Scratch Coat Mortar

Applicable Standards

American National Standards Institute (ANSI) ANSI A108.01 and A108.02 of the American National Standards for the Installation of Ceramic Tile ASTM International (ASTM)

• ASTM C109 Standard Test Method for Compressive Strength of Hydraulic Cement Mortars (Using 2-in. or (50-mm) Cube Specimens)
• ASTM C531 Standard Test Method for Linear Shrinkage
• ASTM C580 Standard Test method for Flexural Strength Resilient Floor Covering Institute (RFCI) Recommended Work Practices for Removal of Resilient Floor Coverings

Tile Council of North America (TCNA) TCNA Handbook for Ceramic Tile Installation, TCNA Method EJ171

Conformance to Building Codes

Installation must comply with the requirements of all applicable local, state and federal code jurisdictions.

Environmental Consideration

Custom® Building Products is committed to environmental responsibility in both products produced and in manufacturing practices. Use of this product may contribute to LEED® certification.

Suitable Tile Types

• Ceramic tile, pavers, brick
• Stone, terrazzo
• Carpet
• Wood, parquet
• VCT
• Sheet vinyl flooring
• Laminated flooring

Suitable Substrates

• Concrete
• WonderBoard® Lite, cement backerboards
• RedGard® Waterproofing and Crack Prevention Membrane
• Exterior Grade Plywood (interior applications)
• Ceramic tile, pavers, brick
• Stone
• Concrete terrazzo
• Sheet vinyl
• VCT
• Cutback adhesive (non-water soluble)

General Surface Prep

USE CHEMICAL-RESISTANT GLOVES, such as nitrile, when handling product.

Surfaces must be structurally sound, clean, dry and free from grease, oil, dirt, curing compounds, sealers, adhesives or any other contaminant that would prevent a good bond. Glossy or painted surfaces must be sanded, stripped and cleaned of waxes, dirt or any contaminants. Concrete must be cured 28 days and accept water penetration. Concrete must be free of efflorescence and not subject to hydrostatic pressure. Concrete slabs should have a broomed or brushed finish to enhance the bond. Plywood flooring including those under resilient flooring must be structurally sound and meet all ANSI and deflection requirements. For questions about proper subfloor installation, call Technical Services. Smooth concrete surfaces, existing glazed tile, terrazzo, or polished stone should be roughened or scarified. Sheet vinyl must be well-bonded and stripped of old finish. Roughen the surface by sanding or scarifying, rinse and allow to dry. Expansion joints should never be bridged with setting material. Do not sand flooring materials containing asbestos. Ambient temperature, surfaces and materials should be maintained at a temperature above 50° F (10° C) or below 100° F (38° C) for 72 hours. 

Health Precautions

Contains Portland cement. Wear rubber gloves and eye protection. Avoid eye contact or prolonged contact with skin. Wash thoroughly after handling. If eye contact occurs, flush with water for 15 minutes. Consult physician immediately. KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN. DO NOT TAKE INTERNALLY. STORE IN COOL, DRY AREA.

Limitations to the Product

• Do not bond directly to hardwood, Luan plywood, particle board, parquet, cushion or sponge-back vinyl flooring, metal, fiberglass, plastic or OSB panels.
• Do not use as a wear surface.
• When setting glass tile larger than 6" × 6" (15 × 15 cm), contact Custom's Technical Services for recommendations.
• When setting dimensional stone larger than 12" × 12" (30 × 30 cm), contact Custom's Technical Services for recommendations regarding subfloor deflection requirements.

Bonding to Concrete Surfaces

Concrete or plaster must be fully cured and must accept water penetration. Test by sprinkling water on various areas of the substrate. If water penetrates, then a good bond can be achieved; if water beads, surface contaminants are present, and loss of adhesion may occur. Contaminants should be mechanically removed before installation. Concrete must be free of efflorescence and not subject to hydrostatic pressure. Concrete slabs should have a broomed or brushed finish to enhance the bond. Smooth concrete slabs must be mechanically abraded to ensure a good bond.

Bonding to Lightweight Cement and Gypsum Surfaces

Lightweight or gypsum-based underlayments must first be treated with RedGard® Waterproofing and Crack Prevention Membrane and must obtain a minimum 2000 psi (13.8 MPa) compressive strength at the recommended cure time. The underlayment must be sufficiently dry and properly cured to the manufacturer's specifications for permanent, non-moisture permeable coverings. Surfaces to be tiled must be structurally sound and subject to deflection not to exceed the current ANSI Standards All lightweight concrete and gypsum-based underlayment surfaces to receive RedGard® must be primed with properly applied sealer or a primer coat of RedGard®, consisting of 1-part RedGard® diluted with 4-parts clean, cool water. Mix in a clean bucket at low speed to obtain a lump-free solution. The primer can be brushed, rolled or sprayed to achieve an even coat. Apply the primer coat to the floor at a rate of 300 ft/gallon (7.5 M/L). Drying time depends on site conditions, but is normally less than 1 hour. Extremely porous surfaces may require 2 coats. At this point, RedGard® can be applied to the primed lightweight or gypsum-based surface. Refer to the individual product data sheet or packaging directions for application instructions. Expansion joints must be installed in accordance with local building codes and ANSI/TCNA guidelines. Refer to TCNA EJ171.

Bonding to Plywood Surfaces

Plywood floors, including those under resilient flooring, must be structurally sound and must meet all ANSI A108.01 Part 3.4 requirements. See TCNA F150. For questions about proper subfloor installation, call Custom® Building Products.

Bonding to Backerboards

As an alternative to an additional layer of plywood, WonderBoard® Lite Backerboard may be installed over plywood subfloors.

Bonding to Cutback Adhesive

Adhesive layers must be removed, as they reduce mortar bond strength to cement surfaces. Use extreme caution; adhesives may contain asbestos fibers. Do not sand or grind adhesive residue, as harmful dust may result. Never use adhesive removers or solvents, as they soften the adhesive and may cause it to penetrate into the concrete. Adhesive residue must be wet-scraped to the finished surface of the concrete, leaving only the transparent staining from the glue. To determine desirable results, do a test bond area before starting. Refer to the RFCI Pamphlet, "Recommended Work Practices for Removal of Resilient Floor Coverings", for further information.

Mixing Ratios

Mix approximately 1 gallon (3.78 L) of cool, clean water with 50 lbs (22.7 kg) Scratch Coat powder together to a lump-free consistency. Do not add any other materials to Scratch Coat.

Mixing Procedures

Slowly add powder to liquid while mixing with a low speed drill (300 RPM or less) and mixing paddle to a lump-free consistency. Mix amounts that can be applied in 10 minutes. Substitute Patching Latex Additive for water for better bond strength over cutback adhesive, sheet vinyl, terrazzo, ceramic tile, plywood, and when leveling embossed sheet vinyl flooring.

Application of Product

USE CHEMICAL-RESISTANT GLOVES, such as nitrile, when handling product.

Dampen all surfaces except for wood. Force material into all cracks and voids up to 1/2" (13 mm) thickness using a broad knife or trowel and finish flush with surface. For skim coating, use a smooth-edged trowel to level the surface area. Only spot patching should be done on wood surfaces. If a leveling layer over 5 ft. (1.5 M) in diameter is required, use an appropriate Custom® self-leveling underlayment.

Curing of Product

Minimum cure time is 12-24 hours. As with concrete, maximum strength will be obtained in 28 days. Protect mortar from freeze for the first 72 hours.

Cleaning of equipment

Clean with water before material dries.

Product Maintenance

Properly installed product requires no special maintenance.