Tiling Preparation

General Information

√  Allow 4 weeks minimum for new plaster to dry.
√  Ensure surface is free of any contaminants, loose dust or dirt.
√  Polished/shiny plaster must be brushed with a stiff brush.
√  Maximum weight when tiling to plaster is 20kg per m² including tiles, adhesive and grout.
√  Any paint must be removed prior to tiling.

Tiling Guidelines
  1. Prime the plaster with Arc Tilers Primer diluted 3 parts water to 1 part primer followed by a second neat coat & allow to dry.
  2. Apply a bed of Arc Pro-Flex, High-Flex 55 Standard Set or T-20 Tile Adhesive and bed in the tiles or slabs in accordance with the usual practice.
  3. Finish with Arc Pro-Line Grout.
General Information

√  Ensure the boards are fixed securely to the framework, ideally screwed at 300mm centres.
√  Ensure surface is free of any contaminants, loose dust or dirt.
√  If the plasterboard is fixed to a timber frame, a flexible adhesive and grout must be used.
√  Maximum weight when tiling to plasterboard is 32kg per m² including tiles, adhesive and grout.
√  Any paint must be removed prior to tiling.

Tiling Guidelines
  1. Prime the plasterboard with Arc Tilers Primer diluted 3 parts water to 1 part primer.
  2. Apply a bed of Arc Pro-Flex, High-Flex 55 Standard Set or T-20 Tile Adhesive and bed in the tiles or slabs in accordance with the usual practice.
  3. Finish with Arc Pro-Line Grout.
General Information

√  Allow 2 weeks minimum for new render to dry.
√  Ensure surface is free of any contaminants, loose dust or dirt.
√  If tiling externally, protect the tiled area from water ingress for 24-48 hours.

Tiling Guidelines
  1. Prime the render with Arc Tilers Primer diluted 3 parts water to 1 part primer & allow to dry.
  2. Apply a bed of Arc Pro-Flex, High-Flex 55 Standard Set or T-20 Tile Adhesive and bed in the tiles or slabs in accordance with the usual practice.
  3. Finish with Arc Pro-Line Grout.
General Information

√  New block work must be left for a minimum of 6 weeks before rendering or plastering.
√  Ensure surface is free of any contaminants, loose dust or dirt.
√  If tiling directly to block work, ensure the wall is smooth faced.
√  If tiling externally, a flexible adhesive and grout must be used and protect the tiled area from water ingress for 24-48 hours.

Tiling Guidelines
  1. Prime the surface with Arc Tilers Primer diluted 3 parts water to 1 part primer & allow to dry.
  2. Apply a bed of Arc Pro-Flex, High-Flex 55 Standard Set or T-20 Tile Adhesive and bed in the tiles or slabs in accordance with the usual practice.
  3. Finish with Arc Pro-Line Grout.
General Information

√  Ensure existing tiles are firm, stable and securely fixed.
√  Ensure surface is free of any contaminants, loose dust or dirt.

Tiling Guidelines
  1. Prime the surface with Arc Tilers Primer Plus neat coat & allow to dry.
  2. Apply a bed of Arc Pro-Flex, High-Flex 55 Standard Set or T-20 Tile Adhesive and bed in the tiles or slabs in accordance with the usual practice.
  3. Finish with Arc Pro-Line Grout.
General Information

√  BS 5385 Part 1: Tiling direct to plywood is no longer recommended for wall tiling, but a bespoke tiling backer board should be used.
√  Arc recommends using Magna Boards as a backer board.

Tiling Guidelines
  1. Fix Arc Magna-Boards to the plywood using stainless steel or galvanised screws every 300mm. Fixings should be at least 15mm from the edge and 20mm from the corners. Boards should be offset so that 4 corners never meet at the same point.
  2. Prime the Arc MagnaBoards with Arc Tilers Primer diluted three parts water to one part primer.
  3. Joints should be taped with Arc Scrim Tape.
  4. Apply a bed of Arc Pro-Flex or High-Flex 55 Standard Set Tile Adhesive and bed in the tiles or slabs in accordance with the usual practice.
  5. Finish with Arc Pro-Line Grout.
General Information

√  New sand & cement screed must be left for a minimum of 4 weeks to dry sufficiently.
√  Remove any loose flaking layers and ensure surface is free of any contaminants, loose dust or dirt.

