Category: Product Innovation

Every tile fixing project has three main components: the tile itself, a solid, levelled out base or the substrate, and the tile adhesive. The efficiency of adhesion depends on these three in equal measure. But narrowing down on the tile and the tile adhesive is largely hinged on the substrate. However, each substrate is more different than the next one in terms of the:
• Material
• Surface roughness
• Stability and durability
• Conditions of flatness/evenness
• Chemical compatibility
• Sensitivity to dampness and water
• Substrate shrinkage possibilities
As a result, no two tiling installations are the same unless the intrinsic characteristics and the materials of the substrates remain identical. In the old days, a thick bed of mortar was the most common substrate but the consideration list has expanded to include everything from floorboards to tile-backer boards to existing tiles to sand: cement screeds to steel to fiber glass to bricks and other substrates. Not all these substrates are acceptable to receive all kinds of tiles and stones and some might even require prepping. For instance,

• Installing a tile over an existing tile might require roughening up the base tile to provide a better grip and warrants the need of a high strength adhesive such as the LATICRETE 252, a one-step, polymer fortified mortar that has superior flexibility and unparalleled adhesion
• Tiling over plasterboard in indoor wall surfaces may require waterproofing of the substrate since plasterboards are highly absorbent. It also entails the use of an adhesive that is water-resistant such as the LATICRETE DWA 215, a modified Polyurethane adhesive
• Tiling over wood means that the tiles and the adhesive are subject to a substrate that will warp/expand when wet, leading to the formation of huge stresses between the tile and the substrate which can lead to debonding or fracture of tiles
• Since metal substrates tend to be extremely smooth, they practically do not allow for mechanical key to hold tiles on them. Both wood and metal necessitate the use of adhesives such as the LATICRETE PUA 212, a two component, modified Polyurethane adhesive that is highly elastic, thixotropic and can aid in laying tiles and stones on absorbent and non-absorbent substrates

Other substrates such as existing asphalt may contains oils that can make it difficult to adhere tiles and stones to. It is thereby mighty important to consider all these factors seeing as the adhesive that will be required will differ. MYK LATICRETE has consequently designed a line of tile adhesives that are flexible enough to work on everything from cement to metal, across residential, commercial and industrial applications. As a result, a lot of these products are formulated to be used where installations must resist shock, water, temperature changes, physical abuse, and mild chemicals. Referring to installation instructions as per the manufacturer is best practice when it comes to installing tiles over any kind of substrate and can go a long way in ensure the tile job lasts for a long time to come.

Grout isn’t exactly known to be an aesthetic detail. It is largely white, bland, and simply solves a functional purpose. But lately, grout has undergone a massive upgrade. From lending an expensive flair to ordinary tiles to making a statement in just about any room, tile joints can add quite some personality and dramatically change the feel of a space without blowing the interior budget. There are essentially three basic ways of employing grout across projects for a variety of design interpretations depending on the room:

Teen Bedrooms: Teen bedroom stend to have a lot going on. The space is often more than just for resting. It can play host to friends and witnesses a ton of activity. So it’s only right that these bedrooms reflect the high-energy with contrasting colors of grout. Using simple colors but in contrast to the tile can draw attention to the shape of the tile and instantly elevate a drab wall. Light tiles with a dark grout or a dark tile with a light grout are combinations that are fool proof. For instance, pair a white tile with an electric blue grout or a dark navy tile with and off-white grout.

Kids Bedrooms: Lend a playful vibe to a kids room by pairing edgy colors with equally whimsical tiles. They can create a ton of texture and make the space appear busy allowing for a perfect way to capture kids’ wild imaginations. Try hexagonal shaped tiles with a bold color from the opposite end of the color wheel.

Master Bedrooms: Often the epitome of sophistication, master bedrooms work well with achromatic palette. Choose various hues of the same color for the tile and the grout or a complimentary, coordinated color scheme to add interest without breaking up the flow of the tiles. Think teal tiles and a dark green grout. Seamlessness is another way to go and can be achieved by using the same color of grout as the tile. It can visually expand the size of the space and make the large master bedroom feel even larger. Black tiles with black grout is an up-and-coming theme.
That’s not to say that these grout themes can’t be switched up between rooms. It comes down to the individual taste and preferences and what is on the agenda in terms of achieving a specific look for a space.

