Increase The Performance Of Your Cement Mix

Are you wanting to ensure your adhesives and mortars are of a higher standard for your projects? LATABOND™ is the solution! 

Use internally or externally to increase the flexibility, tensile strength and shock resistance of your mortar. LATABOND can be used diluted or undiluted to determine the level of performance of your adhesives, grout, slurry bond coats, renders, and screeds. 

Key Features

• Reduces water absorption of adhesives
• Interior and exterior installations
• Fortifies thin-set adhesives
• Increased bond and compressive strength
• Superior flexibility
• Shock, vibration, chemical and frost resistant

Click here for more information 

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.

Ritz-Carlton Budapest

Situated in the heart of Hungary’s capital, Budapest, is the Ritz-Carlton hotel. The hotel underwent major renovation to create world-class amenities like its onsite Hungarian-inspired restaurant called Deák St. Kitchen and residential-style accommodations. A 400m2 spa was also completely re-done and includes showers, changing rooms, steam rooms and a swimming pool.

The renovation was led by local general contractor Sky Aqua Kft, who brought on Germany-based contractor Feuring Hotelconsulting GmbH to rebuild the spa after a complete teardown.

“As a globally-known luxury hotel, it was necessary that the building materials used during reconstruction were of the highest quality. Luckily, LATICRETE products were specified and could guarantee lasting results,” said Marton Balazs, owner of the local distributor LATICRETE Hungary. “Everything old was removed and rebuilt from the concrete structures, including re-leveling and waterproofing. The entire area also needed to be re-tiled using various sizes and styles of tile such as glass mosaic for the pool, steam room, shower and columns surrounding the pool.”

A range of LATICRETE materials were used for the project including HYDRO BAN®, 3701 Fortified Mortar Bed, and 254Platinum. Click here to read the full Project Spotlight.

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

Causes and Prevention of Efflorescence

Ever wondered what efflorescence is and how it occurs? The occurrence of efflorescence is a potential problem whenever Portland cement products are used. There have been many industry articles and resources available that speak on the issue of efflorescence - It is important to note that efflorescence is not considered a defect of the installation materials, but rather a naturally occurring issue common to all Portland cement based products. 

The best way to prevent efflorescence is to better understand what it is and how it happens. Three things have to happen for efflorescence to become a problem: 

• There must be soluble salts present (these salts are present in Portland cement products from the manufacturing process). 
• Water must be present in the setting bed, mortar bed and/or grout. 
• Some type of force (evaporation, gravity, capillary movement, etc.) has to bring the salts to the surface of the installation.

Salts can then be put into solution and brought to the surface. If all 3 things occur then the water evaporates, the salts remain on the surface where they react with carbon dioxide in the air. The reaction turns the salts into a visible white material that collects on the surface. These salts can be calcium carbonate, sodium carbonate, potassium carbonate, or calcium hydroxide depending on the source of the Portland cement raw materials and any additives that may have been added to the concrete or mortar.

Eliminating any of the 3 needed circumstances will eliminate the occurrence of efflorescence. For more information on the best ways to help minimise the occurrence of efflorescence, read the full Technical Data Sheet TDS-1159.

Contact us to discuss your next project, arrange a demo or your FREE samples by calling 1800 331 012 or contact us here.

On-Site with Ireland Tiling

Recently LATICRETE Technical Sales Rep, Corey Downes, caught up on-site with Ireland Tiling in VIC. The team were busy working on a new project and tried their hand at HYDRO BAN® waterproofing/crack isolation membrane.

LATICRETE is committed to educating and providing technical support. We provide on-site technical support and demos, as well as in-house structured and tailored, product specific courses that cover commercial, residential, industrial tile & stone installation practices and industry standards. 

Contact us to discuss your next project. Do you require technical support on your job site, or want FREE product samples? Call 1800 331 012 or email us here.

Ho Ho Ho!

The LATICRETE Australia team wishes a very Merry Christmas to all of our Customers, Colleagues and Friends who celebrate this day!

 May your day be filled with family, friends, happiness, food, and laughter.

Wollongong Historic Court House

Wow! What a great streetscape currently being installed by the Wollongong Council at the Wollongong Historic Court House, NSW. The project features 120m2 of 600x300x75mm Australian Sandstone, installed with LATICRETE materials. 