Tiling Guidelines
  1. Prime the screed with Arc Tilers Primer diluted 3 parts water to 1 part primer and allow to dry. Very porous screeds may require more than one coat of primer.
  2. Apply a bed of Arc Rapid-Flex or High-Flex 55 Rapid Set Tile Adhesive and bed in the tiles or slabs in accordance with the usual practice.
  3. Finish with Arc Flexi Grout or Arc Pro-Line Grout.
General Information

√  New concrete must be allowed a minimum of 6 weeks drying time. Allow 1 day per mm for an overall depth of 50mm and 2 days per mm for any depth above 50mm.
√  Remove any laitance from surface & ensure surface is free of any contaminants, loose dust or dirt.

Tiling Guidelines
  1. Prime the base with Arc Tilers Primer diluted 3 parts water to 1 part primer and allow to dry. Very porous concrete may require more than one coat.
    Power floated concrete should be abraded and cleaned before priming with one coat of Arc Tilers Primer Plus.
  2. Apply a bed of Arc Rapid-Flex or High-Flex 55 Rapid Set Tile Adhesive and bed in the tiles or slabs in accordance with the usual practice.
  3. Finish with Arc Flexi Grout or Arc Pro-Line Grout.
General Information

√  Flowing screeds based on cement are relatively new to the market. While it is likely the producer will recommend that no surface preparation is required, it is always worth assessing the screed on site for suitability to receive tiling directly.
√  All movement joints and crack inducer joints must be carried through the tiling.

Tiling Guidelines
  1. Priming is not generally required, we would recommend contacting the producer for their guidance with regards to preparation.
  2. Apply a bed of Arc Rapid-Flex or High-Flex 55 Rapid Set Tile Adhesive and bed in the tiles or slabs in accordance with the usual practice.
  3. Finish with Arc Flexi Grout or Arc Pro-Line Grout.
General Information

√  Gypsum screed must be confirmed dry via consistent moisture readings. The residual moisture content must be less than 0.5%.
√  We recommend that ALL calcium sulphate based screeds are mechanically prepared before proceeding, e.g. by STR type machine and then brushing/vacuuming to remove dust.

Tiling Guidelines
  1. Prime the screed with 2 coats of Arc Tilers Primer, first diluted 3 parts water to 1 part primer followed by a neat coat. Allow to dry in between coats.
  2. Apply a bed of Arc Rapid-Flex or High-Flex 55 Rapid Set Tile Adhesive and bed in the tiles or slabs in accordance with the usual practice.
  3. Finish with Arc Flexi Grout or Arc Pro-Line Grout.
General Information

√  Remove any surface contamination, loose dust or dirt and ensure there are no signs of debonding or hollowness.

Tiling Guidelines
  1. Prime the surface with Arc Tilers Primer Plus neat coat & allow to dry.
  2. Apply a bed of Arc Rapid-Flex or High-Flex 55 Rapid Set Tile Adhesive and bed in the tiles or slabs in accordance with the usual practice.
  3. Finish with Arc Flexi Grout or Arc Pro-Line Grout.

*Note: Only flooring grade asphalt is suitable to receive tiling and only internally

General Information

√  Ensure existing tiles are firmly bonded to the original substrate.
√  Remove any loose tiles and make good.
√  Remove any surface contamination, loose dust or dirt.

Tiling Guidelines
  1. Prime the existing tiles with Arc Tilers Primer Plus neat coat & allow to dry.
  2. Apply a bed of Arc Rapid-Flex or High-Flex 55 Rapid Set Tile Adhesive and bed in the tiles or slabs in accordance with the usual practice.
  3. Finish with Arc Flexi Grout or Arc Pro-Line Grout.
General Information

√  Ensure existing vinyl is firmly bonded to the original substrate.
√  Remove any loose vinyl tiles and make good.
√  Remove any surface contamination, loose dust or dirt.
√  If present, floor polish should be removed.

Tiling Guidelines
  1. Prime the existing vinyl with Arc Tilers Primer Plus neat coat & allow to dry.
  2. Apply a bed of Arc Rapid-Flex or High-Flex 55 Rapid Set Tile Adhesive and bed in the tiles or slabs in accordance with the usual practice.
  3. Finish with Arc Flexi Grout or Arc Pro-Line Grout.

