What is Styccobond F48 PLUS used for?
F48 PLUS is used to secure compatible vinyl sheet, vinyl tiles and rubber floorcoverings. It is particularly designed for areas where floors may be exposed to strong sunlight, solar gain or elevated temperatures.
Is F48 PLUS suitable for LVT flooring?
It can be used with many vinyl tile floorcoverings, including compatible LVT products. However, suitability should be confirmed using the latest F. Ball Recommended Adhesives Guide for the specific flooring brand and collection being installed.
What is the difference between F46 and F48 PLUS?
F46 is a pressure-sensitive adhesive that dries to a permanently tacky film. F48 PLUS is a fibre-reinforced wet-lay adhesive designed to withstand higher temperatures and strong solar gain. F48 PLUS is generally the more appropriate option for compatible flooring in conservatories and heavily glazed rooms, subject to the flooring manufacturer’s requirements.
Where should F48 PLUS be used?
It is particularly suitable for:
- Conservatories
- Rooms with floor-to-ceiling windows
- Areas with extensive glazing
- Spaces exposed to strong sunlight
- Locations subject to elevated floor temperatures
- Normal underfloor heating installations
How much area will a 15L tub cover?
A 15-litre tub covers up to approximately 82.5m², based on a coverage rate of up to 5.5m² per litre. Actual coverage will vary according to the condition and absorbency of the subfloor and the application method.
How quickly can flooring be installed?
Compatible floorcoverings may be installed from as little as five minutes after the adhesive has been applied. Site temperature, humidity and subfloor absorbency will affect the waiting time.
What is the open time of F48 PLUS?
The open time is up to approximately 30 minutes, depending on temperature, humidity and the absorbency of the subfloor. Only spread an area that can be covered while the adhesive remains receptive and provides good transfer.
Is F48 PLUS pressure sensitive?
No. F48 PLUS is a fibre-reinforced, fast-drying adhesive rather than a permanently tacky pressure-sensitive adhesive. The flooring must be installed while the adhesive remains receptive and able to transfer correctly to the backing.
Can F48 PLUS be used with underfloor heating?
Yes. It is suitable for use over normal underfloor heating systems. The heating must be switched off for at least 48 hours before, during and after application.
Can F48 PLUS be used for rubber flooring?
Yes, it can secure compatible rubber floorcoverings in sheet and tile form. F. Ball recommends using an A2 trowel and allowing the adhesive to reach a wet, pasty and tacky consistency before laying acclimatised rubber flooring.
Which subfloors can it be applied to?
F48 PLUS can be applied to correctly prepared:
- Concrete
- Sand and cement screeds
- Calcium sulphate or anhydrite screeds
- Plywood
- Flooring-grade chipboard
- Hardboard
- STOPGAP smoothing compounds
Can it be applied directly over asphalt or a waterproof membrane?
Not normally. Sound flooring-grade asphalt, STOPGAP waterproof surface membranes and certain non-absorbent surfaces must first be skimmed with at least 3mm of the appropriate STOPGAP smoothing compound.
Does the subfloor need to be dry?
Yes. The subfloor must normally be structurally sound, smooth, clean and below 75% relative humidity. Where the reading exceeds 75% RH, an appropriate STOPGAP waterproof surface membrane should be applied.
Does the subfloor need priming?
Highly absorbent surfaces may require priming to prevent the adhesive from drying too quickly. F. Ball specifies diluted STOPGAP P131 for certain absorbent surfaces and neat STOPGAP P121 for suitably prepared calcium sulphate screeds.
How should F48 PLUS be applied?
Stir the adhesive thoroughly and apply it evenly using an A2 or 1.5mm × 5mm V-notched trowel. Lay the flooring while the adhesive remains receptive, press from the centre outwards and roll in both directions using a 68kg flooring roller. Re-roll where necessary to maintain full contact.
Can furniture be placed on the floor immediately?
No. Loads and furniture should not be placed on the floorcovering until the adhesive has fully set. Stable ambient conditions should also be maintained during the first 24 hours after installation.
Should conservatory windows be shaded during installation?
Yes. F. Ball recommends shading conservatory and south-facing windows to prevent direct sunlight from drying the adhesive too quickly and to minimise large temperature fluctuations during curing.
Is F48 PLUS suitable for outdoor use?
It is intended for suitable internal flooring installations. It should not be treated as an exterior adhesive or waterproof surface membrane.
How should it be stored?
Store between 5°C and 30°C, keep the container protected from frost and ensure the lid is securely closed.
What is its shelf life?
The shelf life is approximately 12 months when stored unopened under good conditions.
Is F48 PLUS hazardous?
The current safety data sheet states that the product is not classified as hazardous under GB CLP regulations. It does contain preservatives that may cause an allergic reaction, so users should follow the safety data sheet and normal handling precautions.