Keeping up with these trends in design, MYK LATICRETE introduced the SP-100 Tile Joint in more than 40 colors. From muted tones to bright colors, it covers the entire spectrum of grout themes allowing for endless combinations. It is 100% stainfree and extremely easy to clean, so chances are the grout will help retain the beauty of the space for decades to come. Beyond its aesthetic, the grout is also water resistant and germ resistant, temperature- and chemical-resistant and fits in with both floors and walls so its applications can also spread to bathrooms and kitchens. It is well suited for a range of tiles such as ceramic tiles, vitrified tiles, and marble and stone.

Glass tiles have been making a comeback over the last couple of years with their modern iterations spilling over into the interior world. Where ceramic tile was once the norm, glass tiles are taking over for the fresh, -trendy look that they lend. Shower walls, kitchen backsplashes, accent walls, tub surrounds, they are going everywhere. Now their installation is similar to that of natural stone, porcelain or ceramic. But glass tiles are one tricky set of tiles to fix and the process has been known to be extremely frustrating. Why is it so? Let’s take a look:

• A glass tile is translucent. So, any adhesive may show through or discolor the tile, disturbing an otherwise picture-perfect tile installation. Color inconsistency in the bonding mortar behind the glass tile can create color variations in the tile too. Since they are reflective, the imperfections are much more visible
• Glass tiles are fragile in nature warranting installers to exercise additional precautions to prevent breakage
• These tiles are more expensive than ceramic tiles so if there is damage during installation, costs can escalate
• Their installations are prone to failure when there are voids/randomly distributed air pockets behind the mortar, caused by the uneven spreading of the mixture or the shrinking of the mortar
• Traditional mortar does not bond well with the incredibly smooth surface of glass, especially when they have painted or metallic backings.
• These installations can sometimes fail when exposed to heat or sunlight as the installation material and the glass absorb heat at various rates causing irregular expansion, thereby leading to cracks

With these challenges arising while installing glass tiles, MYK LATICRETE formulated a range of specialized products that would ensure the glass and glass mosaic tiles develop an excellent bond, no matter what the substrate and installation conditions are, as detailed below:

• MYK LATICRETE PUA 212, a 2-component, modified Polyurethane Adhesive was designed for the installation of glass tiles among other types over just about any substrate including metals. It is highly elastic and thixotropic and can lay tiles on highly expandable, deformable, absorbent and non-absorbent substrates. It is also water, heat, freezing, and thermal shock resistant.
• When it comes to more intricate tiles such as the glass mosaic, the LATICRETE DWA 215, a modified Polyurethane adhesive can come to the rescue, enabling installation on drywall boards and clean dry cement surfaces. Given that it is a single component adhesive, it rids the need for combining various proportions of materials, eliminating the possibilities of inconsistencies in color and unevenness in tiles. It has a significantly high bond strength bypass most products of the type in the market, along with being water and shock resistant.
• Better yet, the LATICRETE 254 PLATINUM thinset adhesive is designed especially for interior and exterior floor and wall installations of glass mosaic tiles while also enabling tile on tile applications. Good underwater shear bond allows this product to be used for wet wash rooms and water bodies. The LATICRETE 252 Ag SILVER thinset Adhesive, another high polymer modified thinset adhesive offers similar benefits.
• Glass mosaic tile installations in industrial and commercial areas is made possible with LATAPOXY 300, an epoxy adhesive with chemical resistant components.

Combined with the impeccable quality of its products, experts from fields ranging from construction to interior design have come to trust MYK LATICRETE’s high-tech glass solutions. The company aims to continue to deliver such innovative products and serve the ever-evolving building and design industries.