*Note: Cushioned vinyl is generally not suitable for over tiling.

General Information

√  Arc recommends using MagnaBoards as a better alternative for plywood. See Magna Boards tab for details.
√  Floors must be structurally sound and strong enough to support the traffic loading expected for the area concerned.
√  Plywood must be exterior grade and a minimum of 15mm.
√  Stagger the joints when fixing the plywood, leaving a 0.5mm to 1mm gap between boards.
√  Plywood must be screwed, not nailed, at 150mm centres.
√  Remove any surface contamination, loose dust or dirt.

Tiling Guidelines
  1. Prime the plywood with Arc Tilers Primer diluted 3 parts water to 1 part primer and allow to dry.
  2. Apply a bed of Arc Rapid-Flex or High-Flex 55 Rapid Set Tile Adhesive and bed in the tiles or slabs in accordance with the usual practice.
  3. Finish with Arc Flexi Grout or Arc Pro-Line Grout.
General Information

√  Arc recommends using MagnaBoards as a better alternative for plywood. See Magna Boards tab for details.
√  Floors must be structurally sound and strong enough to support the traffic loading expected for the area concerned.
√  Plywood must be exterior grade and a minimum of 15mm.
√  Stagger the joints when fixing the plywood, leaving a 0.5mm to 1mm gap between boards.
√  Plywood must be screwed, not nailed, at 150mm centres.
√  Remove any surface contamination, loose dust or dirt.

Tiling Guidelines
  1. Prime the plywood with Arc Tilers Primer diluted 3 parts water to 1 part primer and allow to dry.
  2. Apply a bed of Arc Rapid-Flex or High-Flex 55 Rapid Set Tile Adhesive and bed in the tiles or slabs in accordance with the usual practice.
  3. Finish with Arc Flexi Grout or Arc Pro-Line Grout.
General Information

√  Ensure the original substrate is firm, stable, in good condition and any cracks have been repaired.
√  Remove any loose flaking layers and ensure the surface is free from any contaminants, loose dust or dirt.

Tiling Guidelines
  1. Prime the substrate with Arc Tilers Primer diluted 3 parts water to 1 part primer and allow to dry.
  2. Apply a thin 3mm to 6mm bed of Arc Rapid-Flex or High-Flex 55 Rapid Set Tile Adhesive and lay the decoupling membrane with the dimples facing downwards while the adhesive is still moist. Allow the adhesive to cure before tiling commences.
  3. Apply a bed of Arc Rapid-Flex or High-Flex 55 Rapid Set Tile Adhesive over the membrane and bed in the tiles or slabs in accordance with the usual practice.
  4. Finish with Arc Flexi Grout or Arc Pro-Line Grout.
General Information

√  Ensure substrate is firm, stable and in good condition.
√  Remove any surface contamination, loose dust or dirt.

Tiling Guidelines
  1. Prime the concrete floor with Arc Tilers Primer diluted 3 parts water to 1 part primer and allow to dry.
  2. Ensure the underfloor heating mat is taped down to the substrate and embed the mat using Arc Highbuild Floor Levelling Compound which should be at least 3mm above the mat.
  3. Once cured, prime the compound with Arc Tilers Primer diluted 3 parts water to 1 part primer and allow to dry.
  4. Apply a bed of Arc Rapid-Flex or High-Flex 55 Rapid Set Tile Adhesive and bed in the tiles or slabs in accordance with the usual practice.
  5. Finish with Arc Flexi Grout or Arc Pro-Line Grout.

*Note: The distance between movement joints in the floor coverings should not exceed an edge length of 8m. The area should not be larger than 40m2. Once complete, allow 7 days before switching the heating on, initially at a low temperature and then increase the temperature gradually by 5°C per day.

General Information

√  New sand / cement screeds must be left for a minimum of 4 weeks to dry sufficiently.
√  Turn off the heating 24 hours prior to tiling, or in cold weather reduce to below 15°C.
√  Remove any loose flaking layers and ensure the surface is free from any contaminants, loose dust or dirt.

