Description
ARDEX AF 180 MS is a solvent-free, low-odour, wet-bond MS polymer floor covering adhesive supplied ready to use. It is intended for internal and external installation of LVT, resilient floor coverings and linoleum, and is also suitable for rubber floor coverings and artificial grass. Manufactured by ARDEX Australia.
MS polymer chemistry is what puts this adhesive outdoors. A conventional dispersion adhesive softens when it gets damp, which rules out external work and rules it down in cool rooms and areas of high solar gain; ARDEX AF 180 MS is moisture, weather and water resistant, is classified as high temperature resistant, and carries good resistance to plasticiser migration – the mechanism that causes vinyl adhesives to bleed and discolour over time. It also meets EMICODE EC1 PLUS R for very low emissions. Also written ARDEX AF180 MS.
Technical Specifications
| Product type | One-component, solvent-free MS polymer floor covering adhesive |
|---|---|
| Emissions classification | EMICODE EC1 PLUS R |
| Mixing | Not required – ready for use |
| Priming | Not required |
| Airing time | 5-20 minutes |
| Working time | 35 minutes |
| Open time | 40 minutes |
| Specific density | 1.4 |
| Trowel angle | Approximately 60 degrees to the subfloor |
| Rolling | Minimum 25 kg roller, side to side then end to end |
| Heat welding | After 24 hours |
| Before wet cleaning | Typically 48 hours at 20 degrees C |
| Maximum surface floor temperature | 50 degrees C for prolonged periods |
| Subfloor moisture limit | Equilibrium relative humidity 80% or below |
| Cool room and freezer use | Subfloor at least 15 degrees C, air 18 degrees C, 3 days before and after |
| Packaging | 12 kg foil-sealed plastic pail |
| Shelf life | 12 months unopened, stored dry at 23 degrees C and 50% RH |
Coverage Rates
Coverage per 12 kg pail, by trowel and floor covering type.
| Flooring type | Trowel | Coverage per pail |
|---|---|---|
| LVT, vinyl, PVC and CV flooring, rubber flooring | A1 | Up to 40 m² |
| LVT, vinyl, PVC and CV flooring, rubber flooring | A2 | Up to 37 m² |
| Rubber floorings with sanded back under 3.2 mm | B1 | Up to 27 m² |
| Needle fleece, artificial grass | B2 | Up to 13 m² |
Actual coverage is affected by application technique and by the texture and absorbency of the subfloor. Removing dust with suitable vacuum equipment before application protects both coverage and performance.
Where to Use
- LVT and all resilient floor coverings, commercial and domestic
- Linoleum
- Rubber floor coverings, including sanded-back rubber
- Artificial grass and needle fleece
- Over all ARDEX levelling and smoothing compounds
- Over underfloor heating systems
- Conservatories and other high solar gain areas
- Cool rooms and freezers
- External installations
How to Apply
- Check the subfloor – it must contain an effective damp proof membrane and be dry at an equilibrium relative humidity of 80% or below. Where no effective DPM is present or the subfloor reads above 80% RH, contact ARDEX Technical Services for the correct product selection.
- Prepare the surface – the substrate must be clean, firm and free of dust, dirt, oil, grease, curing compounds, release agents and other barrier materials, and sound and smooth in accordance with AS 1884. Level uneven subfloors with the appropriate ARDEX levelling, patching and smoothing compounds, and pre-smooth joints, nail holes and trowel marks. Vacuum all dust before adhesive goes down.
- Condition the area – keep the installation area and subfloor at the temperature specified by the floor covering manufacturer and the relevant clauses of AS 1884, maintained for 48 hours before installation, throughout installation, and for 48 hours afterwards.
- Spread the adhesive – apply evenly with the appropriate serrated trowel held at approximately 60 degrees to the subfloor, to maximise coverage and avoid pooling. Only spread as much as can be covered within the 35-minute working time.
- Lay the covering – on absorbent backgrounds, lay directly into the wet adhesive after the airing time of 5 to 20 minutes; airing improves early-stage grab. Periodically lift a section to check the adhesive has transferred to the back of the covering.
- Roll out – remove air pockets while the adhesive is still wet and roll with a minimum 25 kg roller and a smoothing tool if needed, working side to side first and then end to end. Some coverings benefit from further rolling or smoothing after approximately 30 minutes. Heat welding may begin once the adhesive has dried sufficiently, after 24 hours.
Important Notes
- Light organic solvent preservative (LOSP) treated plywood is not a suitable substrate.
- Wood-based fabricated underlays must suit the floor covering and be at the equilibrium moisture content they will have in service at the time they are covered.
- Do not wet clean the floor immediately after installation – allow the bond to develop, typically 48 hours at 20 degrees C.
- The surface floor temperature must not exceed 50 degrees C for prolonged periods.
- For cool room and freezer installations, the subfloor must be at least 15 degrees C and the air 18 degrees C for at least 3 days before, during, and at least 3 days after installation. Confirm with the flooring manufacturer that their product suits these temperatures.
- Remove spills or seepage with heavy duty cleaning wipes. Use aggressive cleaning agents only with the floor covering manufacturer’s permission.
- Replace the foil seal on the pail when not in use, and remove any skin that has formed before reusing previously opened product.
- Store in the original unopened packaging in a dry place; shelf life is 12 months at 23 degrees C and 50% relative humidity.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much area does a 12 kg pail of ARDEX AF 180 MS cover?
Coverage depends on the trowel, which is set by the floor covering. With an A1 trowel over LVT, vinyl, PVC, CV and rubber flooring a pail covers up to 40 square metres, and with an A2 trowel up to 37 square metres. A B1 trowel for rubber floorings with a sanded back under 3.2 mm gives up to 27 square metres, and a B2 trowel for needle fleece and artificial grass up to 13 square metres. Actual coverage is affected by application technique and by the texture and absorbency of the subfloor.
Can ARDEX AF 180 MS be used outdoors?
Yes. It is moisture, weather and water resistant and is intended for internal and external installation of LVT, resilient floor coverings and linoleum, as well as rubber floor coverings and artificial grass. It is also suitable for areas of high solar gain such as conservatories and northerly facing aspects, provided the surface floor temperature does not exceed 50 degrees C for prolonged periods.
Does ARDEX AF 180 MS need a primer?
No. Priming is not required and the adhesive is ready for use without mixing. The subfloor does still need to be properly prepared – it must contain an effective damp proof membrane, be dry at an equilibrium relative humidity of 80% or below, and be clean, firm, sound and smooth in accordance with AS 1884. Vacuum all dust before applying the adhesive, since dust affects both coverage and performance.
