Version: Oct.

1, 2006

te
™

cre
era
K
Job-site mortar additive

Meets or exceeds ANSI A118.4 when mixed with job-site-prepared

setting beds

DESCRIPTION TECHNICAL NOTES

Keracrete is a specially formulated latex additive for use in job-site-prepared
setting beds (1 part sand to 1 part cement), resulting in a highly water- and
frost-resistant mortar. Keracrete can be used in interior and exterior applications
over structurally sound concrete, masonry block, gypsum wallboard and cement
board to set marble, granite, pavers, quarry tiles, and vitreous and nonvitreous
ceramic tiles.
USES
• For interior and exterior installations
• For floor and wall installations of ceramic tiles, glass mosaics, quarry
tiles, pavers, paving bricks, slate, marble, granite, precast terrazzo tiles and
natural-stone tile
• For installation of tile in tunnels, subway stations, shopping malls, schools,
hospitals and hotels
• For installation of tile in industrial, institutional and commercial buildings
• For installation of tile in swimming pools, fountains and water basins
• Do not apply over plywood, presswood, particleboard, Masonite, Lauan,
asbestos board, chipboard, asphalt or similar unstable materials.
• Do not use as an additive with factory-prepared mortars. Instead, use
Keraply™ or Keralastic™ (see the respective Technical Data Sheet for
details).
• Do not use as a concrete repair or leveling compound. Instead, use
Planipatch ® fast-setting cement patch or Ultraplan ® self-leveling
underlayment (see the respective Technical Data Sheet for details).
• Do not use as a latex additive to Portland-cement grouts.
• Do not use as a thick-bed mortar additive or as a leveling bed additive.
Instead, use Planicrete ® AC (see Technical Data Sheet for details).
• Do not use at temperatures below 40°F (4°C).
• Do not use for the installation of green marble, granite or their agglomerates,
or Rosso Levanto and Negro Marquina marble. Instead, use Planicrete W
or Kerapoxy ®. For all other marble types, use the Kerabond/Keralastic™
System. When installing white, light-colored and translucent marble, use
white Granirapid ® or white Ultraflex ® RS (see the respective Technical Data
Sheet for details).
 te
™
RECOMMENDED SUBSTRATES
re
rac
• Fully cured concrete (at least 28 days old)
Ke • Cement mortars and leveling coats
• Masonry block
• Existing brick
• Cement backer units (CBUs)
• Gypsum wallboard
• Gypsum plaster
Consult MAPEI’s Technical Services Department for
installation recommendations regarding substrates and
conditions not listed.
INSTRUCTIONS
1. Surface Preparation
See MAPEI’s “Surface Preparation Requirements” document.
2. Mixing
2.1 Stir thoroughly before use.
2.2 Dilution will greatly reduce performance.
2.3 Use a clean mixing container to mix in these
proportions: 5 U.S. gals. (18,9 L) of fully concentrated
Keracrete liquid to 194 lbs. (90,7 kg) of a sand/cement
mixture – one 100-lb. (45,4-kg) bag of dry silica sand
#50 and one 94-lb. (42,6-kg) bag of Portland cement
(ASTM C150, Type 1).
2.4 Mixing with a rotating blade mechanical mixer:
2.4.1 Pour in Keracrete. Start mixer and add sand first,
followed by the Portland cement.
2.4.2 Mix only long enough to obtain a homogenous and
smooth consistency. Do not overmix.
2.4.3 Stop mixer and pour out contents promptly.
2.5 Pail batch mixing with a low-speed mixer (about
300 rpm):
2.5.1 Stir well before use.
2.5.2 Premix the dry sand and cement components in
a separate container.
2.5.3 Pour Keracrete into a clean mixing container and
slowly add the premixed ingredients from the first
container while mixing.
2.5.4 Avoid air entrapment and prolonged mixing, which
will shorten the pot life.
2.5.5 Mix thoroughly to a homogenous and smooth
consistency.
2.5.6 Let sit (“slake”) for 10 to 15 minutes.
2.5.7 Remix without adding more liquid or dry powder.
2.5.8 If some stiffening occurs before all material is used
(about 4 hours), simply restir by hand or machine,
but do not add more liquid.
2.6 Wash hands and tools with water immediately after
mixing.
3. Application
3.1 Use the typical notched trowel (see chart) with sufficient
depth to achieve at least 80% mortar contact with the
tiles’ backs for all interior applications. For exterior
installations as well as commercial floor and shower
applications, and when installing marble, granite and
agglomerate tile floors, achieve coverage according to
applicable ANSI specifications and TCA guidelines.
3.2 Using the trowel’s flat edge, spread a thin, pressure-
applied coat to the substrate. Follow immediately with
additional material, then comb the mortar using the
notched side of the trowel to achieve an even setting bed.
Do not spread more material than can be covered with
tiles within 20 minutes (about 20 sq. ft. [1,86 m2]).
3.3 In hot or dry conditions, take precautions to ensure that
the mortar does not flash-set. Cooling a concrete slab
with water prior to the installation may be beneficial.
Remove all excess water before applying the mortar. Also,
cooling the Keracrete liquid will aid in the installation.
Set tiles before skinning occurs. If skinning does occur,
scrape off the skin and replace with fresh mortar.
3.4 Set tiles firmly into position with a slight twisting motion
to ensure good contact with the mortar.
3.5 Follow immediately with a proper and thorough
beat-in procedure to flatten the ridges or notches into
a continuous setting bed, allowing at least 25% of the
thickness of the tiles to be embedded in the mortar.
Check pieces periodically to ensure that there is sufficient
mortar contact with the back of the stones or tiles.
3.6 Make all alignments and adjustments immediately after
beat-in. Do not exceed 30 to 45 minutes.
3.7 Clean all joints and wipe smudges from the tile face with
a damp towel before the material hardens.
3.8 Wash hands and tools with water while the material is
still fresh.
4. Expansion and Control Joints
4.1 Provide for expansion and control joints where specified.
Refer to the most recent TCA Handbook for Ceramic Tile
Installation, Detail EJ-171.
4.2 Do not cover or bridge any expansion joints with mortar.
4.3 Cut tiles on both sides along the edges of expansion joints.
4.4 Protect tilework with metal strips along both edges of
structural building expansion joints.
4.5 Install the specified compressible bead and sealant in all
expansion and control joints.
 te
™
TECHNICAL DATA
re
rac
References: Meets or exceeds ANSI A118.4 when mixed with job-site-prepared setting beds
Pot life 73°F (23°C) .........................................................................................About 4 hours
Open time at 73°F (23°C) .................................................................................20 minutes Ke
Initial cure at 73°F (23°C).................................................................................48 hours
Final cure at 73°F (23°C)..................................................................................28 days
Shear strength per ANSI A118.4 tests (at 28 days)
Nonvitreous tiles .........................................................................................450 psi (3,10 MPa)
Vitreous tiles ...............................................................................................280 psi (1,93 MPa)
Compressive strength ......................................................................................3,000 psi (20,7 MPa)
Surface hardness (28-day cure, shore “D”) ......................................................70 to 80
Cleanability ......................................................................................................With water while fresh
Color .................................................................................................................Milky white
Shelf life ............................................................................................................ 24 months when stored in original sealed containers
at room temperature in a dry, heated area
Health and safety .............................................................................................. Consult the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS)
for safe-handling instructions.