Tiling Guidelines
  1. Prime the screed with Arc Tilers Primer diluted 3 parts water to 1 part primer and allow to dry. Very porous screeds may require more than one coat.
  2. Apply a bed of Arc Rapid-Flex or High-Flex 55 Rapid Set Tile Adhesive and bed in the tiles or slabs in accordance with the usual practice.
  3. Finish with Arc Flexi Grout or Arc Pro-Line Grout.

*Note: The distance between movement joints in the floor coverings should not exceed an edge length of 8m. The area should not be larger than 40m2. Once complete, allow 7 days before switching the heating on, initially at a low temperature and then increase the temperature gradually by 5°C per day.

General Information

When tiling externally with Porcelain Paving and suitable natural stone, there are a number of possible installation methods recommended by manufacturers:
Flexible: Loose laid on a compacted sand or gravel bed, as is normal with concrete paving etc. Jointing is typically loose sand or gravel, stabilised or ‘polymer sand’ type.
‘Landscaper’: Laid on a mortar bed on a stable compacted base, in which case a
priming slurry would ensure a bond between the paving unit and the bedding. Jointing is typically either rigid cement-based grout or flexible ‘polymer sand’.
Pedestal: Raised on a suitable proprietary pedestal system installed on a concrete base, usually on roof or balcony installations.
Tiled: Laid with flexible tile adhesive on a fully cured, ‘structural’, frost resistant concrete slab. Jointing should be carried out with a suitable flexible tile grout.
With all methods when used externally it is important to consider water (rain) management, drainage and movement accommodation.

BASE PREPARATION – NEW CONCRETE

√  New Concrete should be a minimum of 6 weeks old prior to tiling.
√  When installing a new base, advice should be sought from an architect etc. The following is brief guidance regarding some of the considerations.
√  Concrete should be a minimum of 150mm deep installed on a minimum of 100mm compacted hardcore base.
√  For best results a DPM should be in place between the hardcore and concrete.
√  Concrete should be laid to fall to drains and away from buildings. Typically, a fall of 1.5 – 2% is adequate (ca. 1:60 to 1:50).
√  Ideally the concrete should be finished with an open, wood float type finish. It is recommended not to powerfloat the finish.
√  If a spray applied curing membrane has been used this should be mechanically removed prior to tiling.

BASE PREPARATION – EXISTING CONCRETE

√  Ensure adequate falls exist in the concrete.
√  Any minor cracks or damaged areas should be repaired and made good. Significant cracking should be investigated to ensure that any movement has stopped and that the crack is no longer ‘live’.
√  Ensure the surface has been thoroughly cleaned and any contamination has been removed.
√  2-3 days prior to tiling treat the surface with Arc Algae & Green Slime remover.

Tiling Guidelines
  1. Concrete should be dry.
  2. Prime the concrete with Arc Tilers Primer diluted 3 parts water to 1 part  primer. Do not allow primer to pond. Allow primer to dry before tiling.
  3. Install tiles with Arc Ultra-Flex S2 adhesive.
  4. The tiles should be back buttered with a thin coat of adhesive immediately before fixing with a solid bed between 3-6mm. Full coverage between adhesive, tile and concrete is required.
  5. Grout joints are recommended to be a minimum of 3mm and grouting carried out with Arc Pro-Line Grout or Arc Flexi Grout.

*Note: Movement accommodation should be installed around the tiling perimeter and anywhere the tiling meets another surface. Existing construction
movement joints should also be carried through from the substrate. With large format tiles install intermediate movement joints at maximum 3 metre intervals.
During the installation and until the grout is sufficiently cured, protect tiling installation from rain etc.

General Information

√  Vertical timber studs should be at a maximum of 600mm centres.
√  12mm boards are recommended for walls.

Tiling Guidelines
  1. Fix Arc MagnaBoards (rough side out) to the frame using stainless steel or galvanised screws every 300mm. Fixings should be at least 15mm from the edge and 20mm from the corners. Boards should be offset so that 4 corners never meet at the same point.
  2. Prime the Arc MagnaBoards with Arc Tilers Primer diluted three parts water to one part primer.
  3. Joints should be taped with Arc Scrim Tape or with Arc Butyl Tanking Tape for water resistance.
  4. Apply a bed of Arc Pro-Flex or High-Flex 55 Standard Set Tile Adhesive and bed in the tiles or slabs in accordance with the usual practice.
  5. Finish with Arc Pro-Line Grout.

