Technical characteristics of tile adhesive EK 3000 and instructions for use of the composition
Among the existing varieties of tile adhesives, EK 3000 is distinguished by the fact that it contains specialized additives, thanks to which the resulting solution is able to reliably fix small tiles. This product is used for wall cladding with various materials. The glue contains high quality cement, fine sand, modifiers and plasticizers.
Varieties and technical characteristics of EK tile adhesives
There are several adhesives in the EK range, each of which differs in composition. Thanks to this variety, consumers can choose the material for a specific type of tile. EK 3000 belongs to the group of universal adhesives, the others are highly specialized.
Regardless of the type of product chosen, it is not recommended to use the dissolved powder of this brand with large tiles, heavy tile coverings and porcelain stoneware.
The difference between the given adhesives is insignificant. These products can be used for facing concrete, aerated concrete, plastered walls, brick, stone.
3000
Universal glue EK 3000 has the following characteristics:
- recommended operating temperature - 10-25 degrees;
- the strength of the adhesion of the material to the surface - 1 megapascal;
- the time required to prepare the adhesive composition - 4 hours;
- average material consumption - 2.5-3 kilograms per square meter;
- drying speed - 20 minutes.
Other types of EK glue have similar characteristics.
2000
EK 2000 adhesive is characterized by the following characteristics:
- suitable for laying tiles on exterior and interior walls;
- adheres to mineral materials, plaster, concrete and brick walls;
- used for restoring minor faults;
- used for gluing medium and small tiles;
- the adhesion index is 0.7 megapascals;
- curing time after application - 10 minutes.
EK 2000 is characterized by increased frost resistance and plasticity. The finished glue should be used within three hours.
4000
The product is used for bonding heavy slabs and porcelain stoneware. EK 4000, thanks to increased adhesion, reaching 1.2 megapascals, fixes the material well on horizontal and vertical surfaces. With this tool it is allowed to fill gaps and glue mineral wool with polystyrene foam.
1000
The tool is used for fixing porous materials: aerated concrete, foam concrete and others. EK 1000 adheres well to tiles on various types of vertical and horizontal surfaces.
6000
This type of glue is used for mosaic surface finishing. The material is used for finishing:
- swimming pools;
- thermal baths;
- warm floors;
- gaskets and other surfaces.
EK 6000 adhesive is not fussy about the level of water absorption of tiles.
5000
This type of glue is intended for the tiling of swimming pools, fountains and other water tanks. The material is suitable for exterior walls.
EK 5000, in comparison with other adhesives, is characterized by increased resistance to moisture.
Areas of use
As mentioned, EK 3000 glue is used for finishing various surfaces such as stone, brick or plastered walls. In each case, the composition reliably fixes the tiles. Also, this product is used to create warm floors and to level wall surfaces, provided that the deviation from the vertical does not exceed 15 millimeters.
How to use correctly
The procedure for gluing tiles with EK 3000 or other varieties of this product is indicated on the packaging. In this case, the surface on which the material is fixed is prepared according to an algorithm in each of the cases.
Base preparation
It is recommended to work with tile adhesive at a temperature of 10-25 degrees. This also applies to the foundation. Before you start decorating walls or floors, they must be cleaned of dirt, dust and grease. Third-party substances negatively affect the adhesion of the tile to the surface. It is also necessary to repair defects more than five millimeters deep. For this, plaster is used. If a porous material that absorbs water well is used as a base, a primer is pre-applied to prevent the appearance of mold.
How to prepare a solution
The solution is prepared according to the attached instructions. Depending on the required density, it is necessary to mix 5.75-6.75 liters of water and 25 kilograms of powder. It is recommended to pour and fill both components in a separate container, respectively. Use a drill or construction mixer to mix.
The glue is ready when the mass acquires a homogeneous structure without lumps. This mixture should be kept for 10-20 minutes (depending on the type of material), after which you can start finishing.
Features of working with an adhesive
The tile is glued according to the following algorithm:
- An adhesive is applied to the material.
- The tile is pressed firmly against the wall.
- Excess glue is removed immediately with a cloth. If necessary, the tiles can be leveled after gluing. It takes no more than 10 minutes.
- After completing the laying of the tiles on the wall or floor, the joint is cleaned.
- After 16-24 hours (depending on the type of adhesive), the seam is rubbed with the appropriate material.
EK 3000 glue is applied in the same way as other similar formulations. For this, a notched trowel is used. The adhesive solution is applied to the prepared surface. But before starting work, each tile must be dried.
How to calculate the expense
The consumption of tile adhesive depends on the brand of the product, the consistency of the composition and the thickness of the applied layer. On average, 1 m2 takes up to 2.5-3 kilograms of material.
Precautionary measures
EK 3000 glue and other varieties of this product include cement. In contact with water, this substance gives an alkaline reaction. Therefore, when the adhesive comes into contact with the skin, redness, irritation and other unpleasant consequences may occur. When working with the prepared solution, it is recommended to use gloves and wear protective glasses. In the event of contact of the composition with the skin or the eyes, the latter must be immediately rinsed with plenty of water.
How to store it properly
You can store EK glue in a closed package for six months in a dry room. The material should not come into contact with water, otherwise the product will become unusable. The prepared solution can be stored for no more than four hours.
Common Mistakes
When decorating walls, installers usually make the following mistakes:
- not preparing the base or doing it incorrectly (not priming, not cleaning the grease, etc.);
- do not follow the rules for preparing an adhesive composition;
- too much or too little glue is applied;
- the tiles are glued not according to the level and the pre-applied grid (drawing);
- rub the seams prematurely.
Due to each of the above errors, the life of the tile is significantly reduced.
Additional tips and tricks
It is not recommended to apply EK brand glue solution immediately to a large area. This material hardens quickly. Therefore, installers, if too heavy a layer is applied, will not have enough time to level the tiles. It is always recommended to prime the base during preparation. This must be done in order to avoid the appearance of mold in the room. This recommendation is especially relevant for cases where the walls in the bathroom are finished.
The thickness of the adhesive layer should be 1-4 millimeters. This indicator is usually indicated on the packaging with the material. But at the same time, the thickness can be varied in order to level the walls. The consumption of tile adhesive is not constant. This indicator depends not only on the type of material, but also on the characteristics of the treated surface. In particular, when finishing rough surfaces, the consumption of glue solution is reduced.