SikaCeram®-88 EM

6 months from date of production

Store properly in original, unopened and undamaged sealed packaging in dry conditions. Not sensitive to frost.

6.0–6.5 L of water per 25 kg bag

3 mm min. / 10 mm max.

+5 °C min. / +40 °C max.

+5 °C min. / +40 °C max.

Open time is approximately 20 minutes under normal temperature and humidity conditions. In unfavourable conditions, the open time may be shorter.

Once the tiles are placed into the mortar, they can be adjusted within ~20 minutes (at +20 °C).

At +25 °C

This depends on the level, profile and surface roughness of the substrate, the size of the tiles and the technique of placing (simple placing or "back"-buttering).

As a guide, per m² on flat surface:

* This may only serve as a guideline. It is highly recommended to carry-out trial on site to determine the actual consumption per m².

Place about 80 % of the pre-measured clean water (depending on the consistency required) into a clean container and gradually add the whole bag of SikaCeram®-88 EM into it while continuously mixing. Add the remaining water until the desired consistency is obtained. Mix thoroughly for a minimum of 3 minutes.

Leave the material to stand in the container for a minimum of 5 minutes. Then, remix the material for another 15 seconds. SikaCeram®-88 EM is now ready for use.

SikaCeram®-88 EM must be mechanically mixed using a forced action mixer or in a clean container using a drill and mixing paddle (< 500 rpm). Do not use a free fall concrete mixer to mix SikaCeram®-88 EM.

SikaCeram®-88 EM is applied using a notched trowel onto the substrate. Choose the size of trowel that will give the right thickness on the back of the tile.

After the surfaces of the substrate has been prepared, apply SikaCeram®-88 EM onto the substrate using a notched trowel. SikaCeram®-88 EM should be applied onto the substrate at a rate of 1 m² per installation. Applying at rates greater than this can result in skinning of adhesive before the tiles are laid. Once the adhesive is applied onto the substrate, ensure that skinning has not occured prior to setting the tiles. If a surface film has developed, make a pass over the adhesive using a notched trowel. Rework the adhesive before setting the tiles within the open time. When setting the tiles into the adhesive, use the Tarver Method; press, slide perpendicular and slide return. This method will ensure that any air entrapped between the beads comes out easily at the ends. For tiles with lugs, grooves or uneven backing, it is required to back-butter the tile with adhesive before setting them down. The final bed thickness of SikaCeram®-88 EM should be at least 4 mm for wall and 8 mm for floor. Once the tiling works are completed, do not disturb the tiles for at least 6–8 hours.

As a guide:
SikaCeram®-88 EM is used for fixing absorbent / ceramic tiles up to a maximum size of 3 600 cm² (e.g. 60 cm x 60 cm) for indoor floors, up to 1 800 cm² (e.g. 30 cm x 60 cm) for indoor walls.

Clean all tools and application equipment with clean water immediately after use. Hardened / cured material can only be removed mechanically.