Confirm suitability before proceeding.
Applications in Practice: Trade Scenarios
For Tilers (On-site Applicator): Large-format Wall Tiles in Bathrooms
The Professional's Challenge
Controlling tile slip on vertical walls while achieving full coverage and clean joints, especially with tiles >300×300 mm.
The Adheseal Solution: Engineered Certainty in Practice
Use a 6 mm notch and back-butter tiles >300×300 mm. Work in ~1 m² sections to avoid skinning; set tiles with a sliding action to eliminate voids. Maintain ≥2 mm final bed.
Best Practice Note
Check for lugs/grooves on tile backs and butter as needed to ensure full contact. Protect area from moisture until grouted and cured.
For Builders (Specifier/Coordinator): Mosaic Features on Plasterboard
The Professional's Challenge
Ensuring reliable adhesion and neat alignment of small-format mosaics on internal plasterboard without sag.
The Adheseal Solution: Engineered Certainty in Practice
Prepare surfaces per AS 3958, prime high-porosity boards where required, and apply Polymastic in manageable sections. Press mosaics firmly with a sliding action for full wetting.
Best Practice Note
Use a flat trowel to lightly face-press sheets after placement to flatten ridges and ensure uniform embedment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use Polymastic on floors or outside?
No. Polymastic is for internal walls only. It is not suitable for floors, exterior areas, or immersed applications.
Is it OK over waterproof membranes?
Use with limitations. Avoid large/low-porosity tiles and allow significantly longer drying. Confirm conditions before proceeding.
When can I grout?
Typically after 24 hours at ~23 °C once tiles are firmly set and won’t be displaced. Longer in cool or humid conditions.
What notch and bed thickness should I aim for?
Use an appropriately sized notch (6 mm typical); achieve a final bed ≥2 mm with full coverage under the tile.
Does it require priming?
Prime highly porous substrates with RLA Porous Primer (~1 L/8 m² per coat) and allow to dry before tiling.
Applications & Benefits
| Application / Use Case | Key Benefit | Primary Trades |
|---|---|---|
| Internal wall tiling (porous ceramics) | Non-slump, flexible hold with reliable bond | Tilers, Builders |
| Mosaic feature walls | Smooth paste for clean bedding and full coverage | Tilers |
| Selected large-format wall tiles | Reduced slip with back-buttering guidance | Tilers |
| Over cured wet-area membranes (limited) | Use with limitations; manage drying times | Tilers |
Applying RLA Polymastic: Enhanced Protocols & Best Practices
-
Surface Preparation
Ensure substrates are clean, sound and dry. Cure render ≥7 days; mechanically abrade dense/burnished concrete surfaces.
Pro Tip: Prime highly porous substrates with RLA Porous Primer (~1 L/8 m² per coat). -
Trowel Selection & Spreading
Use an appropriate notched trowel (6 mm typical). Spread no more than ~1 m² at a time to prevent skinning.
Timing: Open time ~30 minutes; drying time ~40 minutes at ~23 °C, 50% RH. -
Tile Placement
Press tiles into the wet bed with a sliding action for full coverage. Back-butter tiles >300×300 mm or with lugs/grooves.
Pro Tip: Ensure the final adhesive bed is ≥2 mm; do not place tiles into skinned adhesive. -
Curing & Grouting
Do not disturb tiling for ~24 hours at ~20–23 °C. Commence grouting when tiles are firm and not displaced by tooling.
Pro Tip: In cool/humid conditions allow extended time before grouting and protect from moisture.
Limitations & Safety
Product Limitations
Internal walls only — not for floors, exterior, or immersed use.
Do not apply below 5 °C or above 35 °C (ambient/surface).
Not for moisture-sensitive stone.
Limited suitability over membranes — avoid large/low-porosity tiles; expect longer drying.
Safety & Handling Requirements
Personal Protective Equipment
Wear gloves, safety glasses and suitable workwear. Avoid skin and eye contact.
Ventilation Requirements
Use in well-ventilated areas. Provide airflow in enclosed spaces during application.
Emergency First Aid
Eyes:
Rinse with water for several minutes and seek medical advice.
Skin:
Wash with soap and water; remove contaminated clothing.
RLA Polymastic Application Guide
Concrete
Surface Preparation
Clean, sound, dry; remove contaminants. Mechanically abrade dense/burnished surfaces to provide a key.
Primer Requirements
Primer recommended on highly porous concrete
Use RLA Porous Primer at ~1 L/8 m² per coat; allow to dry.
RLA Porous PrimerRender & Plasterboard
Surface Preparation
Render: cure ≥7 days. Ensure surfaces are clean, sound, and free of dust/loose material.
Primer Requirements
Primer recommended on high porosity
Prime as required to even suction and support bond.
RLA Porous PrimerCompressed Fibre Cement (CFC)
Surface Preparation
Clean, dry and free of contaminants; fix sheeting to manufacturer’s specification.
Primer Requirements
Primer optional (use on high suction)
Prime if substrate is highly absorbent to control suction.
RLA Porous PrimerRLA Wet Area Membranes (Internal)
Surface Preparation
Membrane must be fully cured, clean and dry.
Primer Requirements
Limited suitability
Avoid large/low-porosity tiles; expect extended drying. Confirm job conditions prior to use.
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