How to Apply Tile Setting Products

1. Priming

The process begins with Sikafloor®-03 Primer, a quick-drying, ready-to-use acrylate dispersion primer, for priming underneath cementitious levelling compounds. Before applying Sikafloor®-03 Primer, ensure the substrate is sound, dry, clean and free of all contaminants. Shake or stir the product before use and apply it using a foam roller. Ensure the substrate is saturated and evenly coated – avoiding puddles of primer.

2. Slope creation and floor levelling

Once primed, the substrate is prepared using Sikafloor®-200 Level, a polymer-modified, high-build cementitious levelling compound ideal for forming slopes towards drains and creating a smooth base for your tiling application. To create a smooth, sloping base in your wet room, apply Sikafloor®-200 Level evenly across the floor and use a trowel or float to guide the material, forming a gentle slope towards the drain while smoothing the surface ready for subsequent tiling.

3. Waterproofing

After levelling, waterproof the surface with the Sikalastic®-260 Stop Aqua kit, a complete waterproofing kit which includes a primer, liquid waterproofing membrane and sealing tape. To begin, apply Sikafloor®-01 Primer to the substrate. Evenly apply the first layer of Sikalastic®‑260 Stop Aqua, a seamless liquid-applied waterproofing membrane, on the surface area you wish to waterproof using a short pile roller. Then take Sika® SealTape and apply it carefully to corners, wall and floor junctions and drain areas. Apply the second coat of Sikalastic®‑260 Stop Aqua. Once the second coat is dry the surface is waterproof.

4. Tile fixing

Tiles are then installed using a high-performance cement-based adhesive such as SikaCeram®-204 Medium White or the fast-setting SikaCeram®-204 Rapid. Ensure the tile adhesive mixture is smooth and lump-free before application. Apply the tile adhesive to the surface using a notched trowel, then press the tiles firmly into the fresh adhesive to ensure full contact and a strong bond. If a film forms on the surface of the adhesive, it has been left for too long and you must remove it and apply a fresh layer to continue with proper tile application.

5. Grouting

Grouting is then completed with SikaCeram®-690 Elite, a durable cementitious grout for walls and floors. Use a groat float to spread SikaCeram®-690 Elite into the tile joints. Remove excess grout by moving the tool diagonally across the joints, then, once the grout is dry, use a damp sponge to clean the tile surfaces.

6. Joint Sealing

The application process is finished with SikaSeal®-175, a sanitary silicone sealant offering outstanding resistance to mould growth. Apply the sealant neatly into all corners, wall-to-floor junctions and other movement joints, smoothing with a finishing tool to create a smooth, neat, watertight seal.

Always refer to the Product Data Sheet for specific, detailed application instructions.