The construction industry in India is in the midst of a milestone-crossing spree. Among the recent successes is the adoption of the MIVAN formwork. A construction technology that offers higher architectural and design flexibility while enabling completion of construction projects economically and at an unsurpassed pace, the system is gaining ground in India. ‘Planet SKS’, a ground + 35 storied high-rise apartment in Mangalore, constituting 169 3 bhks and 4 bhks is among the early adopters of the technique. The landmark building backed by the construction prowess of Larsen & Toubro (L&T) underlines the commitment that the builders and the promoters SKS Netgate had in mind: one that was oriented to quality, efficiency, low cost, and long-term value. The partners chosen for the project were to reflect these values as well, and that is where MYK LATICRETE featured. The leading force in tile fixing was commissioned to provide a hassle-free installation solution across a ~3.8 lakh sq. ft area in the residential property.

The installation system proposed and used by MYK LATICRETE involved the following:

• The vibrant swimming pool was fitted with glass mosaic tiles across a8000 sq. ft area using the LATICRETE 252 Ag Silver high polymer modified thinset adhesive. A specialty adhesive, it has been formulated specially for such tricky installations where a strong underwater shear bond is necessary to keep these installations intact over decades of use. While a highly technical water- and shock-resistant product, this single component adhesive trumps most alternatives in the market in terms of its ease of use, economical application, and bond strength. It was also used to fix the deck area of the swimming pool
• To further secure the glass mosaic tiles in the pool areaand give the pool a crisp, finished look, the MYK LATICRETE SP-100 tile joint was employed. The grout has been formulated with a strong resistance to chemicals intended for water treatment and pH balance,adding rigidity and strength to the tile work. Its stain- and water-resistance and anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties have further elevated its functionality. This would help keep the pool looking pristine and equally clean by preventing the tile joints from harboring germs
• A truly versatile product, the LATICRETE 252 Ag Silver thinset adhesive was also used for internal cladding to fit vitrified tiles on all the bathroom walls in the residential property. Given that the surfaces are dense in the Mivan construction method, there was a need for an adhesive that could guarantee a fail-proof bond. Since the product exceeds ANSI A118.4 shear bond strength conditions and the IS 15477 – Type 2 Adhesive standards, the product fit the requirement hand in glove

The project was completed successfully with no excess time or resources being lost to complex and lengthy tile installations. MYK LATICRETE aims to continue supporting the vision of innovators and the initiatives of the early adopters in the building space in order to meet the aspirations of a new generation of customers.

Statement walls are all the rage these days and wall murals are a unique take on them. They combine brilliant colors and intricate designs via patterned tile arrangements allowing for incredibly personalized walls and unlimited creative possibilities. They lend an organic look to offices, malls, churches, and homes and are either used in the form of a decorative panel, accent wall, shower mural, or as a backsplash in kitchens. For how bespoke and hand-crafted they are, it is apparent that they don’t come easy or cheap. More often than not, the murals are reproduced from existing canvases or images and tiles are cut into a design basis the plan or images are transferred onto tiles through specialized custom-printing techniques.

Seeing as wall murals require putting together pieces of various shapes and sizes, irregular width gaps, both tiny and large, and variances in thickness of tiles are common. In vertical wall murals, grout lines are usually very small. Imaged or not, all wall mural jobs dictate that there be a grout space/ line; tiles can’t be but joined. The tile joint that goes in makes the mural functional by ensuring that in times of contraction or expansion of the setting material, there is no crack. It also acts as a moisture barrier that prevents the decay of the tile from behind and possible damage to the wall that it has been installed over by keeping mold from forming.

Traditional grouts, however, often can’t handle moisture, differences in gaps and tile thickness,and excessive movement and thus crack. In some cases, tile gaps tend to be too far apart, disintegrating the tile joint. Sanded grout which is conventionally used can also scratch the tile surface in the cases where the glaze isn’t solid enough. Also, a lot of glazed mural tiles have microscopic pores which can lead to discoloration the tile while grouting, creating unsightly stains and ruining the mural altogether, specifically when the grout is in a conflicting shade/hue.