Products used: 

• 211 Crete Filler Powder is a factory prepared blend of carefully selected raw materials, Portland cement and graded aggregates.
• 4237 Latex Additive a specially designed latex additive for use with 211 Crete Filler Powder to make a high strength latex thin and medium bed adhesive up to 15 mm, for installing all types of tile, stone and agglomerates.
• STONETECH® BulletProof® Sealer delivers maximum protection against the toughest stains while preserving the natural look of natural stone surfaces. A water-based formula for interior and exterior use.

View/download the LATICRETE "Extra Heavy Duty" Streetscape Installation System brochure.

Contact us to discuss your next project, arrange a demo, FREE samples or a trade event by calling 1800 331 012 or email us here.

Project Sneak Peek!

LATICRETE VIC Technical Sales Rep, Corey Downes, recently shared with us this sneak peek of a project using SPECTRALOCK® PRO Premium Grout* in 'Midnight Black' and added DAZZLE™ in 'Mother of Pearl'. We can't wait to see the finished project!  

SPECTRALOCK® DAZZLE™ adds metallic and Glow-In-The-Dark enhancements to SPECTRALOCK PRO Premium Grout. These high-end design elements offer limitless imaginative applications. Use DAZZLE on walls and floors to accentuate metallic tiles, glass tiles, mosaics, stone and listellos. Suitable for use in interior and exterior applications, including swimming pools! 

For more information on LATICRETE installation materials, product demos, FREE samples or technical support, phone LATICRETE on 1800 331 012 or email: sales@laticrete.com.au.

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

Progress on Bus Turnaround

Recently we shared this project in Lennox Heads, NSW, which has been progressing nicely! Ballina Council are working on this 400m2 bus turnaround, which features 90x90x60mm granite cobblestones, supplied by CINAJUS. A range of LATICRETE materials have been used including: 

• 3701 Mortar Admix is a specially designed latex admixture for use with thin-set adhesives, cement grouts, cement mortar beds and other cement mixes. Used in place of water, 3701 Mortar Admix improves the working and physical properties of any cement mix and provides economical and easy way to make permanent, trouble-free installations of ceramic tile, brick and natural
• 226 Thick Bed Mortar - a factory prepared blend of carefully selected raw materials, portland cement and graded aggregates for use with 3701 Mortar Admix
• 4237 Latex Additive a specially designed latex additive for use with 211 Crete Filler Powder to make a high strength latex thin and medium bed adhesive up to 15 mm, for installing all types of tile, stone and agglomerates.
• 211 Crete Filler Powder is a factory prepared blend of carefully selected raw materials, Portland cement and graded aggregates.
• 3701 Fortified Mortar Bed is a polymer fortified blend of carefully selected polymers, Portland cement and graded aggregates. 3701 Fortified Mortar Bed does not require the use of latex admix, you only need to add water to produce thick bed mortar with exceptional strength.

View/download the LATICRETE "Extra Heavy Duty" Streetscape Installation System brochure.

Contact us to discuss your next project, arrange a demo, FREE samples or a trade event by calling 1800 331 012 or email us here.

Newcastle Tile Company Annual Trade Night

LATICRETE recently attended a trade night at Newcastle Tile Company in Mayfield West, NSW. It was a great event and those who attended had the opportunity to chat with Craig Hunter, LATICRETE NSW Technical Sales Rep, to learn more about globally proven tile and stone installations.

Products of focus included: 

• 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.
• SPECTRALOCK® PRO Premium Grout* is a high performance epoxy grout that offers colour durability and stain resistance with extraordinary ease of use. Can be used for interior, exterior and immersed applications. 

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

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

Newtown Apartments Pool Refurb

Check out this beautiful refurb pool project at the Chancellery Apartments in Newtown, NSW. Installed by the team from Renfay using a range of LATICRETE materials to qualify for a 25 year System Warranty, the pool features 140m2 of Euro mosaics. 

LATICRETE materials used:

• 3701 Mortar Admix - specially designed latex admixture for use with thin-set adhesives, cement grouts, cement mortar beds and other cement mixes.
• 226 Thick Bed Mortar is a factory prepared blend of carefully selected raw materials, Portland cement and graded aggregates. 226 Thick Bed Mortar was designed for use with 3701 Mortar Admix to produce a latex Portland cement mortar that has exceptional strength.
• 4237 Latex Additive - specially designed latex additive for use with 211 Crete Filler Powder to make a high strength latex thin and medium bed adhesive up to 15 mm, for installing all types of tile, stone and agglomerates.
• 211 Crete Filler Powder - a factory prepared blend of carefully selected raw materials, Portland cement and graded aggregates.
• LATAPOXY® Moisture Shield - 2 component, roller applied epoxy coating specifically designed to reduce moisture vapour emissions in concrete and other substrates.
• HYDRO BAN® - 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 Fillet & Sealant - a one component, fast curing, hybrid elastomeric adhesive and sealant.
• LATAPOXY® 300 Adhesive - a chemical resistant, epoxy adhesive that will bond to most sound, clean surfaces. The adhesive spreads easily and cleans with water while fresh.
• LATAPOXY® SP-100 - a stainless, pigment free, colourfast epoxy grout for grouting floor installations of ceramic tile, brick, and stone.
• LATASIL™ - a high performance, one component, neutral cure, 100% silicone sealant designed for ceramic tile & stone applications.
• LATASIL 9118 Primer - a one component primer designed to increase adhesion of LATASIL to various substrate.

Click here to view/download the LATICRETE Pool, Spa 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.

Successful Waterproof & Epoxy Grout Seminar

LATICRETE Australia held a Waterproofing and Epoxy Grout Training Seminar recently at the LATICRETE Training Centre in NSW. Attendees were actively involved in discussions, classroom learning, and hands-on demonstrations using HYDRO BAN® Waterproofing and Crack Isolation Membrane, and SPECTRALOCK® PRO Premium Grout*.

• HYDRO BAN - a thin, load bearing waterproofing/crack isolation membrane that DOES NOT require the use of fabric in the field, coves or corners.
• SPECTRALOCK PRO Premium Grout - a patented, high performance epoxy grout which offers excellent colour uniformity, durability, stain protection, and beautiful, full grout joints in an easy to-use, non-sag formula.

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

For more information on the upcoming PTK's and to book your seat, click here.

Contact us to arrange training for your team, a demo, FREE samples or for technical support, call 1800 331 012 or email sales@laticrete.com.au.

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

Best Wishes!

The Christmas season is already upon us and before Santa jets away on his sleigh, the team at LATICRETE Australia wish you and your family a Merry Christmas and a very happy New Year! Thank you for your continued support in helping us grow our business throughout 2019 - we look forward to working with you in 2020.

LATICRETE Australia is taking a break in December. Click on the link to view/download the LATICRETE Australia 2019 Holiday Schedule and important closure/re-open dates.

If you have any questions regarding the LATICRETE Australia 2019 Holiday Schedule, please do not hesitate to contact us. Call 1800 331 012, email sales@laticrete.com.au or chat with your local LATICRETE Sales Rep!

Point Piper Pool Project

The team from Burcher Pools and G&W Rendering have been busy on this amazing pool project in Point Piper, NSW. The private apartment pool project will consist of approximately 150m2 of Bisazza tiles installed with a full LATICRETE Pool Tiling System to qualify for a 25 Year System Warranty. 

Products used: 

• 226 Thick Bed Mortar - a factory prepared blend of carefully selected raw materials, portland cement and graded aggregates for use with 3701 Mortar Admix.
• 3701 Mortar Admix - a specially designed latex admixture for use with thin-set mortars, cement grouts, cement mortar beds, and other cement mixes.
• LATAPOXY® Moisture Shield - a 2 component, roller applied epoxy coating specifically designed to reduce moisture vapour emissions in concrete and other substrates.
• HYDRO BAN® - a thin, load bearing waterproofing/crack isolation membrane that DOES NOT require the use of fabric in the field, coves or corners.
• 254 Platinum - the ultimate one-step, polymer fortified, thin-set mortar for interior and exterior installation of ceramic tile, stone, quarry tile, pavers and brick.
• LATAPOXY® SP-100 - a stainless, pigment free, colour fast epoxy grout for grouting floor installations of ceramic tile, brick, and stone.

Click here to view/download the LATICRETE Pool, Spa 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.

The Best for the Best!

When only the best will do - loading up the Porche with 335 Premium Flexible Adhesive at Tile Tech Supplies in NSW!

Tile Tech Supplies is a preferred stockist for all your LATICRETE tile and stone installation materials. Head in and chat with the friendly team about the wide range of LATICRETE products they stock!

Address: 18 Foundry Road, Seven Hills New South Wales 2147

Phone: (02) 9674 7858

For more information on LATICRETE installation materials, product demos, FREE samples or technical support, phone LATICRETE on 1800 331 012 or email: sales@laticrete.com.au.

Christmas Holiday Schedule

Christmas and New Year is just around the corner and LATICRETE Australia will be taking a break over the holidays.