*Note: Arc MagnaBoards are water resistant and will not deteriorate when exposed to water. However, for 100% waterproof substrate, we recommend using
Hydroset Boards (see Hydroset Boards tab). Alternatively tanking can be applied.

General Information

√  Ensure the substrate is structurally sound and free of dust and other contaminants.
√  12mm boards are recommended for walls.

Tiling Guidelines
  1. Prime the substrate with Arc Tilers Primer diluted three parts water to one part primer.
  2. Prime both sides and edges of the boards with Arc Tilers Primer diluted 3 parts water to one part primer.
  3. Apply a bed of Arc Pro-Flex or High-Flex 55 Standard Set Tile Adhesive to the substrate and bed in the boards (rough side out) ensuring full surface contact. Using stainless steel or galvanised fixings, fix boards every 300mm. Fixings should be at least 15mm from the edge and 20mm from the corners. Boards should be offset so that four corners never meet at the same point.
  4. Joints should be taped with Arc Scrim Tape or with Arc Butyl Tanking Tape for water resistance.
  5. Apply a bed of Arc Pro-Flex, High-Flex 55 Standard Set or T-20 Tile Adhesive to the Arc MagnaBoard and bed in the tiles or slabs in accordance with the usual practice.
  6. Finish with Arc Pro-Line Grout.

*Note: Arc MagnaBoards are water resistant and will not deteriorate when exposed to water. However, for 100% waterproof substrate, we recommend using
Hydroset Boards (see Hydroset Boards tab). Alternatively tanking can be applied.

General Information

√  Ensure the substrate is structurally sound and free of dust and other contaminants.
√  6mm or 12mm boards are recommended for floors.

Tiling Guidelines
  1. Fix Arc MagnaBoards (rough side up) to the timber floor using stainless steel or galvanised screws every 300mm. Fixings should be at least 15mm from the edge and 20mm from the corners. Boards should be offset so that four corners never meet at the same point.
  2. Prime the Arc MagnaBoards with Arc Tilers Primer diluted three parts water to one part primer.
  3. Joints should be taped with Arc Scrim Tape or with Arc Butyl Tanking Tape for water resistance.
  4. Apply a bed of Arc Rapid-Flex or High-Flex 55 Rapid Set Tile Adhesive to the MagnaBoard and bed in the tiles or slabs in accordance with the usual practice.
  5. Finish with Arc Flexi Grout or Arc Pro-Line Grout.

*Note: For greater adhesion and durability, as well as screw fixing, boards can be set in a bed of Arc Rapid Flex Tile Adhesive or beads of MS-11.
Arc MagnaBoards are water resistant and will not deteriorate when exposed to water. However, for 100% waterproof substrate, we recommend using
Hydroset Boards (see Hydroset Boards tab). Alternatively tanking can be applied.

General Information

√  Ensure the substrate is structurally sound and free of dust and other contaminants.
√  6mm or 12mm boards are recommended for floors.

Tiling Guidelines
  1. Prime the substrate with Arc Tilers Primer diluted three parts water to one part primer.
  2. Prime both sides and edges of the boards with Arc Tilers Primer diluted 3 parts water to one part primer.
  3. Apply a bed of Arc Rapid-Flex or High-Flex 55 Rapid Set Tile Adhesive to the substrate and bed in the boards (rough side up) ensuring full surface contact. Using stainless steel or galvanised fixings, fix boards every 300mm. Fixings should be at least 15mm from the edge and 20mm from the corners. Boards should be offset so that four corners never meet at the same point.
  4. Joints should be taped with Arc Scrim Tape or with Arc Butyl Tanking Tape for water resistance.
  5. Apply a bed of Arc Rapid-Flex or High-Flex 55 Rapid Set Tile Adhesive to the MagnaBoard and bed in the tiles or slabs in accordance with the usual practice.
  6. Finish with Arc Flexi Grout or Arc Pro-Line Grout.

*Note: Arc MagnaBoards are water resistant and will not deteriorate when exposed to water. However, for 100% waterproof substrate, we recommend using
Hydroset Boards (see Hydroset Boards tab). Alternatively tanking can be applied.

