Python TR

Python TR is an off-white ready mixed acrylic-based paste, suitable for use as a thin-bed ceramic tile adhesive and conforms to BS 5980 Type 2 Class B (BS EN 12004 Type D, Class 1T).

Suitable for fixing all types of ceramic wall tiles, including mosaics, porcelain and vitrified tiles in internal locations such as bathrooms, kitchens and domestic shower areas. Python TR can be applied to gypsum plaster, plasterboards, cement fibreboard, existing tiles, cement render, concrete block-work, timber panels and plywood composite boards. Python TR acrylic based formula also gives outstanding non-slip properties even when fixing regular size heavy duty wall tiles.

For further information please contact the Technical Helpline on 020 8778 9000 or email getagrip@pythonadhesives.com.

All surfaces must be clean, firm and free of dust, dirt, oil, grease and loose flaking coatings. Gypsum finishing plaster should be at least 4 to 6 weeks old, thoroughly dry and wiped clean of dust, efflorescence and loose flaking material. Highly polished (shiny) plaster surfaces should be roughened with a stiff brush, removing all loose fines. All plaster and porous masonry surfaces should be primed with Python PR diluted as 1 part to 3 parts with water and allowed to dry. All wood - based surfaces, (plywood and composite panelboards) should be dry, sealed on all exposed faces and edges and then primed using Python PR diluted as 1 to 3 parts water. Timber boarding should be waterproof rated, 15mm thick and be screw fixed at 150mm centres to provide a dimensionally stable background as described in BS 5385. All boards must be level, showing no edge protrusions and be fixed in place with a 0.5 to 1mm gap to avoid expansion stresses between the boards and around the wall corners. Expansion joints should be installed in accordance with the recommendations of BS 5385. Remove areas of unsound (emulsion based) paint from walls and when tiling over existing tiles ensure they are securely fixed in all areas. Thoroughly clean and dry tiled, or non-porous surfaces and slightly score out joints to provide a key.

Python TR is intended for application by a notched trowel (5mm x 5mm notch at 10 - 25mm centres) to give a ribbed bed on the wall surface, into which the tiles are firmly bedded with a twist and slide action to ensure complete contact. The position of the tiles can be adjusted up to 10 minutes after initial fixing. Open time of the exposed adhesive bed is approximately 25 minutes, depending on surface porosity and site conditions, however in warm rooms this period may be reduced – check the adhesive remains “tacky to touch” as fixing proceeds. Do not trowel out an area of adhesive greater than can be tiled over within a 10 minute period (about 1 square metre). The final adhesive bed depth should be in the range of 2 to 3mm and grout joints should be at least 2mm, unless self-spacing tiles are used. Ensure all adhesive residues remaining on the tile face are wiped clean with a moist cloth as fixing proceeds, and rake out any excess adhesive from within the grout joints. TR should not be applied onto walls affected by penetrating damp, in areas of persistently high humidity or when the room temperature is below 50C. When fixing porcelain tiles the drying time of the adhesive will be significantly extended therefore grouting should be delayed until the adhesive is fully dry, additionally any porcelain tiles of size 300mm x 300mm or greater should ideally be fixed using a cement based adhesive. Additionally, all types of large format ceramic tile, i.e. those with dimensions of 300mm x 400mm or more, will also significantly prolong the drying time of this adhesive and a cement based alternative is strongly recommended in such circumstances.

Grouting may proceed as soon as the tile bed is sufficiently firm, which depending upon site conditions can be from 24 hours after fixing on porous surfaces such as plaster or up to 7 days where tiles have been fixed to an impermeable surface such as existing tiles or waterproof boards. This may be prolonged in cold conditions. In areas subject to intermittent wetting, such as domestic showers, always use a waterproof grout such as a white wall tile grout or ready mixed acrylic grout. Allow up to 14 days for both the adhesive and grout to fully dry out before subjecting the tiled area to contact with water.

Please ensure that appropriate PPE is used when preparing, mixing and applying products. Always wash hands before consuming food and make sure that materials are kept safely out of reach of children and animals. Please dispose of packaging and waste appropriately. A full Material Safety Data Sheet relating to this product is available in the links below.