RLA Polymastic Pre-Mixed Tile Adhesive

RLA Polymastic is your go-to solution for efficient and reliable internal wall tiling in Australian homes and commercial spaces. This white, acrylic-based adhesive comes pre-mixed and ready-to-use straight from the pail, saving valuable time and eliminating mixing errors on site. Its standout feature is its superior non-slump characteristic, making it perfect for vertically installing tiles, including increasingly popular large formats, with minimal slippage. Polymastic also offers flexibility to accommodate minor substrate movements and boasts excellent workability for smooth application. Classified D1TE, it meets key performance criteria under AS ISO 13007.1, providing confidence for professional tilers, renovators, and DIY users.

Primer Information: While Polymastic bonds well to common prepared surfaces, highly porous or absorbent substrates like aged render or some plasterboards should be primed first. Apply one coat of RLA Porous Primer (min. 1L/8m²) and allow it to dry completely before applying the adhesive.

Cure Time: Polymastic has an open time of approximately 30 minutes and skins over in about 40 minutes under standard conditions (23°C/50%RH). Tiling must occur within the open time. Allow a minimum of 24 hours curing time before grouting. Note that cooler temperatures, higher humidity (common in coastal or tropical regions), or application over less absorbent surfaces like membranes will significantly extend drying times.

Coverage Rate: A 4-litre pail typically covers around 9 square metres using a 6mm notched trowel. Coverage will vary depending on the trowel size used, substrate condition, and tile profile.

Application Temperature Range: Ensure both the substrate and ambient temperature are between 5°C and 35°C during application and initial curing. Avoid applying in direct hot sunlight or onto cold surfaces.

Chemical Properties: RLA Polymastic is an acrylic dispersion adhesive. It cleans up easily with water while wet.

Key Features of RLA Polymastic

• Pre-Mixed Convenience: Ready-to-use formula saves time and labour, ensuring perfect consistency every time without messy mixing.
• Superior Non-Slump Performance: Holds wall tiles firmly in place immediately after application, ideal for large format tiles and reducing the need for spacers on lower courses.
• Flexible Formulation: Provides greater flexibility than traditional cement-based adhesives, helping to accommodate minor substrate movement or vibration.
• Excellent Workability: Smooth, paste-like consistency makes it easy to trowel and apply evenly onto wall surfaces.
• D1TE Classification: Certified performance for normal dispersion adhesive (D1), slip resistance (T), and extended open time (E) according to AS ISO 13007.1.
• Economical Choice: Offers a cost-effective adhesive solution for standard internal wall tiling projects.

Why Choose RLA Polymastic:

• Simplify Your Tiling Job: Skip the mixing process and get straight to tiling with this easy-to-use, pre-prepared adhesive.
• Achieve Professional Wall Finishes: Excellent non-slump properties ensure tiles stay put, minimising lippage and making large format installation easier.
• Gain Peace of Mind: D1TE classification provides assurance of tested performance for adhesion and slip resistance in internal wall applications.
• Work Efficiently: Good open time allows for careful tile placement and adjustment, while water cleanup simplifies the end-of-day process.
• Suitable for Common Aussie Walls: Bonds reliably to plasterboard, fibre cement, render, and concrete found in typical Australian interiors.

When to Choose RLA Polymastic versus Alternatives:

• Choose Polymastic over Cement-Based Adhesives when: You need pre-mixed convenience for internal walls, require good non-slump properties, desire some flexibility, or are working on standard porous ceramic/mosaic tiles. Ideal for DIY or smaller jobs where mixing facilities are limited.
• Consider Cement-Based Adhesives (like RLA Mastik) when: Tiling floors, external areas, shower bases (immersed areas), installing dense porcelain or natural stone tiles (especially moisture-sensitive types), or requiring faster setting times or higher bond strengths. Also necessary over specific membrane systems where Polymastic has limitations.
• Consider Epoxy Adhesives when: Exceptional chemical resistance or extremely high bond strength is required (e.g., commercial kitchens, industrial areas).

Trade-Specific Applications for RLA Polymastic:

Application Information

• Required Tools: Notched trowel (typically 6mm-10mm depending on tile size/profile), hawk (optional), bucket of clean water, sponge/cloth for cleanup.
• Trade-Specific Tips: Adhere to AS 3958 installation standards. Ensure substrates are sound, clean, and dry. For tiles >300x300mm, 'back-butter' the tile as well as trowelling the wall for full coverage. Only spread about 1m² at a time to avoid skinning, especially in warmer/drier conditions. Press tiles firmly with a sliding motion to bed them into the adhesive.
• Common Issues and Solutions:
  • Slow Drying: Occurs in cold (<10°C), humid conditions, or over non-absorbent surfaces like membranes. Allow significantly longer drying times before grouting. Ensure good air circulation.
  • Adhesive Skinning: If the surface forms a skin before tiles are laid, it won't bond properly. Scrape off the skinned adhesive and apply fresh adhesive. Work in smaller sections in warm/breezy conditions.
  • Tile Slippage: While non-slump, ensure correct trowel notch size for tile weight/size. Very heavy tiles might still require temporary support on lower courses. Ensure substrate is clean and properly prepared/primed.

Storage and Shelf Life

• Storage Requirements: Store pails in a dry area, ideally between 10°C and 30°C. Keep lids tightly sealed. Protect from frost and direct sunlight. Avoid storing directly on cold concrete floors in winter.
• Shelf Life Information: 12 months from the date of manufacture when stored unopened as recommended. Check the use-by date on the pail.

Certifications and Compliance

• Classification: D1TE according to AS ISO 13007.1
• Compliant with requirements for internal wall tiling adhesive applications as outlined in AS 3958: 2023 – Installation of Ceramic and Stone Tiles.