FAQs

Yes, MAPEI's Type 1 adhesive and Premium Mortar for tile and stone can be used to set tile over cement board and fiber cement board.

Important: If Mapelastic AquaDefense membrane has been used to waterproof the cement board, a premixed adhesive cannot be used.

The type of stone, tile and grout that you have will determine if sealing is necessary. Glazed ceramic and porcelain tiles have almost no porosity and are highly resistant to staining; therefore, sealing is not required. However, it is beneficial to seal unglazed, polished porcelain floor tile. If either the tile or grout is considered porous, such as natural-stone tile, terra cotta, Saltillo, brick or cement-based grout, sealing is recommended.

After creating a slope with a fresh mud bed using MAPEI's 4 to 1 Mud Bed Mix, the area should be allowed to cure for at least 24 hours per inch (centimeter) plus one day before application of MAPEI's Mapelastic AquaDefense. For example, if the mud bed is at 2" (5 cm) depth at its highest level, then you must wait three days before the application of Mapelastic AquaDefense. Curing time is based on a temperature of 73°F (23°C). Cooler temperatures will require longer curing times. If your project is on a fast track, consider Planislope RS mortar, which can receive waterproofing in a matter of hours.

The best time to apply a sealer to the grout is after the grout has cured a minimum of 24 to 72 hours, depending on the manufacturer's instructions.

MAPEI's Ultracolor Plus FA and Ultracolor Plus Max grouts are a great choice for grouting installations of pebble stone and river-rock mosaics.