Avoiding Water Based Sealer Residue

There may be times that water based sealers can cause a white haze residue to develop on the surface of stone. There are various reasons why this can happen. The residue can appear due to over-application of the sealer, not enough of product being applied, and/or not wiping off excess sealer in the stated time.

The hazy white residue that can appear after applying a water-based sealer often looks like hard water deposits on the surface of the stone. This residue may make a polished stone surface look dull because the residue is on top of the original finish of the substrate. Simply stated, this is referred to as sealer residue.

If residue is noticed within the first several hours after application, simply reapply the sealer. Allow the sealer to dwell for 2-3 minutes then agitate the surface with a nylon brush or white nylon scrub pad. Wipe thoroughly dry. For stubborn residues, or if more than 24 hours have passed, STONETECH® KlenzAll™ can be used.

For more information click here to read Technical Data Sheet TDS-1260.

If you have any questions regarding the use, installation or maintenance of STONETECH or sealed stone then please contact LATICRETE Technical Services at 1800 331 012.

LATICRETE Training From the Comfort of Your Home

We know that traveling and leaving your business behind to attend training is not always possible, so we make it easy. Our LATICRETE University e-Learning Program makes it possible for anyone within the industry to train on industry standards and Profit Through Knowledge (PTK) Technical Seminars from the comfort of your home or office. Now anyone can receive quality education that is usually only provided during live training, at their fingertips.

Here's how it works:

• Register for FREE
• Watch short video tutorials on a variety of different topics
• Take a short test that will measure your knowledge
• Upon the successful completion of a segment, a training certificate is provided  

LATICRETE University covers a wide range of topics which include: Understanding deflection, how to install reduced thickness porcelain tiles, how to apply liquid waterproofing membrane, an introduction to Masonry Veneer Installation Systems (MVIS), how to patch and repair concrete, and installing resinous flooring systems - plus more! Click here to see a full list of LATICRETE University classes.

Click here to register for LATICRETE University.

For more information about using LATICRETE in your projects, product demos, samples or technical support please contact LATICRETE on 1800 331 012 or email us here. 

The Watergate Hotel

The Watergate Hotel in Washington, D.C., is best known as the site of one of the biggest political scandals in American history, thanks to a break-in at the Democratic National Committee headquarters housed in the hotel’s adjoining office complex, which eventually led to President Richard Nixon’s resignation. After countless renovations and an ownership battle the hotel recently reopened. The $200-million renovation, which capitalised on the hotel’s vintage aesthetic, restored many of the hotel’s original features, including its grand staircase and mosaic-tiled 15m saltwater indoor pool.

The spa would double as a leisure area and the space would need to "wow" visitors while withstanding heavy everyday use. Instead of demolishing The Watergate Hotel pool and starting from scratch, the developer, Euro Capital Properties, in collaboration with architects BBGM and Ron Arad Architects, decided to keep the original look and feel, which included using the existing concrete shell of the pool. This required Profast Commercial Flooring, the NTCA Five-Star Contractor chosen for the project, to be careful when removing the original tile without damaging the pool shell and using care while installing the new tile.

A range of LATICRETE materials were used for the installation, including HYDRO BAN®, 3701 Fortified Mortar Bed, and SPECTRALOCK® PRO Premium Grout*.

The newly renovated spa area plays up the retro luxury that embodied the swank hotel pre-scandal, while providing a year-round oasis to hotel guests and members of The Watergate Hotel. "Our many years of experience and craftsmanship, paired with the excellent field support and technical knowledge of the LATICRETE team, ensured a newsworthy transformation," said said Kevin Killian, President of Profast Commercial Flooring, the NTCA Five-Star Contractor chosen for the project. "With the help of high quality LATICRETE products and their industry leading warranties, The Watergate Hotel pool will remain a standout feature of the hotel for many years to come." Read the full Project Spotlight here. 

Click here to view/download the LATICRETE Pool, Spa and Fountain Tiling System Brochure.

Are you getting ready to start a project? Contact us for technical support or to arrange free samples. Call 1800 331 012 or email us here. 

*United States Invention Patent No.: 6881768 (and other Patents)

Product Feature: Epistrip Ultra Clean

Do you need a cleaner to remove haze and film from your tile and stone? The solution: Epistrip Ultra Clean!

Epistrip Ultra Clean is specially formulated to remove epoxy grout film, latex haze and graffiti from tile and stone surfaces. A simple and effective cleaner for removing particularly, epoxy haze from the surface of tiles. For more product information click here.