Please refer to important dates with regards to No Shipping or Receiving, Last Business Day for 2019, and when LATICRETE Australia will Reopen for business in 2020. 

If you have any questions regarding the LATICRETE Australia 2019 Holiday Schedule, please do not hesitate to contact us. Call 1800 331 012, email sales@laticrete.com.au or chat with your local LATICRETE Sales Rep!

Epoxy Grout Training at Glennon Tiles

Smiles all round from Glenn and the Glennon Tiles team!

Glenn Mannix, LATICRETE NSW Technical Sales Rep, was recently at Glennon Tiles training the team on SPECTRALOCK® PRO Premium Grout*!

Head to Glennon Tiles today and chat with the friendly team about the wide range of LATICRETE products they stock! 

Address: 121 McEvoy Street Alexandria, NSW 2015

​Phone: (02) 9698 2799

LATICRETE is proud of its commitment to supplying industry professionals with the most up-to-date information and products available in the ceramic tile and stone installation industry today.  For more information on LATICRETE installation materials, product demos, FREE samples or technical support, phone LATICRETE on 1800 331 012 or email: sales@laticrete.com.au.

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

Bluestone Driveway in South Yarra

This bluestone cobblestone driveway has recently been completed by the team from R. Veli Tiling Services in VIC. The 100m2 project was laid with 335 RAPID Premium Flexible Adhesive and then sealed with STONETECH® Heavy Duty Sealer. Materials were supplied by STileS. 

• 335 RAPID Premium Flexible Adhesive is a high performance thin-bed adhesive for installing a wide range of tiles and stone including low absorption ceramic tile, porcelain tile, natural and manufactured stone using thin-set method of installation. Exceeds the requirements of AS ISO13007.1&2 classification C2TFS1. Excellent for exterior and underwater applications with superior bond to masonry.
• STONETECH Heavy Duty Sealer is a heavy duty sealer that protects against most stains on a variety of stones, all while preserving the natural look of the stone.

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.

Recent VIC Waterproofing Seminar

Last week LATICRETE Australia held a FREE Waterproofing Profit Through Knowledge (PTK) Seminar at the LATICRETE Training Centre in VIC. Attendees were actively involved in discussions, classroom learning, and hands-on demonstrations using HYDRO BAN® Waterproofing and Crack Isolation Membrane.

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

For more information on the upcoming PTK's and to book your seat, click here.

Contact us to arrange training for your team, a demo, FREE samples or for technical support, call 1800 331 012 or email sales@laticrete.com.au.

Respirable Crystalline Silica

In a technical article Fred Gray, LATICRETE Australia Technical Service Manager, provides an informative discussion on working with products containing Respirable Crystalline Silica. 

Respirable Crystalline Silica (RCS) particles are nominally less than 10 μm in size and is often referred to as the dust you can’t see. It’s potential to be present as a hazard in the workplace is dependent on, amongst other things, the products we are working with, site conditions, and how we process and handle them to carry out a ceramic or stone tile installation. For instance, dry machine cutting sandstone in unventilated, enclosed areas without personal protection is going to expose a worker or others to unacceptable levels of RCS; it is not advised and is illegal.

Avoiding exposure to RCS whilst working (or at any other time, for that matter) is therefore paramount. The good news and advice from Safework NSW states “you can work with silica and remain safe.” The traveling Silica Dust Control Roadshows hosted by Safework in various states are well worthwhile events to set the record straight about working with silica and mitigating the risks associated with RCS. If you can’t make it to one of these events, publications from Safe Work Australia are a great start to taking control and understanding the RCS risk. Along with other relevant topics, it discusses how “You can manage risks of exposure to silica dust by selecting and implementing measures using the hierarchy of controls”. Click here to read more.

Globally, LATICRETE has been proactive in developing silica free products and assessing the RCS risk with the current range of tile installation products. Studies have been carried out on the levels of RCS in LATICRETE North America products containing silica and their findings have been published in the following technical data sheet: https://bit.ly/2pigYk5. Locally, we have assessed our products containing silica and found our products to also be low in RCS, and we are actively looking to commercialise more silica free products to our industry.

Other tile industry studies and investigations have also found low but manageable risks that can be controlled to provide a safe working and liveable environment. The Tile Council of North America in the 2019 Handbook has published a study by Environmental Health & Engineering INC, on Human Health Risk Assessment for Proposition 65: Crystalline Silica. Click here to read this article. 

It is hoped that with good products, education and work practice, health hazards from RCS are eliminated for the workplace.