General Information

√  Vertical timber studs should be at a maximum of 600mm centres.
√  For a stronger fixing MS-11 Rapid High Tack can be applied on the frame prior to fitting the boards on the stud wall.
√  12.5mm to 50mm boards are recommended for walls.

Tiling Guidelines
  1. Fix Arc HydroSet Boards to the frame using screws and washers every 300mm. Fixings should be at least 1 inch from the edges. Boards should be offset so that 4 corners never meet at the same point.
  2. Joints should be taped with Arc Scrim Tape or with Arc Butyl Tanking Tape for 100% waterproofing.
  3. Apply a bed of Arc Pro-Flex or High-Flex 55 Standard Set Tile Adhesive to the Arc HydroSet Board and bed in the tiles or slabs in accordance with the usual practice.
  4. Finish with Arc Pro-Line Grout.
General Information

√  Ensure the substrate is structurally sound and free of dust and other contaminants.
√  12.5mm to 50mm boards are recommended for walls.

Tiling Guidelines
  1. Prime the substrate with Arc Tilers Primer diluted three parts water to one part primer.
  2. Apply a bed of Arc Pro-Flex or High-Flex 55 Standard Set Tile Adhesive to the substrate and bed in the boards ensuring full surface contact. Boards should be offset so that 4 corners never meet at the same point.
  3. Joints should be taped with Arc Scrim Tape or with Arc Butyl Tanking Tape for 100% waterproofing.
  4. Apply a bed of Arc Pro-Flex, High-Flex 55 Standard Set or T-20 Tile Adhesive to the Arc HydroSet Board and bed in the tiles or slabs in accordance with the usual practice.
  5. Finish with Arc Pro-Line Grout.
General Information

√  Ensure the substrate is structurally sound and free of dust and other contaminants.
√  For a stronger fixing MS-11 Rapid High Tack can be applied on the substrate prior to fitting the boards on the wall.
√  12.5mm to 50mm boards are recommended for walls.

Tiling Guidelines
  1. Using screws and washers, fix boards every 300mm. Fixings should be at least 1 inch from the edges. Boards should be offset so that 4 corners never meet at the same point.
  2. Joints should be taped with Arc Scrim Tape or with Arc Butyl Tanking Tape for 100% waterproofing.
  3. Apply a bed of Arc Pro-Flex, High-Flex 55 Standard Set or T-20 Tile Adhesive to the Arc HydroSet Board and bed in the tiles or slabs in accordance with the usual practice.
  4. Finish with Arc Pro-Line Grout.
General Information

√  Ensure the substrate is structurally sound and free of dust and other contaminants.
√  6mm to 20mm boards are recommended for floors.

Tiling Guidelines
  1. Prime the substrate with Arc Tilers Primer diluted three parts water to one part primer.
  2. Apply a bed of Arc Rapid-Flex or High-Flex 55 Rapid Set Tile Adhesive to the substrate and bed in the boards ensuring full surface contact. Boards should be offset so that 4 corners never meet at the same point.
  3. Joints should be taped with Arc Scrim Tape or with Arc Butyl Tanking Tape for 100% waterproofing.
  4. Apply a bed of Arc Rapid-Flex or High-Flex 55 Rapid Set Tile Adhesive to the HydroSet Board and bed in the tiles or slabs in accordance with the usual practice.
  5. Finish with Arc Flexi Grout or Arc Pro-Line Grout.
General Information

√  Ensure the substrate is structurally sound and free of dust and other contaminants.
√  For a stronger fixing MS-11 Rapid High Tack can be applied on the substrate prior to fitting the boards on the floor.
√  12.5mm to 50mm boards are recommended for walls.