Are you getting ready to start a project?

Contact us about your next project or to arrange free samples. Call 1800 331 012 or email us here.

Waterproofing Course at Southern Bricks & Pavers

LATICRETE will be at Southern Bricks & Pavers on Wednesday 6th June for a waterproof training afternoon. This seminar is a short, concise training program specifically developed for installation contractors, distributors, dealers and other industry professionals who want to improve their knowledge and increase their productivity as they become familiar with HYDRO BAN® Waterproofing & Crack Suppression Membrane. 

Training Details
When: Wednesday 6th June, 2018
Time: 12:30pm
Where: Southern Bricks & Pavers  
Address: 223 Princes Hwy, Ulladulla NSW 2539

RSVP

Southern Bricks & Pavers: (02) 4454 3382 OR

Glenn Mannix: 0434 781 227

We hope to see you there!

Selecting the Right Adhesive

We Know the Real Capabilities of Our Products

An article by Fred Gray, LATICRETE Australia Technical Services Manager, provides educational insights to gauging the suitability of an adhesive for individual installations.

"It's important to recognise that the performance requirements and classifications in AS/ISO13007 describe a select range of physical characteristics of an adhesive that can't be solely relied on when it comes to the selection and use of tile adhesives for the wide variety of projects we encounter. They are a starting point for the most part. There are other characteristics you should consider, like compressive strength, shear capacity and immersed installation abilities to name a few that would prove useful in making an appropriate selection. 

I have noticed a growing trend over the years where tile adhesive selections are being determined solely by its classification and designation as outlined in AS/ISO13007.1, with the implication that its classification and designation alone is sufficient to make an appropriate choice for a given project. That it is sufficient to determine what product can be used for a project without investigating the manufacturers information regarding the products features and limitations. For instance a specifier may simply ask for a C2TES1 adhesive for a driveway installation. Assuming tile and substrate compatibility, whilst many C2TES1 adhesives may be suitable for this type of installation, some adhesives will not be and a risk exists, especially if it does not have, say, the compressive strength for such service conditions.

The specification and selection of tile adhesives can be very complex and requires more than a reliance on its AS/ISO13007 classification and general industry guides to gauge its suitability for a given project. Evaluating the installation environment, service requirements of the installation, tiles to be installed and the effects from the tiling background is an important part of the process in establishing the right adhesive properties for a project. It is important that selections are made together with the adhesive manufacturer’s recommendations and documentation to ensure the best possible outcome is achieved. After all, we make the adhesives and have far more knowledge about the true capabilities of our products, especially given we tested our products above and beyond the requirements of the AS/ISO13007 standard. LATICRETE are able to share a greater understanding of what works because of our history, depth of experience and a unique knowledge of our product that can’t be translated in a series of numbers on a bag.

Involving LATICRETE in the specification process ensures you get the warranties or guarantees that the selection are fit for purpose! Ask for a written specification for your next project to get that locked in."

For more information on LATICRETE permanent trouble free installation products, training, or technical advice, contact your local LATICRETE representative on 1800 331 012 - or email sales@laticrete.com.au

Trade Night a Success!

Last week LATICRETE Technical Sales Reps from NSW, Craig Hunter and Glenn Mannix, were at Amber St George, NSW, for a trade information brekky. Those who attended had the opportunity to chat with Craig & Glenn to gain a better understanding of LATICRETE products including and SPECTRALOCK® PRO Premium Grout* and PERMACOLOR® Grout.

• SPECTRALOCK® PRO Premium Grout* - colour uniformity, durability and ease of installation. SPECTRALOCK PRO Premium Grout is designed for use on tile, glass tile and stone applications, both residential and commercial. It can be used both interior and exterior on floors and walls. Ideal for re-grouting applications. SPECTRALOCK PRO Premium Grout is perfect for swimming pools, fountains and other wet area applications.
• PERMACOLOR® Grout - offers the maximum performance available in a cement-based grout, providing consistent colour and antimicrobial protection to resist stain-causing mould and mildew. PERMACOLOR Grout is easy to install – just mix with water.

For more info on our upcoming Events happening around your area, check out the Seminars page on our website, or keep up to date with the Trade Events by following us Facebook.

Contact us to arrange a trade event, a demo or for technical support, call 1800 331 012 or email sales@laticrete.com.au.

*United States Invention Patent No.: 6881768 (and other Patents)

Tiling in Cold Temperatures

Winter is approaching and to help ensure your tiling projects look great for many years to come we have provided some tips for tiling and grouting in cold weather. 

