Features of EC 3000 glue and instructions for use of the composition
Ceramic tiles are a practical material for decorating bathrooms and kitchens. It is planted on glue, which must withstand moisture, temperature extremes and withstand the weight of the facing material. EC 3000 is a ceramic tile mortar that is used in all finishing work. It is sold in the form of a powder, but the mixture is prepared simply - according to the instructions, with the addition of water.
General description and purpose
The adhesive is an upgraded version of EC 2000 from the interior wallcovering product line. Due to its increased moisture resistance, the new environmentally friendly modification is suitable for exterior wall cladding.
EC 3000 glue is used for laying ceramic mosaics, tiles, porcelain stoneware, artificial and natural stone slabs.Cement-based tiles adhere well to horizontal and vertical surfaces.The glue can be used to decorate floors and walls, both at home in the bathroom, in the kitchen, and in non-residential areas: the hall of an office building, recreational floors, in the pool.
Areas of application of the EC 3000:
- fastening of medium and small stone slabs;
- floor insulation;
- level surfaces with a slight difference in height;
- seal the joints between the slabs.
The adhesive firmly holds the stone slabs, moderately absorbing moisture - up to 1%.
For what reasons is it suitable
EC 3000 Universal Adhesive works well on walls made of durable material. The tool increases the strength, moisture resistance of lightweight substrates. But when working with any surface, preliminary leveling with plaster and primer is necessary.
Concrete
The surface of concrete walls can be smooth or porous. EC 3000 glue will hold heavy stone firmly to a solid concrete base. But the rough surface should be leveled before primer. The composition of concrete includes lime, slag, sand, crushed stone. The cladding, laid with EC 3000 adhesive, will hold on a solid concrete base for many years.
drywall
Tiles are most often laid on a smooth material. But when working with EC 3000 glue, it is important that there are no cracks and chips on the surface of the base. The cement in the adhesive has poor contact with the gypsum.
Brick
A brick wall is considered a problem base. The surface must be leveled, otherwise the edges of the tiles will protrude one above the other. Small indentations can be filled with glue. When working with the EC 3000 it will be important to place the tiles on the same level.
Plaster
To level the walls, use plaster and lime plaster. Before laying the tiles, it is imperative to prime the surface in 2 layers in order to improve the adhesion to the glue. EC 3000 has a high adhesion, so it will adhere the coating better to the plaster.
Aerated concrete
The tile increases the strength and moisture resistance of the gas block, but its surface also needs to be plastered and primed.Otherwise, over time, the coating will fall off together with the pieces of the base. For laying tiles on aerated concrete walls, elastic glue is required. EC 3000 spreads easily on the surface and reinforces it thanks to the cement present in the composition.
Features
EC 3000 glue is sold in cans and bags, with a volume of 5 or 25 kilograms and is valid for six months from the date of issue.
The powder consists of cement, fractionated sand, special additives and fillers.
Grade of finished mortar
Cement gives the finished mass a gray color.
Pot life of the solution
The mixture retains its plasticity and softness for 4 hours. Then the mass hardens, it is difficult to pick it up with a spatula and spread it.
Working time with tiles
The position of the tile can be corrected within 15 minutes after installation. The extra time is important when working with uneven surfaces and tiles with intricate patterns.
Degree of adhesion
The adhesive has high adhesion - 1 MPa. It is used for laying heavy tiles using top-down technology. A good adhesion between the wall, the glue and the cladding prevents the coating from slipping under its own weight.
Compressive strength
The indicator of 15 MPa determines the high strength of the coating. The liner will not fall off under strong impact or pressure, constant load from furniture, loads or steps.
Frost resistance
The frost-resistant glue withstands 35 cycles of thawing and freezing.
Ambient temperature
The glue can be used at moderate heat. The temperature range in which the properties of the mixture are preserved is from +5 to +30 degrees. At subzero temperatures, the water in the mixture freezes. High temperatures adversely affect adhesive properties.
Operating temperature
After drying, the glue can withstand temperature fluctuations from -50 to +70 degrees, and the tile does not move.
How to prepare a solution
The glue is mixed in the water. An average of 250 milliliters of liquid is needed per kilogram of dry powder. Water can be added while stirring, but the finished mixture should not be runny. The normal consistency is similar in thickness to fatty sour cream.
Mixing instructions:
- measure the minimum water volume;
- pour the liquid into a plastic container;
- pour the powder;
- stir with a construction mixer to thicken the mass;
- let stand for 5-10 minutes;
- stir again, if the mass is too thick - add water;
- the mixture is ready.
It is better to mix the powder with a special tool, since it is difficult to achieve a uniform consistency manually. To obtain a ready-to-use mixture without lumps, it can be mixed with a drill by installing a special nozzle.
How to prepare the basics for work
The wall and the floor must be thoroughly cleaned of the old coating. Glue works worse when applied to the remnants of varnish, paint, putty. Adhesion will decrease due to dirt and grease on the substrate. Depressions of more than 5 millimeters must be plastered. Then the wall is covered with a primer.With high moisture absorption from the surface, a special floor is used. Glue is applied after the prepared wall dries.
Procedure
How to work with the ready mix:
- pick up a small amount of mass with a notched spatula;
- apply on dry tiles;
- press down firmly on the surface.
You can lay out several tiles and glue them one by one. But you must fix them within 15 minutes. Therefore, you can plaster 3-4 tiles at a time in order to have time to correct their position. At the end of the work, clean the joints between the tiles from excess mortar. After the glue dries, they can be filled with putty. The mixture hardens from 16 hours to one day and acquires high strength after 72 hours.
Precautionary measures
The powder contains cement. To prevent small particles from getting into the eyes and respiratory tract, you should prepare the mixture in a respirator and goggles. The powder reacts alkaline with water. Gloves should be worn to avoid burns.
If the powder gets into your eyes or skin, rinse thoroughly with cold water.
Advantages and disadvantages
It is convenient to work with EC 3000 glue:
- 1 square meter requires 2.5-3 kilograms of glue. Layer thickness when applying - 5 millimeters. For dense walls, this is low consumption. But for porous surfaces, it must be increased. On average, 25 kilograms of powder require 6 liters of water, and the mixture is enough for 6 square meters of area.
- The mixture is suitable for work for a long time. In 4 hours you can have time to arrange a bathroom or an apron in the kitchen.
- In 15 minutes, the master can correct the position of the tile after fixing it, which also facilitates the work.
- The plastic glue is easy to apply, does not crumble, does not break.
The disadvantages include the packaging and technical characteristics of the work:
- A large volume of glue is packaged in 25 kg paper bags. The packaging may break during transport, therefore transport the bags with care. In damaged packaging, the adhesive loses its adhesive properties and absorbs moisture.
- Powder spilled on the floor should be removed immediately. The particles will bite into the surface and not be cleaned.
- Glue consumption increases when laying underfloor heating. If electric mats are placed in the glue layer, its thickness increases to 10 millimeters against the standard 5-6 millimeters.
- EC 3000 adhesive holds the facade cladding well. Stone slabs do not drag behind vertical base in -25 freeze. It is important to thoroughly clean the surface from dust before work, otherwise the strength of the glue will decrease significantly.
Craftsmen appreciate EC 3000 cement adhesive for its ease of preparation, ease of use, durable coating and savings on small repairs. The result is a high-quality coating that will withstand frost and moisture inside or outside the room.