Tiling concrete floors can be the best way to transform a space, but the success of your project depends entirely on one crucial element: the adhesive. Choosing the wrong adhesive can lead to costly and frustrating failures, from loose tiles to cracks. CX-1 is polymer tile adhesive formulated for bonding tiles. It is ideal for internal floor applications,
What is Polymer Tile Adhesive?
Polymer tile adhesive is a cement-based adhesive that has been enhanced with special polymers. Think of it from your traditional cement adhesive.
Regular cement adhesives form a rigid bond for tiles, which can be a problem, especially when applied over substrates like concrete that experience temperature fluctuations. In contrast, polymer-modified adhesives create a more flexible bond. The polymers within these adhesives interlink with the cement particles, forming a stronger, more resilient matrix.
This enhanced flexibility and strength are precisely why polymer bonding is superior for concrete subfloors. Concrete can expand and contract subtly, and a rigid adhesive will eventually fail under this stress. CX-1, with its polymer modification, provides added strength and flexibility, absorbing these minor movements and preventing the adhesive layer from cracking or debonding from the concrete.
Features of CX-1 Polymer Adhesive
CX-1 isn't just an ordinary adhesive; it's was created with specific features:
- High Bond Strength: It creates an exceptionally strong bond between the tile and the concrete, ensuring your tiles stay firmly in place for years to come.
- Water Resistance: This feature is important for floor applications, protect against moisture and maintains the adhesive.
- Non-Shrink Formula: Unlike some adhesives that can shrink as they cure, CX-1's non-shrink formula ensures a full, stable bed for your tiles.
- Ideal for High-Load Areas: its robust nature, CX-1 is perfectly suited for areas like living rooms, lobbies, and various commercial spaces.
Ideal Applications of CX-1
CX-1 is an adhesive, but it truly excels in specific elements:
- Best for Ceramic, Porcelain Tiles: Whether you're working with ceramic and porcelain tiles, CX-1 provides the optimal bond.
- Suitable for Internal Floor Use: It’s designed for interior floor installations, providing reliable performance in a wide array of indoor environments.
- Especially Effective Over Concrete Substrates: This is its prime application. CX-1 is specifically formulated to adhere seamlessly and strongly to concrete floors, making it the top choice for such projects.
Installation Tips & Best Practices
Achieving a professional finish with CX-1 is straightforward with these tips:
- Surface Preparation for Concrete Floors: The concrete surface must be clean, dry, sound, and free from dust, oil, grease, or any loose particles. Any cracks repaired beforehand. A properly prepared surface is key to maximum bond strength.
- Mixing and Application Guide: Always follow the instructions for mixing CX-1. You'll add the powder to clean water to achieve lump-free paste. Apply the adhesive using the recommended notched trowel for optimal coverage.
- Recommended Tools for a Professional Finish: Besides a notched trowel, ensure you have a mixing drill, buckets, a rubber mallet for cleanup.
- Use of Tile Leveling System: To ensure perfectly even tile placement and eliminate unsightly "lippage" (where one tile edge is higher than another), we highly recommend using a tile leveling system. This will give your floor a truly professional and seamless appearance.
Grouting for a Best Finish
Once your tiles are securely set with CX-1 and the adhesive has fully cured, the next vital step is grouting. For a truly superior and lasting finish, we recommend a high-quality grout like KE 100 - Stainfree Epoxy Based Grout Filling For Floors & Walls Tiles.
Why option for epoxy grout like KE 100 over traditional cement-based options? Epoxy grout offers benefits:
- Stain-Resistant: making it highly resistant to spills, dirt, and grime.
- Waterproof: Epoxy grout forms a completely waterproof barrier, making it ideal for areas prone to moisture.
- Durable Finish: It is strong or resistant to chemicals and cracking, Ensuring your grout lines look great for years without needing any repairs.
Why Choose Gresbond by Kajaria
When you choose CX-1, you're not getting adhesive; you're investing in quality and reliability backed by Gresbond by Kajaria. As India’s trusted tile brand, Kajaria brings its legacy of excellence to tile installation products.
Gresbond offers a complete range of tiling solutions – from adhesives and grouts to tile leveling systems and more.