How to apply
Flexible Cement-Based Tile Adhesive
How to correctly apply KWIKflex for interior wall and floor tile installations.
This guide covers essential application requirements and links to detailed surface preparation and technical resources where needed. KWIKflex is a ready-to-use, flexible tilers’ paste designed for fixing ceramic tiles to interior walls and floors where ease of use, non-slip performance, and flexibility are required.
ESSENTIAL APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS
Suitable Substrates
Installation Conditions
- Substrates must be sound, clean, and properly prepared
- Interior use only
- Suitable surfaces must be correctly prepared
 Highly absorbent, dusty, or friable surfaces must be sealed or primed to regulate suction and improve adhesion.
- Use the correct trowel size to achieve full contact
 Select a notch size appropriate to the tile size to ensure full adhesive contact without excessive squeeze-through.
- Only spread as much adhesive as can be tiled within the open time
 Adhesive must remain wet and tacky when tiles are fixed.
- Press tiles firmly into place
 Ensure good transfer of adhesive to the back of the tile without trapping air.
- Clean joints and tile faces before adhesive begins to set
Priming Requirements
- Highly absorbent or dusty surfaces: Prime to regulate suction and improve adhesion.
- Painted or sealed surfaces: Ensure surfaces are sound, clean, and firmly bonded. Light mechanical keying may be required.
Coverage (20KG Bag)
(Coverage depends on trowel size, conditions & application.)Â
- Approximately 0.2-0.3m2 /kg using a 6x6 notched trowel.
Recommended Trowel Size
- Wall tiles:
 4–6 mm notched trowel
- Floor tiles (interior only):
 6 mm notched trowel
Grouting Time
Grouting may commence after the recommended waiting period once tiling is complete, subject to site conditions.
- 24 hours
Application Proccess
STEP 1
Surface Prep
Proper surface preparation is the foundation of a long-lasting tile installation.
The Critical Step that most neglect
Correct surface preparation is critical to the performance of every KWIKtile product.
Before application, ensure the surface is:
- Clean and free of dust, dirt, grease, paint and loose material
- Sound, stable and free from movement
- Dry unless the installation method specifies otherwise
- Flat and suitable for the intended application
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Different surfaces require different preparation methods. Tiling onto concrete, existing tiles, plaster, fibre cement, painted surfaces and other substrates each have their own requirements.
Find the Correct Preparation Method
Most tile installation failures occur because the surface was not prepared correctly.
Before you begin, visit our Surface Preparation Hub to view the correct preparation method for your specific substrate.
STEP 2
Priming & Slurry
Correct priming ensures proper adhesion and prevents premature failure.
Priming
Kwik-Key primer is used on porous surfaces to regulate absorption.
Kwik-Key Slurry is required to create a mechanical bond on dense or sealed surfaces.
Slurry
Slurry is mandatory when tiling on to:
- Existing tiles (tile-on-tile)
- Painted or sealed surfaces
- Dense, smooth, or polished substrates
- Vinyl, terrazzo, or similar non-porous surfaces
STEP 3
Mixing
Proper surface preparation is the foundation of a long-lasting tile installation.
Mix Kwikflex to a smooth, workable consistency
Mixing Method
- Add approx. 5.5L of cool clean water first, then your 20kg adhesive powder
- Mix for 2–3 minutes until smooth using a drill and a mixing paddle.
- Allow to rest for 2–3 minutes, then remix
- Pot life: ±60 minutes
- Do not add water after mixing
STEP 4
Movement Joints
Movement joints accommodate structural movement and thermal expansion and are essential to prevent cracking.
Kwikflex movement joints
Movement joints accommodate structural movement and thermal expansion and are essential to prevent cracking.
Requirements
- Perimeter joints: 3–5 m around edges
- Internal joints: every 5 m (interior installations)
- Exterior installations: every 3m
- Structural joints must carry through the tiled surface and must never be filled with adhesive or grout
STEP 5
Applying Tiles
Apply tiles using controlled, professional techniques to achieve full adhesive coverage and long-term performance with extra-large format tiles and slabs.
Kwikflex, tile application
Apply tiles using correct technique to achieve the required adhesive coverage.
Key Principles
- Dry-lay tiles or mosaics to confirm alignment, pattern flow, and cut positions before fixing.
- Small tiles & mosaics: 3–4 mm notched trowel
- Larger ceramic tiles: 4–6 mm notched trowel
- Directional trowelling helps release trapped air and ensures uniform contact.
- Press tiles into place and adjust gently to collapse ridges.
- Especially important in mosaic work and shopfitting displays.
- Remove excess adhesive and keep joints clear before the adhesive begins to set.
Curing & Setting
Curing Guidelines
- Avoid disturbing tiles during the early setting period
- Protect freshly tiled areas from moisture, vibration, and movement
- Ensure adequate ventilation to allow moisture to evaporate
- fully cured after 28 days
- Do not cover tiled areas or restrict airflow during drying
- Allow the adhesive to firm up fully before grouting
Additional notes
- Cooler temperatures and poor ventilation will extend drying times
- High humidity will slow moisture evaporation and delay set
- Always follow recommended application practices for polymer paste adhesives
Grouting Time
- Grouting may commence approximately 24 hours after tiling is complete, subject to site conditions
Grouting before the adhesive has cured sufficiently may result in:
- Cracked or weakened grout joints
- Tile movement or lippage
- Reduced adhesive bond strength
Always allow adequate curing time before grouting to ensure a durable installation.
Light Foot Traffic
- Light traffic may be permitted after initial set, provided tiles are stable and undisturbed
- Avoid concentrated loads, rolling equipment, or impact during early curing