Mapei Kerapoxy Design

WHERE TO USE

Decorative grouting of internal and external tiled floors and walls, in particular for glass mosaic. Also suitable for an acid resistant bond to all substrates normally used in the building industry.

Kerapoxy Design allows you to create floors, walls, worktops etc. in compliance with the HACCP system and the requirements of EC Regulation No. 852/2004 regarding hygiene and foodstuffs. Some application examples

• Installing and grouting decorative finishes in environments with an high aesthetic value (e.g. showrooms, commercial environments, etc.).
• Suitable for application on substrates where a semi-transparent finish is required, it also allows the light to filter through (e.g. glass substrates).
• Installing and grouting floors and walls in showers and bathrooms. Suitable on fibreglass and PVC substrates.
• Installing and grouting floors and walls in thermal facilities, saunas, Turkish baths, etc.).
• Installing and grouting in swimming pools, especially recommended for pools containing spa or sea water.
• Repairing existing degraded grout by removing all loose areas and to a minimum uniform depth of 3 mm.

Kerapoxy Design

TECHNICAL CHARACTERISTICS

Kerapoxy Design is a two-component, decorative, epoxy resin-based grout, with silica sand and other special components, with excellent chemical resistance and easy cleaning properties. This is a product with very low emission of volatile organic compounds and is classified Emicode EC1 R Plus by GEV when used for grouting. Kerapoxy Design may be mixed with up to 10% by weight of MapeGlitter, metalized coloured glitter, to create particular special effects. Percentage depends on the aesthetic effect and workability desired. MapeGlitter is available in silver and light gold and another 22 colours on request. When applied correctly, Kerapoxy Design forms tile joints with the following characteristics:

• translucent effect, improves the chromatic effect of finishes with particularly decorative characteristics;
• semi-transparent finish, very similar to glass mosaic, guarantees better luminosity, lustre and appearance of the mosaic;
• excellent mechanical strength and chemical resistance, therefore excellent durability;
• leaves a final smooth and compact surface, which is non-absorbent and easy to clean; guarantees a high level of hygiene and blocks the formation of mildew and mould;
• excellent workability, highly improved compared with traditional epoxy mortars thanks to its creamy consistency, which guarantees a faster application, less waste and makes it easier to clean the surface of the mosaic, and to obtain a good finish;
• no shrinkage and, therefore, no cracking;
• uniform colours resistant to ultra-violet light and atmospheric agents;
• excellent bonding properties.

RECOMMENDATIONS

• Use Kerapoxy IEG to grout ceramic floors subject to attack by oleic acids (ham curers, sausage factories, oil mills, etc.) and aromatic hydrocarbons.
• Use a flexible sealant from the MAPEI range (such as Mapesil AC, Mapesil LM, Mapeflex PU40, Mapeflex PU45 FT or Mapeflex PU50 SL) for flexible expansion joints or for joints subject to movement.
• Kerapoxy Design does not guarantee a perfect bond when used as a grout if the edges of tiles are wet or contaminated with cement, dust, oil, grease, etc.
• Kerapoxy Design leaves a semitransparent, translucent finish and the final colour may vary dependent on the type and colour of mosaics on which it is applied and the colour of the adhesive used for bonding. This variation must be taken into consideration if the grout is used for different types of tile in the same room.
• If porcelain tiles are grouted with a contrasting colour of Kerapoxy Design (for example black on white), carry out preliminary tests beforehand.
• Always carry out preliminary tests before grouting stone or ground porcelain with a porous or rough surface.
• Do not add water or solvents to Kerapoxy Design to increase its workability.
• Do not use Kerapoxy Design to grout joints which are wider than 7 mm.
• Use the product at temperatures between +12°C and +30°C.
• The packages are pre-dosed and, therefore, it is not possible to make mixing errors. Do not estimate the quantities when mixing: hardening will be compromised if the catalysing ratio is wrong.
• If hardened Kerapoxy Design has to be removed from the joints, use an industrial hot air blower. If hardened localized residues of the product remain attached to the tiles, use Pulicol 2000 for cleaning.
• Kerapoxy Design mixed with MapeGlitter is not suitable for swimming pools or external use.

ACID RESISTANT GROUTING APPLICATION METHOD

Preparation of the joints The joints must be clean, free from dust and empty down to at least 2/3 of the thickness of the tiles. Any adhesive or mortar which has seeped into the joints while laying the tiles must be removed while still fresh. Before grouting, make sure the installation mortar or adhesive has set and that most of the moisture has evaporated. Kerapoxy Design is not harmed by damp from the substrate, but the joints must not be wet when grouting.