Conventional Portland cement tile setting beds, thin-set mortars, grouts and cement plasters are often permanently damaged when subject to below freezing temperatures immediately after installation. The water content of a mortar turning into ice often results in Portland cement gel structure rupturing with significant loss in strength, flexibility and durability. Subsequent repairs to the damaged work and resulting site delays are extremely costly.

There is a simple rule to follow when the temperature is low during installation: The 8ºC Rule – for every 8ºC below 21ºC, Portland cement and epoxy based materials take twice as long to cure.

Helpful Hints:

• Work during warm periods of the day.
• Ensure that the surface temperature is within the suggested temperature range for the LATICRETE product being used during the installation and cure period. Consult the individual LATICRETE product data sheet and 'How to Install' guide for more information.
• Tent and heat areas that will be subjected to the elements or freezing temperatures during installation and cure periods.
• For multiple story buildings – areas to receive tile and stonework may be heated from below to aid in "warming up" cold concrete slabs and rooms. Simply placing temporary heating units in areas under rooms scheduled to receive tile and stone finishes in multiple story buildings will allow the natural rise of heat to warm up these areas.
• Vent all temporary heating equipment in accord with Worksafe Practices and within Occupational Exposure Limits and local building code regulations.

Continue reading the Cold Weather Tiling and Grouting TDS-1175 here.

Contact us on 1800 331 012 to discuss your next project, arrange a demo, request FREE samples or for technical support or contact us here.

Knowledge is the Key to Success

Last week LATICRETE Australia held a free Pool Tiling Installations Systems training day at the LATICRETE QLD Training Centre located in Virginia.

Attendees were actively involved in discussions, classroom learning, and hands on demonstrations of LATICRETE products, from substrate preparation right through to grouts, for successful pool tiling installations within the documented LATICRETE Swimming Pool Systems Warranty and Pool, Spa and Fountain Tiling Systems brochure. Relevant Australian standards pertaining to swimming pools were also highlighted.

These events are the most effective way of learning about LATICRETE products that can improve your general knowledge about our industry or prepare you for your up and coming projects. Interaction on this level is second to none.

UPCOMING SEMINARS NEAR YOU:

• Sydney: 4-5 July, 2018
• Melbourne: 8-9 August, 2018
• Brisbane: 5-6 September, 2018

Call 1800 331 012 or email seminars@laticrete.com.au for more info and to book your seat.

Crack Suppression/Isolation Methods for Tiles

 

125 Sound & Crack Adhesive 

There are currently no industry standards defining or measuring crack suppression membranes or adhesives in Australia. However ANSI A118.12 5.4 does provide a method of determining the crack suppression abilities of membranes and adhesives for tiling systems. In this test, products with the ability to resist up to 3mm cracks are rated as a high performance.

Cracks in concrete surfaces or other backgrounds can, and often do, cause telegraphing of the crack or reflective cracking into the tile finish. Crack reflection into tiled surface is a defect and is seen as the responsibility of the system designer or tiler to eliminate its occurrence. It also does not reflect very well on the tiling industry as a whole.

With the fast-pace and competitive environment of today’s concrete industry, crack free concrete is difficult to achieve. The same can be said about tiler’s standard mortar beds. Shrinkage crack control of these surfaces are often lacking, resulting in uncontrolled cracking that may be obvious, may not occur immediately, or persists for many years as the concrete or mortar continues to shrink and crack during its life under the tile finish. Modern adhesives can accommodate a certain amount deformation, horizontal to the plane the tiles are laid on, but there is a limit to their abilities. There is even LATICRETE anti-fracture adhesives that deliver crack isolation in some service duty cycles. However, employing a loadbearing crack suppression membrane offers a unique buffering layer, which allows further deformation, increasing the amount of allowable movement in a tile installation. After recognising this you could be excused for thinking that there is a good case for always using crack suppression membranes over masonry and other surfaces that are susceptible to shrinkage cracking.

For more information read Technical Data Sheet TDS1019.

For more information on LATICRETE permanent trouble free installation products, training, or technical advice, contact your local LATICRETE representative on 1800 331 012 - or email: sales@laticrete.com.au

LATAPOXY® Moisture Shield

LATAPOXY® Moisture Shield is a 2 component, roller applied epoxy coating specifically designed to reduce moisture vapour emissions in concrete and other substrates.