Tiling Guidelines
  1. Using screws and washers, fix boards every 300mm. Fixings should be at least 1 inch from the edges. Boards should be offset so that 4 corners never meet at the same point.
  2. Joints should be taped with Arc Scrim Tape or with Arc Butyl Tanking Tape for 100% waterproofing.
  3. Apply a bed of Arc Rapid-Flex or High-Flex 55 Rapid Set Tile Adhesive to the HydroSet Board and bed in the tiles or slabs in accordance with the usual practice.
  4. Finish with Arc Flexi Grout or Arc Pro-Line Grout.
installation Guidelines
  1. Lay the Shower Base down into the desired position and mark out the drain position on the concrete floor.
  2. Dig out a hole big enough to fit the drain. This should be slightly larger than the mark made on the floor and should allow room for the drain’s knuckle.
  3. Make sure the drain lines up correctly and then connect the pipework to the drain using a PVC pipe adhesive. Place the black rubber ring onto the top of the drain. Ensure the floor is level in all directions.
  4. Make sure the area is clear and dust free. Prime the substrate with Arc Tilers Primer diluted three parts water to one part primer.
  5. Apply a bed of Arc Rapid-Flex or High-Flex 55 Rapid Set Tile Adhesive to the floor.
  6. Bed in the shower base ensuring full surface contact. Check the shower base is level in all directions.
  7. Screw the plastic ring through the shower base into the drain making sure the black rubber ring is in position. Attach all the drain components as shown across. Attach the riser only if the tiles to be applied are thicker than the height of the drain.
  8. Using same thickness HydroSet Boards, cover the rest of the floor. See  HydroSet Boards tab for installation instructions.
  9. Joints should be taped with Arc Butyl Tanking Tape. Tiling can begin directly onto the HydroSet Boards and the Shower Base.

*Note: Make sure the shower base and drain are fully supported underneath.

installation Guidelines
  1. Timber must be dimensionally stable. Lay the Shower Base down into the desired position and mark out the drain position on the wooden floor.
  2. Cut out a hole big enough to fit the drain. This should be slightly larger than the mark made on the floor and should allow room for the drain’s knuckle.
  3. Make sure the drain lines up correctly and then connect the pipework to the drain using a PVC pipe adhesive. Place the black rubber ring onto the top of the drain. Ensure the floor is level in all directions.
  4. Make sure the area is clear and dust free. Prime the substrate with Arc Tilers Primer diluted three parts water to one part primer.
  5. Apply a bed of Arc Rapid-Flex or High-Flex 55 Rapid Set Tile Adhesive to the floor.
  6. Bed in the shower base ensuring full surface contact. Check the shower base is level in all directions.
  7. Screw the plastic ring through the shower base into the drain making sure the black rubber ring is in position. Attach all the drain components as shown across. Attach the riser only if the tiles to be applied are thicker than the height of the drain.
  8. Using same thickness HydroSet Boards, cover the rest of the floor. See  HydroSet Boards tab for installation instructions.
  9. Joints should be taped with Arc Butyl Tanking Tape. Tiling can begin directly onto the HydroSet Boards and the Shower Base.

*Note: Make sure the shower base and drain are fully supported underneath.

installation Guidelines
  1. Timber must be dimensionally stable. Lay the Shower Base down into the desired position and mark out with a pencil around the edges of the shower base. Cut out marked area with an electric Jigsaw.
  2. Lower supporting shelves between the joists (minimum of 18mm). Make sure that the support is flush with the joists and fully supporting. Place the support into position and check again that the floor is level in all directions.
  3. Make sure the drain lines up correctly and then connect the pipework to the drain using a PVC pipe adhesive. Place the black rubber ring onto the top of the drain. Ensure the floor is level in all directions.
  4. Make sure the area is clear and dust free. Prime the substrate with Arc Tilers Primer diluted three parts water to one part primer.
  5. Apply a bed of Arc Rapid-Flex or High-Flex 55 Rapid Set Tile Adhesive to the floor.
  6. Bed in the shower base ensuring full surface contact. Check the shower base is level in all directions.
  7. Screw the plastic ring through the shower base into the drain making sure the black rubber ring is in position. Attach all the drain components as shown across. Attach the riser only if the tiles to be applied are thicker than the height of the drain.
  8. Use Arc Butyl Tanking Tape around all the edges and over the corners. Tiling can begin directly onto the Shower Base.

*Note: Make sure the shower base and drain are fully supported underneath.

WHAT IS ARC TILERS PRIMER?

Arc Tilers Primer is a high quality styrene butadiene co-polymer emulsion for use as a primer, bonding agent and sealer.
Arc Tilers Primer Plus provides a textured grit finish to difficult substrates such as existing tiles, prior to tiling.
Before tiling, the majority of wall and floor substrates will require priming.
Substrates are primed for the following reasons:

  • To improve the adhesion of cement based products.
  • Reduce the porosity of porous substrates.
  • Arc Tilers Primer Plus improves the adhesion to non porous surfaces.
  • Produce a barrier between calcium sulphate based surfaces and cement based adhesives to minimise the risk of chemical reaction.

