To tile to steel, you can use BAL AF Max – a rubber-crumb S2 adhesive without the use of an uncoupling mat or complex multi-layer prep, priming or overboarding.
Standard cement-based adhesives are not suitable for tiling direct to steel, however epoxy adhesives such as BAL Absolute Grout can be used to tile direct onto steel.
Surface Preparation
- Firstly ensure the steel is rigid and free from deflection
- Ensure the surface is clean, dry and free from grease, oil, rust, loose paint and mill scale
- Degrease or lightly abrade the steel if necessary to ensure a contaminant-free surface
- No priming is necessary when using BAL AF Max
Mixing the Adhesive (AF Max)
- Use a BAL Mixing Bucket 30ltr or suitably large mixing bucket
- Add approximately 3 parts powder to 1-part clean cold water by weight. A 17kg bag of BAL AF Max requires approx. 6.1 litres of water).
- Mix until a smooth lump-free mortar is achieved – if using an electric drill mixer blend at a slow speed (under 300rpm).
- Once mixed allow the mix to stand for 2 minutes before re-mixing for 30 seconds.
Application of AF Max
- Apply the adhesive to floor surface and comb to required bed thickness ensuring the ribs of adhesive all run in one direction. The adhesive may be applied in bed thickness of 2- 10mm.
- If fixing mosaics trowel out the adhesive using a 4mm notched trowel and use a rubber float to press the mosaics into the required position.
- When fixing tiles, press the tile firmly into the ribs of adhesive and into position, with slight twisting/sliding action to ensure optimum adhesive contact.
- Fix the mosaic/tiles before the adhesive forms a skin (typically over 20 minutes at 20°C, depending on surface porosity/atmospheric conditions). If a skin has formed, remove adhesive and apply fresh layer). Discard any adhesive that has begun to set. Do not add further water.
- Occasionally lift a mosaic/tile to check adhesive contact area. When solid-bed fixing, leave no voids behind tiles.
- Leave adequate joints between individual tiles. Install movement joints to BS 5385, Parts 1-4.
- Clean off surplus adhesive from tile face and between tile joints before the adhesive has dried.
Grouting
- When tiling with BAL AF Max grouting can begin after approximately 5 hours (at 20C)
- Select a BAL cementitious or Epoxy grout such as BAL MICROMAX3 ECO GROUT or BAL ABSOLUTE GROUT.
- When tiling to Steel – BAL Micromax3 ECO Grout should be modified with BAL Admix GT1 at a 1:2 ratio with water.