PACKAGING
Pail: 5 U.S. gals. (18,9 L)
Drum: 55 U.S. gals. (208 L)

TYPICAL TROWELS AND APPROXIMATE COVERAGES*

For 5 U.S. gals. (18,9 L)
1/4" x 1/4" x 1/4" .............................................................................................300 sq. ft.
(6 x 6 x 6 mm) .................................................................................................(27,9 m2)

1/4" x 3/8" x 1/4" .............................................................................................260 sq. ft.

(6 x 10 x 6 mm) ...............................................................................................(24,2 m2)

For 55 U.S. gals. (208 L)

1/4" x 1/4" x 1/4" .............................................................................................3,300 sq. ft.
(6 x 6 x 6 mm) .................................................................................................(307 m2)

1/4" x 3/8" x 1/4" .............................................................................................2,860 sq. ft.

(6 x 10 x 6 mm) ...............................................................................................(266 m2)

* Coverages shown are given for estimating purposes only. Actual job-site coverages may vary according to the type of trowel used,
substrate conditions and setting practices.

5. Grouting 6.3 Protect finished tilework from weather, freezing and

Do not disturb, grout, or walk over tiles for at least 24 to 48
hours after installation. When this material is installed in
cooler temperatures, a longer curing time may be required
before grouting. Allow tiles to reach a firm set, then grout with
the appropriate MAPEI grout.
6. Protection
6.1 Protect material from freezing during transportation
and storage. Keracrete is freeze/thaw-stable down
to temperatures of 0°F (-18°C). However, it is wise
to protect all water-based materials from prolonged
exposure to deep-freezing. If the Keracrete liquid is
frozen, do not stir it until it has completely thawed.
6.2 Provide for dry, heated storage on site and deliver
materials at least 24 hours before tilework begins.
complete water immersion for at least 7 days after
completion of the work.
6.4 Floors: Keep free from general traffic for at least 72 hours
after installation. Plywood or stepping boards may be
used after 24 hours when occasional stepping on the
floor is unavoidable.
6.5 Walls: Protect from impact, vibration and hammering on
adjacent and opposite walls for at least
14 days after installation.
6.6 Because temperature and humidity (during and after
installation of tile) affect the final curing time of all
cement-based and epoxy materials, allow for extended
periods of curing and protection when temperatures drop
below 60°F (16°C) and/or when the relative humidity is
higher than 70%.
 te
™

e
NOTICE MAPEI
r
rac
Before using, user shall determine the suitability of the product
Headquarters of the Americas
Ke for its intended use and user alone assumes all risks and
liability whatsoever in connection therewith. ANY CLAIM 1144 East Newport Center Drive
SHALL BE DEEMED WAIVED UNLESS MADE IN Deerfield Beach, Florida 33442
WRITING TO US WITHIN FIFTEEN (15) DAYS FROM Phone: 1-888-US-MAPEI (1-888-876-2734)
DATE IT WAS, OR REASONABLY SHOULD HAVE BEEN, Fax: (954) 246-8800
DISCOVERED.
Customer Service
1-800-42-MAPEI (1-800-426-2734)

Technical Services
1-800-992-6273 (U.S. and Puerto Rico)
1-800-361-9309 (Canada)

Additional Information
Website: www.mapei.com

MAPEI – USA
Ft. Lauderdale, Florida
Fredericksburg, Virginia
Garland, Texas
San Bernardino, California
South River, New Jersey
Tempe, Arizona
West Chicago, Illinois

MAPEI – Canada
Laval, Quebec
Delta, British Columbia
Brampton, Ontario

MAPEI – Argentina
Buenos Aires

MAPEI – Puerto Rico

Dorado

MAPEI – Venezuela
Caracas, Ref. J-30312350-3

For the most current

product data, visit
PR118 KRCD_I06Evp
www.mapei.com. © 2006 MAPEI Corporation. All Rights Reserved.
Printed in the USA