Arc Tilers Primer is available in 1lt and 5lt.
Arc Tilers Primer Pus is available in 5kg.

Walls priming
SUBSTRATE PRIMING GUIDE
Plaster First coat diluted 1 part primer to 3 parts water and allow to dry, followed by a neat coat
Plasterboards Apply 1 coat diluted 1 part primer to 3 parts water
Sand / Cement Render Apply 1 coat diluted 1 part primer to 3 parts water
Brick / Block Apply 1 coat diluted 1 part primer to 3 parts water
Existing Tiles Apply 1 coat of neat Arc Tilers Primer Plus
Plywood Apply 1 coat diluted 1 part primer to 3 parts water
Floors priming
SUBSTRATE PRIMING GUIDE
Sand / Cement Screed Apply 1 coat diluted 1 part primer to 3 parts water
Anhydrite Screed First coat diluted 1 part primer to 3 parts water and allow to dry,
followed by a neat coat
Concrete Apply 1 coat diluted 1 part primer to 3 parts water
Plywood Apply 1 coat diluted 1 part primer to 3 parts water
Existing Tiles Apply 1 coat of neat Arc Tilers Primer Plus
Vinyl Tiles / Sheets Apply 1 coat of neat Arc Tilers Primer Plus
Asphalt & Bitumen Apply 1 coat of neat Arc Tilers Primer Plus
Fibreglass Apply 1 coat of neat Arc Tilers Primer Plus
Green Screed Apply 1 coat diluted 1 part primer to 3 parts water
STRUCTURAL VERSUS MOVEMENT JOINTS

Structural joints are physical gaps which divide a building into smaller sub sections accommodating differential movement between each sub section. Movement joints are small joints designed to absorb localised stresses.

CAUSES OF MOVEMENT
Structural:

√  Structural settlement
√  Structural deformation due to loading
√  Drying shrinkage
√  Ambient thermal gain and loss
√  Wind loading
√  Seismic events

Localised Movement:

√  Drying shrinkage of localised adjacent substrates
√  Small scale localised deformation such as creep
√  Ambient thermal differentials
√  Imposed thermal variations such as underfloor heating

MOVEMENT JOINT

Arc supply two types of movement joints:
1. Aluminium Expansion Joints – These movement joint profiles are designed to accommodate localised stresses within tiled floors. The aluminium side section of the profile offers protection to the tile edge while the santoprene infill offers outstanding flexibility, tensile strength and chemical and weathering resistance.
The anchoring angles are aluminium grade 6063 T6, which is heat treated to increase tensile strength.
2. PVC Expansion Joints – This is a co-extruded PVC movement control joint designed to appear as discretely as a grout line whilst absorbing localised compression and extension stresses. The PVC is resistant to most chemicals and detergents generally used in tiled applications. It has a detachable anchor which allows the joint to be used a a perimeter joint.

MOVEMENT JOINT

Arc supply two types of movement joints:
1. Aluminium Expansion Joints – These movement joint profiles are designed to accommodate localised stresses within tiled floors. The aluminium side section of the profile offers protection to the tile edge while the santoprene infill offers outstanding flexibility, tensile strength and chemical and weathering resistance.
The anchoring angles are aluminium grade 6063 T6, which is heat treated to increase tensile strength.
2. PVC Expansion Joints – This is a co-extruded PVC movement control joint designed to appear as discretely as a grout line whilst absorbing localised compression and extension stresses. The PVC is resistant to most chemicals and detergents generally used in tiled applications. It has a detachable anchor which allows the joint to be used a a perimeter joint.

WHEN TO USE EXPANSION/PERIMETER JOINTS

(A) Any area greater than 2m x 1m where the tiling abuts walls requires perimeter joints as a minimum.
(B) For larger areas, the maximum distance between joints should not be greater than 8m in any direction.
*Note: With large format tiles on heated screeds consider reducing this to 6m.

In addition movement joints should always be installed directly above:
(1) Changes in the substrate
(2) Structural joints in the substrate
(3) Gaps in the substrate