Preparation of the mix

Pour the hardener (component B) into the container of component A and mix well until a smooth paste is obtained. We recommend using a low-speed electric mixer to guarantee perfect blending, and to avoid overheating of the mix which would reduce working times. Where required, add MapeGlitter once the blend has been mixed, at a ratio of up to 10% by weight. Use the mix within 45 minutes of preparation.

Application

Spread Kerapoxy Design with a special MAPEI grout float, making sure that the joints are filled right down to the bottom. Remove excess material by passing the edge of the same trowel diagonally over the tile joints.

Finish

Tiled finishes must be cleaned after grouting while Kerapoxy Design is still “fresh”. Wet the grouted surface and emulsify with an abrasive pad for cleaning joints (such as Scotch-Brite® or MAPEI tile-joint cleaning kit). Take care not to drag grout from the joint. Tiles/mosaics may also be cleaned with the same pad, but it must be more saturated with water. Any liquid which remains on the surface may be removed with a hard, cellulose sponge (such as a MAPEI sponge). Replace the sponge when it is coated with too much resin, and also when finishing off the grouted joints. After the finishing operation, it is very important that no traces of Kerapoxy Design remain on the surface of the tiles. Once hardened, it is very difficult to remove. Therefore, rinse the sponge often with clean water during cleaning. With very large floor surfaces, finishing may be carried out by wetting the surface and using a single-head rotary machine with special abrasive felt disks such as Scotch-Brite®. Residual liquid may be drawn off using a rubber rake. Kerapoxy Cleaner (special cleaning solution for epoxy grout) may also be used for the final cleaning cycle and may also be used to remove thin residues of grout up to several hours after application. In this case, the product must be left to react for longer (at least 15-20 minutes). The efficiency of Kerapoxy Cleaner depends on the amount of residual resin and the amount of time gone by after application. Cleaning must be carried out while still “fresh” as described above.

APPLICATION METHOD WHEN USED AS AN ADHESIVE

After mixing the two components as described above, spread the adhesive on the substrate using a suitable notched trowel. Firmly press the tiles/mosaics into the adhesive bed to guarantee good adhesive transfer. Once set, the bond is extremely strong and resistant to chemical agents. The particular consistency of the product makes it possible to grout the joints immediately after bonding the tiles, including on vertical surfaces, which considerably reduces the final laying time.

SET TO LIGHT FOOT TRAFFIC

Floors are ready for light foot traffic after 24 hours at +20°C.

READY FOR USE

4 days. After 4 days, the surfaces may also be subjected to chemical attack. Cleaning Tools and containers may be cleaned while the product is still fresh using plenty of water. Once Kerapoxy Design has set, it may only be removed mechanically or with Pulicol 2000.

CONSUMPTION

The consumption of Kerapoxy Design varies dependent on the size of the joints and the size and thickness of the tiles. The consumption is approximately 1.4 kg/m² (2x2 cm size) when used to grout mosaic. When used as an adhesive, the consumption of Kerapoxy Design is 2-4 kg/m². The table shows consumption in kg/m². MapeGlitter consumption varies according to the desired aesthetic effect and at maximum it is equal to 10% by weight of Kerapoxy Design. PACKAGING Kerapoxy Design is supplied, with mixing proportions carefully measured, in drums containing component A and canister containing component B, which must only be added at the moment it is required. The product is supplied in 3 kg units. MapeGlitter is supplied in 100 g sachets.

COLOURS AVAILABLE

Kerapoxy Design is available in 32 colours (31 colours + neutral - No. 700 translucent). MapeGlitter is available in silver and light gold. A further 22 colours are available on request. STORAGE Kerapoxy Design may be stored for up to 24 months in its original packaging in a dry place.

SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS FOR PREPARATION AND APPLICATION

Kerapoxy Design part A is irritant for the skin and eyes. Both part A and B can cause sensitization if they come in contact with the skin of predisposed. Kerapoxy Design part B is corrosive and may cause burns. The product contains low molecular weight epoxy resins with can cause sensitization if cross-contamination occurs with other epoxy compounds. During use wear protective gloves and goggles and take the usual precautions for handling chemical products. In case of contact with the eyes or the skin wash immediately with plenty of water and seek medical attention. Furthermore, Kerapoxy Design parts A and B are dangerous for the aquatic life. Do not dispose of the product in the environment. For further and complete information about the safe use of our product please refer to the latest version of our Material Safety Data Sheet.

PRODUCT ONLY FOR PROFESSIONAL USE.

WARNING

Although the technical details and recommendations contained in this product data sheet correspond to the best of our knowledge and experience, all the above information must, in every case, be taken as merely indicative and subject to confirmation after long-term practical application; for this reason, anyone who intends to use the product must ensure beforehand that it is suitable for the envisaged application. In every case, the user alone is fully responsible for any consequences deriving from the use of the product.