SikaCeram-188 KH | C2TE HIGH PERFORMANCE CEMENTITIOUS TILE ADHESIVE

Product Category: Tile Adhesive Brand: Sika Model Code: SikaCeram®-188 KH

Description

SikaCeram®-188 KH is a high-performance cementitious tile adhesive (C2TE class) designed for thin layer tile installation up to 10 mm thickness. It provides excellent adhesion, slip resistance, and extended open time, making it suitable for demanding tile applications.

Applications

Suitable Tiles

• Ceramic tiles

• Porcelain tiles

• Homogeneous tiles

• Mosaic tiles

• Low and high absorption tiles

Suitable Substrates

• Concrete and mortar

• Brickwork

• Existing tiled surfaces (tile-on-tile)

• Painted walls (if well bonded)

• Heated floors

Areas of Use

• Walls and floors

• Interior and exterior

• Large format tile installation

Key Features

• High adhesion strength (C2 classification)

• Slip resistant (T) → ideal for vertical applications

• Extended open time (E)

• Easy application with good workability

• Non-sag performance for heavy tiles

• Suitable for tile-on-tile applications

• Compatible with waterproofing systems

Standards

• EN 12004 → C2TE classification

Product Information

• Type: Cementitious tile adhesive

• Packaging: 20 kg bag

• Appearance: Grey powder

• Shelf Life: 6 months

• Storage: Dry conditions, sealed packaging

• Density: ~1.70 kg/L

Technical Data

• Tensile Adhesion Strength: ≥1.0 N/mm²

  • Standard condition

  • Heat ageing

  • Water immersion

• Slip Resistance: ≤0.5 mm

Mixing Ratio

• 4.8 L water per 20 kg bag

Consumption Guide

Layer Thickness

• Minimum: 3 mm

• Maximum: 10 mm

Application Conditions

• Temperature: +5°C to +40°C

• Open Time: ~30 minutes

• Adjustment Time: ~30 minutes

Curing Time

• Before grouting: 24 hours

• Light foot traffic: 24 hours

• Full traffic: 7 days

Surface Preparation

• Substrate must be:

  • Clean

  • Dry

  • Sound

  • Free from dust, oil, grease

• Remove weak concrete and laitance

• Repair defects using Sika repair products

Special Notes

• Pre-wet porous substrates (no standing water)

• Maximum flatness:

  • Floor: 5 mm / 3 m

  • Wall: 4 mm / 2 m

Mixing Instructions

• Add water into container

• Add powder slowly

• Mix for ~3 minutes

• Rest for 5 minutes

• Remix before use

Application Method

• Apply adhesive with notched trowel

• Work in small areas (~1 m² at a time)

• Place tiles within open time

• Use press-slide-return method

• Ensure full coverage (no voids)

• Back butter tiles if required

Important Notes

• Do NOT add extra water

• Do NOT re-wet adhesive after application

• Ensure no skin formation before placing tiles

Movement Joints

• Required every:

  • 6–9 m (internal floors)

  • 4.5 m (external floors)

• Around columns and edges

• Width: 6–10 mm

Performance Advantages

• Strong bonding for all tile types

• Suitable for large format tiles

• Works on difficult substrates

• Reliable in tropical climate

• Professional-grade installation

Cleaning

• Clean tools with water immediately

• Hardened material → mechanical removal

Safety & Handling

• Follow SDS guidelines

• Use PPE

• Store in sealed packaging

Additional Notes

• Lab-tested values

• Site conditions may affect results

• Local regulations may vary

Summary

SikaCeram®-188 KH is a high-performance tile adhesive (C2TE) designed for professional tile installation, offering strong adhesion, non-slip performance, and extended working time, making it ideal for large tiles and challenging substrates.