Davco APA All Purpose Adhesive
An economical grade all purpose adhesive for thin-bed tile and stone applications.
- Economical
- Off white colour
- Good bond strength
- Low VOC
- Multi-purpose
- Excellent coverage
Usage
Davco APA All Purpose Adhesive is suitable for thin bed applications internally & externally on both wall and floor surfaces. Suitable substrates include;- Concrete minimum 6 weeks old
- Screeds minimum 7 days old
- Fibre cement sheet
- Compressed cement boards
- Rendered block & brickwork
- Sika / Davco approved waterproof membranes
- Undertile heating (when mixed with Davco Davelastic additive)
- Ceramic
- Porcelain
- Mosaic
- Natural stone
- Not suitable for translucent tiles and moisture sensitive stone
Advantages
- Economical
- Off white colour
- Good bond strength
- Low VOC
- Multi-purpose
- Excellent coverage
Packaging
20kg bags / 64 bags per pallet.
Colour
Off white powder.
Product Details
ENVIRONMENTAL INFORMATION
Low VOC 4g/L (SCAQMD Method - 304-91)
Shelf life
12 Months from date of manufacture.
Storage conditions
Store in dry cool conditions, out of direct sunlight off ground.
High humidity will reduce shelf life.
Application
Mixing Ratio
5-6 Litres of clean potable water per 20kg bag.
Layer Thickness
Maximum layer thickness shall be no greater than 6mm.
Ambient Air Temperature
Min +5° to Max 35°C
Substrate Temperature
Min +5° to Max 35°C
Pot Life
2 Hours.
Open Time
30 Minutes.
Adjustability Time
45 Minutes.
Applied Product Ready for Use
Set time before grouting | 24 hours |
Set time before dry area service | 24 hours |
Set time before wet area service | 2 days |
All measurements are taken at 22°C & 50% relative humidity.
Specifications vary according to site conditions and should be taken as a guide only.
Consumption
A 20kg bag will cover approximate 6m2 with a 10mm notch trowel.
EQUIPMENT
Select a trowel with a suitable notch size for the tile size and type as per the following:
Tile Size | Trowel notch size | Back buttering required |
Mosaics | 4-6mm | No |
150x150 | 6mm | No |
200x200 300x300 400x400 and over *Tiles with lugs or uneven backs | 8mm 10mm 12mm *As above dependent on size | No No Yes Yes |
MIXING
- Measure the required amount of clean potable water into a bucket (5 - 5.5 Litres per bag).
- Slowly add the powder into the water while mixing with a mixing paddle attached to a drill (Max 500 RPM). Do not mix by hand.
- Continue to mix for 2-3 minutes until a smooth, limp free creamy mixture is achieved.
- Allow the mixture to stand for 5 minutes then re-stir for an additional minute.
For applications over flexible substrates Davco APA All Purpose Adhesive shall be mixed with 1:1 Davelastic additive & water
*Adhesive may need re-stirring during the potlife, do not add more water.
APPLICATION
Laying the Tiles
- Place the adhesive onto the prepared and primed substrate. Do not apply more adhesive than can be tiles within the open time of the product, usually from a single tile to 1m2.
- Hold the notched trowel at an angle of 60° or greater to the substrate.
- Spread the adhesive over the required area where tile is to be applied, comb the adhesive in a single direction (not swirls).
- Where "back buttering" the tile is required, use the flat side of the notched trowel to apply a thin adhesive layer to the back of the tile (approx 1-2mm thick).
- Place the tile into the combed adhesive and press the tile firmly.
- Move the tile forward and then back at 90° across the direction of the combed adhesive to flatten the adhesive to leave no voids under the tile. Occassionally life a tile to check the adhesive covers 90-100% of the tile.
- Remove any excess adhesive in the joints, and on the face of the tile with a sponge and water while the adhesive is still wet.
- Do not allow the adhesive to skin prior to placement of the tiles. If the adhesive skins, remove and replace.
- Application shall be in accordance with AS3958.1
- Movement joints shall be installed in accordance with applicable standards.
- Back buttering the tiles may be required to achieve minimum coverage requirements.
- Allow the adhesive to dry prior to grouting.
CLEANING OF TOOLS
Tools & equipment can be cleaned with water prior to the adhesive drying.