Slurry Bond Coats - When and What to Use

Polymer or Latex Fortified Slurry Bond Coats for Traditional Mortar Beds

LATICRETE latex slurry bond coats are used to bond ‘semi-dry to wet’ consistency toppings or leveling beds over horizontal substrates, such as concrete slabs or cement sheets. Their purpose is to provide topping, that otherwise may not have, the ability to adhere adequately to the prepared substrate.

For tile setting purposes, traditional installation methods required dusting dry cement, or spreading a cement paste/slurry over the plastic, 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 imbed them in the mortar bed. “Beating” attaches a layer of cement rich paste as an adhesive between the sand/cement mortar bed surface and the tile backs. A method used with ordinary materials suited to more porous ceramic or stone tile.

Instead of the traditional cement paste, 254 Platinum, 335 Premium Flexible Adhesive or 211Crete 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 plastic, semi-dry mortar bed. The slurry is usually just 1 mm – 2 mm thick. The tiles are placed in the wet slurry and “beat-in” with a rubber mallet and beating block. A method used with fortified materials suited to dense substrates, ceramic or stone tile.

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 click here to read Technical Data Sheet TDS-1009.

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