Use over dry and damp concrete and other masonry substrates to reduce the moisture vapour emission to facilitate the correct installation of membranes, tiles, vinyl, timber, adhesives or other floor coverings that require protection from moisture.

Key Features

• Easy to use - rolls on like paint
• Cures in 24 hours
• Can be applied over green concrete (Minimum 7 days old)

Click here for more product information.

For more information on using LATICRETE in your projects, product demos, samples or technical support please contact LATICRETE on 1800 331 012, email sales@laticrete.com.au or visit www.laticrete.com.au.

Amber Seaforth Showroom

Amber Seaforth in NSW have recently upgraded their showroom and have installed 24m2 stone walls using MVIS™ Veneer Mortar to complete the project. 

MVIS Veneer Mortar is a patented, versatile polymer fortified mortar designed specifically for the installation of adhered masonry veneer, stone and thin brick. A high performance mix provides maximum non-sag performance for vertical installations and also obtains maximum bond strength to the substrate and selected veneers.

Key Features

• Incredible non-sag performance - faster easier installations
• Revolutionary patented formula provides maximum bond strength to veneers and substrate – exceeds ANSI A118.4 requirements
• Mixes only with water
• Reinforced with Kevlar®
• Lightweight mortar - very smooth and easy to apply
• GREENGUARD certified for low VOC’s
• Inhibits the growth of stain-causing mould and mildew with antimicrobial product protection

Call us on 1800 331 012 to find out more about our products, training and to schedule a trade event for your store or email us here.

QLD Residential Pool Complete

We are excited to share this QLD residential pool project we have been blogging on is now complete and looks amazing! This beautiful Bisazza glass mosaic pool, installed by Sam Gardener Tiling for Jack Boyd Pools, is all filled up and ready to be enjoyed it's owners. A wide range of LATICRETE materials were used to qualify for a 15 Year LATICRETE Warranty. 

LATICRETE products used:

• 226 Thick Bed Mortar - Designed for use with 3701 Mortar Admix to produce a latex Portland cement mortar that has exceptional strength. 
• 3701 Mortar Admix - Used in place of water, 3701 Mortar Admix improves the working and physical properties of any cement mix.
• LATAPOXY® Moisture Shield - 2 component, roller applied, epoxy coating specifically designed to reduce moisture vapour emissions in concrete and other substrates.
• HYDRO BAN® - Single component, self curing liquid rubber polymer that forms a flexible, seamless waterproofing membrane. 
• HYDRO BAN® Adhesive & Sealant - One component, fast curing, hybrid elastomeric adhesive and sealant. 
• 254 Platinum - The ultimate one-step, polymer fortified, thin-set adhesive for interior and exterior installations.
• SPECTRALOCK® PRO Premium Grout* - High performance epoxy grout that offers colour uniformity, durability and stain resistance with extraordinary ease of use.
• LATASIL™ - A high performance, one component, neutral cure, 100% silicone sealant designed for ceramic tile and stone applications. 

Click here to view/download the LATICRETE Pools, Spas and Fountains System Brochure.

Are you getting ready to start a pool project? Contact us to discuss your next project or arrange a demo. Call 1800 331 012 or email us here.

Training at Randwick TAFE

Recently, LATICRETE Australia Technical Manager Fred Gray, and NSW LATICRETE Technical Sales Rep Craig Hunter, were invited to spend some time and train the tiling apprentice students at Randwick TAFE NSW on LATICRETE products. Time was spent in the classroom and also in practice where the students actively participated in hands on training.

LATICRETE Products Demonstrated:

• HYDRO BAN® - HYDRO BAN is a thin, load bearing waterproofing/crack isolation membrane that DOES NOT require the use of fabric in the field, coves or corners. HYDRO BAN is a single component, self curing liquid rubber polymer that forms a flexible, seamless waterproofing membrane. HYDRO BAN bonds directly to a wide variety of substrates.
• HYDRO BAN® Adhesive & Sealant - a one component, fast curing, hybrid elastomeric adhesive and sealant. This product is specifically formulated to meet today’s Green Building Standards and has excellent adhesion on a wide variety of substrates. For use with HYDRO BAN Waterproof Membrane as a bond relief fillet.

At LATICRETE we provide training and classes that discuss commercial, residential, industrial tile and stone installation practices and industry standards. Our training utilises both classroom and hands-on product demonstrations.

Want to arrange a demo or seminar customised for you and your team? Call us on 1800 331 012 or contact us here.

