The questions we get most.

Match the grade to the tile, the surface and where it is going. As a rule: S01–S02 for internal ceramic, S02+ once you move outdoors or onto stone, S03–S04 for wet areas, large formats and pools, and Flexit 2K for metal, ply and board substrates.

Yes — S02 and above are suitable for tile-on-tile, provided the existing tiles are sound, well-bonded and clean. Degrease the surface, key it if glazed, and prime where recommended on the datasheet before fixing.

Yes — the flexible, deformable grades (S03, S04 and Flexit) are recommended over heated screeds and boards, as they accommodate thermal movement. Commission and warm the system gradually as set out in the datasheet.

Allow the adhesive to cure before grouting — typically 24 hours for standard S-series adhesives at normal temperatures, longer in cold or humid conditions. Always check the specific product TDS, as fast-set and heavy-duty grades differ.

Epoxy (Sumoxy) is stain- and chemical-resistant and ideal for kitchens, wet areas and demanding settings. Cement grout (Sumotg) is easier to apply and cost-effective for general internal joints. Joint width and exposure usually decide it.

They are the European classifications for tile adhesives. C1 is standard; C2 has improved bond strength; T means reduced slip and E means extended open time; S1/S2 indicate deformability. Higher classes suit more demanding applications.

For wet areas, yes — waterproof the substrate first, pay attention to corners and junctions, and allow it to cure before tiling over with a suitable adhesive. See the waterproofing application guide for the full sequence.

BJM covers roughly 110–120 sq.ft per 40 kg bag on 600×200×100 AAC blocks at a 3 mm bed. Coverage varies with block size and bed thickness — use the BJM calculator for your exact wall.

SUMO is sold through a network of authorised distributors and stockists. Use the distributor locator, or contact our team and we will point you to your nearest supplier.

Every TDS, SDS and Declaration of Performance is in the Download Center, alongside brochures, shade cards and catalogues — all as PDF downloads.

For most modern tiles, yes. A thin-bed tile adhesive gives a stronger, more uniform bond than a traditional cement–sand mortar, works on non-porous tiles like vitrified and glass where cement struggles, needs no tile soaking, wastes far less material and lets you tile walls and floors faster. Cement–sand is really only suited to small, porous ceramic on a fresh bed.

Vitrified and full-body tiles absorb almost no water, so they need a polymer-modified (C2) adhesive that bonds without relying on the tile’s suction — S02+ and above. For large-format vitrified tiles or outdoor use, step up to S03/S04. Fixing vitrified tiles with plain cement is the most common cause of hollow, “drummy” tiles that pop off later.

Yes, but not with a standard cement-based adhesive. Flexible or non-mineral substrates like plywood, boards, metal and existing paint need a reaction-resin / PU adhesive such as Flexit 2K, which both bonds and absorbs movement. Always clean and key the surface first, and check the datasheet for any primer.

No. Soaking is a cement-mortar habit — with a modern tile adhesive you fix tiles dry. Wetting the tile or the adhesive bed actually weakens the bond. Just make sure the surface is clean, sound, level and dust-free before you comb on the adhesive.

It depends on the tile size, how flat the surface is and the notched trowel used — bigger tiles and larger notches use more adhesive. Rather than guess, use our tile adhesive consumption calculator to get the number of bags for your exact area, then round up a little for wastage.

Most standard S-series adhesives are firm enough for light foot traffic in about 24 hours at normal temperatures, and reach full strength over a few days. Cold or humid weather slows this down, and heavy loads or grouting should wait for full cure — always check the product TDS.

For bathrooms, kitchens and other wet or stain-prone areas, an epoxy grout (Sumoxy) is best — it resists water, stains and mild chemicals and needs no sealing. For dry internal joints, a cement grout (Sumotg) is simpler and more economical.

Cement grout is porous, so in wet areas it soaks up water, grime and mould and darkens over time. Switching to an epoxy grout, which is non-porous and stain-resistant, prevents it. Keeping joints dry and cleaned also helps existing cement grout last longer.

A defined joint is always needed — never butt tiles tight together, as they need room for movement and grout. Use tile spacers to keep joints even, then match the grout (cement or epoxy) to that joint width. The grout consumption calculator estimates how much you will need.

Exposed terraces and roofs take direct sun, heavy rain and constant thermal movement, so they need a flexible, UV-tolerant waterproofing membrane rather than a rigid coating. Choose a SUMOPROOF grade rated for exposed horizontal surfaces, detail the corners, parapets and drains carefully, and let it cure before any protective screed.

Most bathroom seepage comes from a floor–wall junction that was never properly waterproofed. The real fix is to waterproof the substrate — the floor, the skirting and around every pipe and drain — before tiling, so water can never reach the structure. On an existing bathroom this usually means lifting the tiling to treat the substrate underneath.

The surface must be sound and free of loose material. Some SUMOPROOF systems tolerate damp (not running-wet) concrete while others need it dry, so repair any cracks first and check the product TDS for its moisture limits before you apply. Trapped water under a coating is a common cause of failure.

A correctly specified and applied system lasts many years — the weak points are almost always the detailing (corners, joints, pipe penetrations) and the coating thickness, not the product itself. Applying the recommended number of coats at the stated thickness, and protecting the membrane, are what determine its life.

AAC block jointing mortar is a ready-mix, thin-bed mortar for laying lightweight AAC/CLC blocks with a 2–3 mm joint instead of a 12–15 mm cement–sand bed. It is faster to lay, uses far less material, gives stronger and more uniform joints and avoids the thermal bridges of thick cement joints. Use the BJM calculator to estimate bags.

A factory-blended ready-mix plaster gives the same consistent mix every bag, better coverage and fewer cracks than site-batched cement and sand, with no sand-quality guesswork. It is quicker to apply and reduces wastage, which usually offsets the higher bag cost on a real project.

With a thin-bed AAC block jointing mortar the joint is typically just 2–3 mm — far thinner than a conventional cement bed. A thin, full, even joint is exactly what gives the wall its strength and thermal performance, which is why the mortar is mixed to a smooth, trowelable paste.

IS 15477 is the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) specification for adhesives used to fix ceramic tiles. Together with the European EN 12004 classes (C1, C2, plus T, E and S1/S2), it defines the performance grades an adhesive must meet. Each SUMO grade’s classification is stated on its product page and TDS.

SUMO products are formulated and tested to the relevant Indian (BIS) and European standards for their category. Each product’s certifications, test classifications and Declarations of Performance are listed on its page and in the Download Center, so you can verify them yourself.

Yes — SUMO is a brand of Adheseal India Company, built on Japanese technology and manufactured in India: “Japanese tech, Indian make.” The range is engineered specifically for Indian substrates, climate and site conditions.

Keep bags sealed, off the floor and in a dry, shaded place away from moisture — damp is what spoils cement-based powders. Stored correctly, most stay usable for the shelf life printed on the bag and TDS (commonly several months from manufacture). Never use a bag that has hardened or drawn in moisture.

Yes — our technical team helps with product selection, substrate questions and on-site problems, and the site has application guides, how-to steps and calculators for every product. Use “Ask an expert” to reach the team directly.