Setafix Basic: Standard Setting Mineral Adhesive for Porcelain, Ceramic & Natural Stone Tiles
Explore Setafix Basic, the reliable standard setting tile adhesive from Kerakoll, perfect for professional installations of porcelain tiles, ceramic tiles, and natural stone. This versatile mineral-based mortar ensures strong bonding for floor and wall applications, with thicknesses from 3 to 12 mm, and is suitable for both internal and external use, including swimming pools and underfloor heating systems.
Crafted with eco-friendly mineral technology, Setafix Basic offers extended workability with a pot life of up to 3 hours at 23°C, making it ideal for larger projects where precision matters. Whether tiling a domestic kitchen, commercial lobby, or outdoor terrace, this best adhesive for natural stone provides durable adhesion compliant with EN 12004 standards, covering approximately 1.2 kg/m² per mm thickness for efficient use.
Key Benefits of Setafix Basic Standard Setting Tile Adhesive
- Extended Workability: Pot life ≈3 hours, open time ≥45 minutes for flexible application without rush.
- Versatile Bonding: Adheres to gypsum, anhydrite, plasterboard, concrete, cement screeds, waterproofing, and heating systems.
- Robust Durability: Withstands -40°C to +90°C, ideal for external and heated environments with freeze-thaw resistance.
- Sustainable Formula: Low-emission mineral adhesive for green building compliance.
- Cost-Effective Coverage: 20 kg bag yields up to 14.8 m² at 5 mm thickness (27% mixing ratio).
Unlike rapid-set options, Setafix Basic's standard curing (24 hours for grouting on floors) suits non-urgent jobs, maintaining ≥1 N/mm² tensile adhesion after 28 days.
Technical Specifications and Data
Product Details
| Parameter | Value |
| Pack Size | 20 kg bags |
| Coverage | ≈1.2 kg/m² per mm thickness (27% mixing ratio) |
| Shelf Life | ≈12 months in dry conditions |
| Adhesive Thickness | 3 to 12 mm |
| Application Temperature | +5°C to +35°C |
| Pot Life (+23°C) | ≈3 hours |
| Open Time (+23°C, BIII tile) | ≥45 minutes |
| Foot Traffic/Grouting (+23°C, BIa tile) | ≈24 hours |
| Grouting on Walls (+23°C, BIa tile) | ≈16 hours |
| Ready for Light Foot Traffic (+23°C) | ≈1 day |
| Ready for Heavy Traffic (+23°C) | ≈3–5 days |
| Swimming Pools (+23°C) | ≈14 days |
| Mixing Water | ≈24%–27% by weight (4.8–5.4 L per 20 kg bag) |
| Working Temperature | -40°C to +90°C |
Performance Standards
Setafix Basic adheres to Kerakoll Quality Standards and key norms:
- Shear Adhesion (Porcelain/Concrete): ≥1 N/mm² after 28 days (ANSI A-118.4)
- Tensile Adhesion (Concrete/Porcelain): ≥1 N/mm² after 28 days (EN 12004-2)
- Durability: Adhesion ≥1 N/mm² after heat ageing, water immersion, and freeze-thaw cycles (EN 12004-2)
- Vertical Slip: ≤0.5 mm (EN 12004-2)
Areas of Application
Compatible Substrates: Gypsum and anhydrite (internal only; prime with Primeplus 3:1 then neat coat), plasterboard, heating systems, waterproofing products (add laying screed for polymer sheets; use reactive adhesive for EN 14891 types), concrete, and cement-based screeds (≤2 CM% moisture; ≤1.8 CM% for radiant floors; anhydrite ≤0.5 CM%, ≤0.3 CM% for radiant).
Materials: Porcelain tiles, ceramic tiles, natural stone (consult Kerakoll for deformation-prone types; test samples), glass mosaics, terracotta, and klinker.
Uses: Floors and walls in domestic, commercial, industrial settings, swimming pools—for internal and external applications.
Do Not Use On: Timber, metal, plastic, resilient materials, deformable/vibrating substrates, uncured screeds/plasters/concrete with shrinkage, or irregularities >12 mm. For natural stones prone to staining, opt for quick-setting alternatives.
Instructions for Use: How to Apply Setafix Basic
Substrate Preparation
Substrates must meet BS 5385 (parts 1-5): compact, free of dust/oil/grease/loose material, stable, non-deformable, crack-free, and cured from shrinkage. Prime special substrates like gypsum/anhydrite as noted; contact Kerakoll Global Service for inspections.
Mixing
Add 4.8–5.4 L clean water per 20 kg bag (24–27% by weight; adjust for thixotropy). Mix to lump-free paste with low-speed drill; rest 3–5 minutes, remix.
Application
- Spread with notched trowel matched to tile size for full back coverage; back-butter for external/heavy-duty.
- Embed tiles firmly, ensuring 100% contact in external installs.
- Add elastic expansion joints: every 10 m² externally (3x3 m), 40 m² internally with heating (8x5 m), 100 m² without (10x10 m), or every 8 m in narrow areas.
- Protect from rain for 24 hours; factors like temperature/ventilation may vary times—test on-site.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Setafix Basic Standard Setting Tile Adhesive
Drawn from professional insights on mineral tile adhesives, here are top queries for Setafix Basic:
What is the difference between Setafix Basic and rapid-set adhesives?
Setafix Basic offers a longer pot life (3 hours) and grouting after 24 hours, ideal for detailed work, while rapid-set versions like Setafix Fast allow foot traffic in 3 hours for faster projects.
Is Setafix Basic suitable for external tiling?
Yes, for outdoor floors and walls with full bedding and expansion joints every 10 m²; it resists freeze-thaw cycles up to -40°C.
How do I prepare anhydrite substrates for Setafix Basic?
Ensure ≤0.5 CM% moisture (≤0.3% for heated); prime with Primeplus 3:1 diluted, then neat coat. Consult Kerakoll for site-specific advice.
Can Setafix Basic be used with natural stone?
Yes, but for water-sensitive or deformable stones, test samples or use reactive adhesives; contact Kerakoll Global Service for guidance.
What is the mixing ratio for Setafix Basic?
24–27% water by weight (4.8–5.4 L per 20 kg bag); adjust for thixotropy based on application—mix thoroughly to avoid lumps.
When can I grout after applying Setafix Basic?
Floors after ≈24 hours, walls after ≈16 hours at 23°C for BIa tiles; allow 14 days for swimming pools.
Is Setafix Basic C2 classified?
Yes, it's a C2 adhesive per EN 12004, offering improved adhesion ≥1 N/mm² for professional use.