All that being said, grout lines don’t just have a practical side to them. They also lend a mosaic look to murals, elevating their aesthetic. By bolstering the weight of a line, the tile joint can also be an integral element of the decorative process.
After understanding these requirements and the gaps in the market in terms of catering to such complex applications, MYK LATICRETE devised the SP-100 tile joint. A stain- ,germ-, and water resistant grout that works with ceramic tiles and vitrified tiles, this product not only gives the wall mural more body, it also ensures it retains its beauty for years to come through its color-fastness. In addition, given that the tile joint is available in a range of colors, it can help amp up the composition either by creating a more muted look through seamlessness or produce a strong decorative effect by way of a contrasting color of grout. It is non-cracking or powdering, and chemical and temperature resistant offering advantages that far outweigh any other product in the market.

All in all, MYK LATICRETE has time and again demonstrated its strengthin providing innovative tile and stone installation materials.

In an age where time is money, drywalls are a boon. From enabling faster construction to being relatively lightweight and accommodating several paints, textures, and lightweight applications,drywalls are finding their way into interior walls and ceilings.Today’s generation of drywall substrates have seen some game-changing evolution and have branched out to cater to a range of spaces and activities. They are being made to handle varied conditions such as dry, wet, and limited water exposure.

When injected with some personality through the use of finishes such as glass mosaic tiles, drywalls can really hit the ball out of the park in terms of their design and aesthetic capacity while also being cleaner and faster than conventional brick wall constructions. Since they can be dismantled and altered easily, they enable remodelling/refurbishing across a range of décor elements to reflect the changes in mood. And while drywalls and finishes have come a long way, the traditional adhesives that bring the two together and hold them in place, haven’t.

There are quite a few options available when it comes to installing tiles on drywall substrates, such as mastic and sand-cement mixtures, but their end-use can be narrow and limited to certain types of tiles and at other times, they can simply fall short on performance. Moisture can be a huge pain point in traditional drywalls, both from within the sand-cement mixture and its application to areas that encounter a lot of moisture. It is heavily likely to compromise the integrity of the drywall. To hold all that weight, applications need something to grip onto when installed on these boards. The sand-cement mixture tends to be weak in both flexural strength and tension making it prone to cracking, and consequently leading to de-bonding. Stones such as green marble can flake with mastic or mortar and not all glass tiles adhere well when bonded with these materials. Given that the physics doesn’t work in a lot of these cases, it’s logical to assume that the market required a high-performance adhesive that was versatile.

MYK LATICRETE thereby created a product that increases the lifecycle of the application by great lengths through high bond strength. The MYK LATICRETE DWA 215 Modified Polyurethane adhesive was developed for fixing ceramic, vitrified, andglass mosaic tiles onvarious types of drywall boards.Further, borrowing inspiration from drywalls itself and their ability to withstand high tension environments such as earthquake prone zones and high rise buildings, MYK LATICRETE developed a green product that holds its own even in areas where installations are subject to physical abuse, shock, and mild chemicals on all kinds of drywall substrates including gypsum wall board and calcium silicate boards. It also helps slash down hours of manpower seeing as this single component adhesive is easy to use and doesn’t require any more than simply opening and putting to use. All in all, the DWA 215 is a well-rounded product. Going forward, MYK LATICRETE aims to continue bringing contemporary world standards to the tile and stone installation and maintenance industry in India through such products.

The Dhirubhai Ambani International Convention and Exhibition Centre, standing tall at the nexus of Mumbai’s commercial zone has set a new standard for convention centers globally. Equipped with an avant-garde infrastructure and rooted in immaculate hospitality, the center has reimagined and reshaped the exhibition experience on an international scale both in terms of size and value. This is where the latest innovations in products and services converge with the center acting as a hub for new connections, economic activity, and knowledge sharing. Given the sheer scale of the project and the nature of the building, there were quite a few challenges and very specific requirements that came with it. But MYK LATICRETE’s sophisticated products stood up to these specificities in the following ways:
• The 1,65,000 sqft exterior façade was to be fitted with Panna Fragolla and Satvario stones, each measuring 600*1800 mm and weighing a whopping 100+ kgs. It required a durable, heavy-duty adhesive that could lock the stone in place without leaving any space for possibilities of slipping or sagging, now or ever. LATAPOXY 310 epoxy anchor adhesive, a two-component chemical anchor designed to ensure a durable permanent bond on vertical surfaces was the perfect choice. It eliminates the need for a mechanical anchor or clamps and resists any vibration or shock. It also takes care of the aesthetics as it keeps the appeal of the light-colored stones intact with its non-staining properties. Even at temperatures as high as 95°F, the adhesive maintains its non-sag consistency

