AcrylPro

[Mike-]

Why does it state that this product is not to be used in wet areas but on the spec sheet, it states that it is usable for that type of install? Just curious as to why many people avoid the use of it.

[cx]

Welcome, Mike.

Originally Posted by Mike

Why does it state that this product is not to be used in wet areas but on the spec sheet, it states that it is usable for that type of install? [Emphasis mine]

Why does what state that?

[Mike-]

That it is acceptable to use in wet areas

[Tool Guy - Kg]

Hi Mike, welcome!

No, you misunderstand CX. Who is the "it" in your original post?

[Mike-]

http://www.custombuildingproducts.co...er=arc&lang=en

Here is e link. It says it is ok for intermittent water exposure, but it seems more of a mastic product.

[cx]

Mike, that is an organic adhesive (aka mastic), a Type I Organic Adhesive to be specific, and is recommended by the manufacturer for, and meets industry standard testing for use in wet areas as described in ANSI A136.1. To wit:

Originally Posted by ANSI A136.12011-1

3.1 Type I - Organic adhesives for installation of ceramic tile in interior areas.
A. On walls and ceilings having —
1. Commercial construction; dry or limited water exposure requirements.
2. Light construction; dry or limited water exposure requirements.
3. Light construction; wet requirements.
B. On floors and countertops having —
1. Residential construction requirements.

If you have those conditions, the material is suitable for use. If not, it's not.

You'll find a lotta tile guys, even the more enlightened tile guys here on this site, who will tell you that mastic cannot be use in any wet area. Those tile guys are wrong.

Now, many tile guys will also tell you they won't use mastic in wet areas, and that's certainly their choice to make.

Some guys simply won't use the stuff at all, and that's our choice.

But the product can legitimately be used per the manufacturer's instructions and tile industry standards.

My opinion; worth price charged.

[bbcamp]

Mike, this is an area that the marketing guys and lawyers get to have the last word. The engineers and chemists told them that this product is not good in wet areas, but the marketing and law guys slice the words so fine that it appears to be a good product for showers. We disagree. The walls of a shower are "wet" areas by most standards, but under the strict definition of their data sheet, they are not because they are wetted "intermittently," as in, only when the water is running. The data sheet conveniently overlooks the fact that tile and grout are not waterproof and that backerboard will soak up water and retain it for a while.

We think that such labeling is a disservice to the public. It plays on the DIYers ignorance and their willingness to use labor-saving products even if they pay more for the privilege, which makes the marketing guys happy.

Let me say that there are plenty of applications for a good quality mastic, such as AcrylPro. Kitchen backsplashes, dry areas, etc. are prime candidates for it. And this stuff will hold out for a long time in a tub surround that is only rarely used as a shower. But I would not use it within 2 feet of a floor in a shower or on a floor anywhere else, simply because it will get wet, and it may stay wet long enough to re-emulsify. When it does, your tile will suffer.

I suppose by this rant, that I may be one of those wrong-minded, but otherwise enlightened, guys. So be it.

[Mike-]

That is what gets me about what the manufacturers spec on their product. I myself always use products like Mapei UL2 or versa/flex bond with great success. Some of the more recent jobs have become so cumbersome to haul up all the extra gear- mixer and thinset bag and so on, where a bucket of omnigrip or acrylpro would be more more efficient for deficiency work in high rise locations and doing very small installs.

Thanks for the input. I always go by spec on my install for peace of mind and warranty. If I follow the guidelines, I know the install will have longlife and years of enjoyment for the end user - homeowner.