How to use SUMO S02+ Tile & Stone Adhesive (vitrified, stone & wet areas)

The substrate must be structurally sound, clean and free from dust, grease, laitance and curing compounds. In wet areas, the waterproofing must already be applied and cured before tiling. Repair hollows and cracks first.

Dampen highly absorbent surfaces with clean water and drain the excess. Dry-lay and set out with chalk lines so cuts fall at discreet edges. For mosaic sheets, plan the grid so sheet joints are even.

Pour two-thirds of the water into the bucket, add the powder slowly while mixing on low speed, add the remaining third, and mix to a smooth, lump-free, sag-free paste. Rest 2–3 minutes, then re-stir. Mix in batches you can lay within the (extended) open time.

Key a firm skim onto the surface with the flat trowel edge, then comb ridges with the notched edge at ~45°. Thanks to the extended open time you can comb a slightly larger area — but still only what you can tile before the ridges skin.

For full adhesion on natural stone and larger tiles, apply adhesive to both the substrate and the back of the tile (back-buttering). This fills the tile's keyed back and guarantees a void-free bed — essential in wet areas.

Set each tile with a slide across the ridges to collapse them, then tap level with the mallet. Use spacers (and levelling clips on larger tiles) for flat, even joints. Keep to the chalk lines and check lippage.

Lift the first tile — the adhesive should transfer across at least 80% of the back for dry areas, and 95% for wet areas and exteriors, with solid corners. Adjust the notch or back-butter and re-check.

Wipe adhesive off the tile faces and rake it from the joints before it sets, leaving them clear for grout. Clean tools in water immediately.

Let the adhesive cure (about 24 hours) before grouting. Grout with SUMO Sumoxy 2-Part epoxy grout (or Sumoxy 3-Part for larger joints) — waterproof, stain-free and chemical-resistant, ideal for the wet areas and stone S02+ is used on. Cure the finished surface.