Product Feature: LATAPOXY® 310 Stone Adhesive

LATAPOXY® 310 Stone Adhesive is a two component, high strength epoxy adhesive. Engineered, formulated and optimised for the spot bonding fixing method of installing tile and stone on vertical surfaces. LATAPOXY 310 Stone Adhesive maintains its non-sag consistency at high working temperatures up to 35°C. Interior, exterior, wet areas, walls, ceilings and soffits.

Key Features

• Fast permanent bond - 45 minutes to 1 hour set time
• Easy to use - 1:1 mixing ratio by volume
• Non-staining - ideal for white and light coloured marbles, other stones and tiles
• Withstands shock and vibration
• Durable permanent bond, will not deteriorate over time
• Safe - no solvents
• Non-sag - when applied up to 25 mm thick

For more product information click here, or read Technical Data Sheet TDS1158.

Are you getting ready to start a project?

Contact us about your next project or to arrange free samples. Call 1800 331 012 or email us here.

Slurry Bond Coats

Polymer or Latex Fortified Slurry Bond Coats for Traditional Mortar Beds

LATICRETE latex slurry bond coats are used to bond ‘wet’ consistency toppings or leveling beds over horizontal substrates, such as concrete or masonry. Their purpose is to provide an adhesive layer that bonds the substrate and the material going over it.

For tile setting purposes, traditional installation methods required dusting dry cement, or spreading a cement paste/slurry over the semi-dry mortar bed just prior to placing the tiles. The tiles are then placed in the cement rich surface, or more correctly, a Portland cement/water paste and “beaten” to fully embed them in the mortar bed.

Instead of the traditional cement paste, 254 Platinum, 335 Premium Flexible Adhesive or 211 Crete Filler Powder gauged with 4237 Latex Additive, mixed to a soft, wet slurry consistency is applied with a flat side of a trowel over the bed. The tiles are placed in the wet slurry and “beat-in” with a rubber mallet and beating block.

A slurry bond coat is also used to bond a mortar bed to a concrete, masonry or other suitable surface, including a previously applied hardened mortar bed. The slurry bond coat is applied to the substrate immediately prior to installing the fresh mortar bed.

LATICRETE slurry bond coats provide much longer “open” or working time for mortar bed installation, particularly in hot climates. It also has stronger bond to ceramic or stone tile, ensuring improved resistance to vibration, traffic and physical shock.

For more information read Technical Data Sheet TDS1009.

For more information on LATICRETE permanent trouble free installation products, training, or technical advice, contact your local LATICRETE representative on 1800 331 012 - or email: sales@laticrete.com.au

Pool Systems Trade Brekky

LATICRETE Technical Sales Rep from NSW, Glenn Mannix, was at Reece Irrigation Belconnen in ACT last week for a trade information brekky. Those who attended had the opportunity to chat with Glenn and become familiar with the LATICRETE pool, spa and fountain installation system. 

LATICRETE is committed to educating and providing technical support. We provide on-site demos & in-house structured and tailored, product specific courses that cover commercial, residential, industrial tile & stone installation practices and industry standards. Our training programs are specifically developed for industry professionals who want to improve their profitability and increase their productivity. 

For more info on our upcoming events happening around your area, check out the Seminars page on our website, or keep up to date with the Trade Events by following us Facebook.

Contact us to discuss your next project, visiting your job site, or to arrange free samples. Call 1800 331 012 or email us here.

Bisazza Bathroom Project

Check out this bathroom installation in Wollongong, NSW. The bathroom features Bisazza mosaic tiles, installed with LATAPOXY® SP-100, supplied by Amber Fairy Meadow. 

LATAPOXY SP-100 is a stainless, pigment free, colourfast epoxy grout for grouting floor installations of ceramic tile, brick, and stone. Cleans with water while fresh. Can be used for interior and exterior applications. Ideal for kitchen floors, counter tops, bathroom floors, malls, cafeterias, and laboratories. Click here for more product information. 

   

Head in and chat with the friendly team from Amber Fairy Meadow to see how you can achieve incredible results on your projects, and ask about the wide range of LATICRETE products they stock.  

Address: 5 Princes Hwy, Fairy Meadow NSW 2519

​Phone: (02) 4284 0711

Trading Hours

Monday to Friday - 8:00am - 5:00pm

Saturday - 9:00am - 2:00pm

For more information on using LATICRETE in your projects, product demos, samples, or technical support please contact LATICRETE on 1800 331 012, email sales@laticrete.com.au or visit www.laticrete.com.au.