• The glass mosaic tiles which adorned the numerous water bodies and fountains in the exteriors were secured with LATICRETE 254 PLATINUM thin-set adhesive, thanks to its good underwater shear bond. From enabling the tiles to stay put in the erratic weather conditions under which Mumbai reels to handling structural movements, the single component polymer fortified mortar helped achieve unparalleled bond strength. All it required was the addition of water, simplifying the task of fixing the tiles. Its tenacious bond makes the product suitable for wet areas such as swimming pools, sauna, and wash rooms

• MYK LATICRETE PUA 212 eased the installation of natural stone on metal. As a two component, modified Polyurethane Adhesive designed to adhere various tiles and stones to any substrate, this product is highly elastic and thixotropic and aces projects which require laying water-sensitive tiles and stones over highly deformable, expandable, absorbent and non-absorbent substrates. Seeing as it is economical and easy to use, it served well in bringing down the costs of the material as well as labor
The project was completed successfully and MYK LATICRETE was able to reinforce its position as a technologically advanced solutions provider with the best-in-class products for unique installations.

Flooring is pervasive. It’s an inherent part of every building structure. But each floor is different. Residential and commercial environments are built to take the brunt of daily activities and low to high traffic. But industrial environments are a whole different ballgame. Typically, the floors associated with these areas have to withstand the possibilities of dropped tools, machinery, pedestrian traffic, and trolleys among others. Sites that use chemicals and are equipped with heating and cooling systems also require special treatments/flooring options that can adhere to several safety and hygiene standards. While a ton of flooring options have been introduced that can withstand these stresses, the same cannot be said for joint fillers.

Traditional or inferior joint fillers aren’t hardy. They deteriorate when subject to the above conditions, and pretty fast, causing them to leave gaps in between tiles. The smallest area of unnecessary spacing with an adjacent tile or unbonded grout can slowly affect the tiles and lead to cracks in the floor. Left unattended, they damage the flooring and could result in the development of infectious organisms under the flooring over time, leading to expensive and unnecessary renovations. Not to mention all the downtime that causes losses in business and productivity and the risk of putting the health of those working in the facility in jeopardy.

There was a clear need for a solution that could combat all these factors. MYK LATICRETE’s LATAPOXY 2000, a three part, 100% solid epoxy grout has thereby emerged as the clear choice. When put to test, the grout is able to deal with everything from heat to industrial ovens to chemical/liquid spills including most corrosives, acids, and solvents owing to its extremely high chemical, and temperature-resistance properties. It also acts an active anti -fungal and -bacterial, effectively fighting germs. Given that it is easy to clean with both water and steam means that the floor and grout is kept looking fresh and almost as good as new. It is also fast curing so work can be resumed within 24 hours. It works in a range of corrosive environments such as:
Industrial: Dairies, bakeries, cheese factories, meat packing plants, breweries, soft drink plants, canneries, confectioneries, and more.
Commercial: Institutional kitchens, fast food restaurants, laboratories, and cafeterias among others.
The product is offered as factory proportioned kits constituting hardener, chemical resistant silica filler, and epoxy resin.
With a variety of high-impact products across different applications, MYK LATICRETE is among the most versatile tile and stone installation solution providers on the market today. It has gained a stellar reputation for offering durable products that are both aesthetically appealing and flexible.

Industrial flooring is subject to pretty arduous conditions as it handles and facilitates movement of man, materials, and machines. Add the need to comply with health and building code requirements to the mix and the perils are compounded. Impact damage, moisture ingress, thermal shock, and absorption of dangerous chemicals are just some of the many demands on industrial floors.

There are unique problems associated to an industry and no two industries are the same. For instance, in large distribution centres, the base for the floor needs to be incredibly flat to reduce vibration of lift trucks while they are moving; the aviation industry calls for floors that can withstand the aviation hydraulic fluid. While seemingly small, when these demands are not factored in during the installation, this can lead to a wrecked floor or an improper installation followed by a facility shutdown or halted operations leading to losses. Given that they are anything but cheap, ensuring that these floors can withstand the demands is essential.

