SikaCeram®-203 Universal

Portland cement, selected aggregates, special additives and polymers

12 months from date of production

Store properly in original unopened, sealed and undamaged packaging in dry conditions, at temperatures between +5 ºC and +35 ºC

Fresh mortar density: ~1.60 kg/l (at +23ºC)

< 0.5 mm

≥ 1.0 N/mm² (Initial)

≥ 1.0 N/mm² (after Heat ageing)

≥ 1.0 N/mm² (after Water Immersion)

≥ 1.0 N/mm² (after Freeze/Thaw cycles)

≤ 0.5 mm

4.3 - 5.0 L of water per 20 kg bag

max. 10 mm 

+5°C min. / +35°C max. 

+5°C min. / +35°C max.

~ 3 - 4 hours at +23 ºC

≥ 30 minutes (tensile adhesion strength ≥ 0,5 N/mm²)              (EN 12004-2) 

* Values got at laboratory conditions: 23°C ± 2°C – R.H. 50% ± 5%. Higher temperatures reduce the indicated lapse time, oppositely, lower temperature increase them

~ 30 min. at +23ºC 

The consumption depends on the surface profile and roughness of the substrate as well as on the size of the tiles and the placing technique simple placing (application to one surface only "notched trowel or floating method") or back-buttering (application to both surfaces "floating and buttering method").

Tile size                                            Trowel Size                          Consumption

Mosaic and small size tiles               6 mm                                    ~2 - 3 Kg/m²

Normal size tiles                               8 mm                                     ~3 - 4 Kg/m²

Medium and large sized tiles           10 mm                                    ~4 - 5 Kg/m²  

Highly rough substrate                    12-15 mm                                ~5 - 7Kg/m²  

SUBSTRATE QUALITY / PRE-TREATMENT

In normal conditions, no primer is required when the product is applied on cementitious substrates, plaster, concrete, existing tiles, mosaic, marbles. In case of highly absorbent substrates, the following primers can be used:

In any other substrates, please consult with the technical department. For further information please refer to the respective product data sheet of the primer used.The substrate must be cement laitance free, clean and  free from dirt, oil, grease or other contaminants and loose or friable particles. The substrate must be perfectly flat, sound and correctly aged. Any small gradients or bumps can be leveled and filled with a layer of SikaCeram^®-203 Universal at a maximum thickness of 5 mm, applied at least 24 h before the laying process. For higher thick-ness, site-batched mortars prepared with SikaLatex^® Max or Sika ViscoBond^® or repair mortars Sika Mono- Top^® or SikaRep^® are to be used. In cases of demands for levelling the substrate, the self-leveling mortars from the Sika^® Level range can be  used.

Mix 20 kg bag with the necessary, above mentioned amount of water, using an electric mixer with a suitable mixing spiral at low speed (500 rpm maximum, in order to avoid air occlusion), in a clean bucket and until obtaining a smooth, lump-free paste. After mixing, leave the product to stand for 5 minutes and then briefly stir it again prior to application. The obtained mix will be very creamy, easily spreadable and highly thixotropic.

SikaCeram^®-203 Universal is applied using notched trowel. The amount of product should be enough to ensure complete wetting of the tiles’ rear. Tiling has to  be carried out on the fresh adhesive, exerting adequate pressure to ensure contact with the adhesive and thus the perfect adhesion. In case a surface film is  formed on the adhesive, it is necessary to wipe the trowel on the adhesive layer previously applied. Avoid  wetting with water the already applied adhesive as this can impair the bonding process. Select the suitable trowel size depending on the tile size. SikaCeram^®-203 Universal can be used for fixing low absorbance tiles of:

To lay tiles of total surface of 900 cm² (e.g. 30x30 cm) and larger, the double-spreading (floating and buttering) technique of adhesive application is always recommended.

Removal of fresh remnants from tools and application equipment can be carried out using water immediately after use. Hardened / cured material can only be mechanically removed.