It is quite common to reach for the traditional cement and sand mortar, but it can go down fast. Tiles and stones can lose their integrity due to high pressure, come loose from differential thermal expansion, develop cracks and have uneven levelling. Plus, these products aren’t built for the contrasts in the composition of various tiles. There is an obvious need for an adhesive that can take care of all this and more. As a result, MYK LATICRETE designed the LATICRETE111 + 73 solution, wherein the LATICRETE 73 Rapid Crete Admix is used for polymer fortification of the LATICRETE 111 Crete Filler Powder to produce an adhesive that is unrivalled in terms of strength and flexibility seeing as it exceeds ANSI A118.4 shear bond strength requirements. It is also an all-rounder when it comes to fixing a variety of extremely large format tiles and stones both in the interiors and the exteriors. The adhesive has a superior underwater shear bond allowing it to tackle the challenging job of setting tiles and stones in wet areas. Put the adhesive under any kind of stress from thermal shocks to water and it comes out a clear winner. The LATICRETE 73 also provides longer pot life and working time in hot weather conditions. The product is thus perfect for highly critical areas such as industrial plants.

In addition to products such as these, the company has also come out with a well-rounded industrial flooring system that can cater to a wide range of facilities regardless of the requirements. Constituting a latex fortified adhesive, underlayment mortar, an epoxy adhesive and a chemical resistant epoxy grout, it renders any kind of floor with a high level of endurance against heavy traffic and load. It has the capability to keep downtime to a minimum, so precious time is not lost installing or repairing floors.

With a range of industry leading, comprehensive flooring lines on the market, MYK LATICRETE has something for all possible kinds of tiling requirements in the industry.

When thinking about the flooring of any project, choosing the right flooring is largely hinged on the tile /stone complementing the décor and adding to the space’s functionality. But for the flawless execution, looking beyond the type of flooring and the size of the components is essential. Think grout. Grout is more than just a filler in the seams of a tile. Without it, tiles are likely to see their time faster because as they say the devil is in the details. It keeps the floor under the tile protected from dirt and water or moisture and protects the tile from cracking and chipping.

That being said, not all grout is created equal. Those that are on the market such as cement grout, can include more than a single pack or may necessitate the use of water/liquids prior to application. Since this entails a lot of measuring and mixing, there are high chances that the proportions will be off when the job is rushed, leading to cracks. Porosity has also been a concern. Traditional grout is largely riddled with undetectable openings that serve as a conduit for dirt, mold, and more. So long before the grout expires, it will become stained and unattractive no matter how religiously the floor is cleaned. There has been an added risk of sunken holes or sagging into the joints specially when the joints are large. Using these grouts in outdoor applications has further invited inconsistency in performance. Taking all this into consideration, there was clearly a need for a better product

Shaking up the formulaic response to creating products, MYK LATICRETE dove deep into the purpose, the constraints, and the application of grout and designed STELLAR. It immediately saw success and gained the trust of professionals in the world of building and outside. Case in point: The National War Memorial, an incredible 40-acre monument that recognizes and honors those who have given their lives fighting wars while serving in the nation’s armed forces. A project of that stature commands only the best of products. MYK LATICRETE shouldered the responsibility of providing floor installation solutions and the STELLAR grout, a high performance modified joint filling grout with a no-sag formula featured prominently. Used across a stone floor spanning 4,00,000 sqft, the joint filler ticked all the right boxes. Given that the area is so large and the job at hand so meticulous, the grout’s easy-to-use, flexible single component formula came to the rescue, helping complete the project without a lot of hassle and within the required timeframe. Functionality-wise, it is non-cracking and -powdering, helping preserve the timelessness of the monument. The product’s superior durability, chemical/stain protection, and UV and temperature-resistance only added to its life-extending properties by saving the floor from the extreme temperatures of Delhi and keeping it looking pristine. Versatile as it is, it also lent excellent colour uniformity through the Parchment and Canyon red colors of the grout.
This demonstrates that no matter the industry standards, MYK LATICRETE’s products have shown to outperform!