ARDEX X 78 Microtec Fiber Reinforced, Semi-Pourable, Polymer Modified Mortar, Flooring Underlayment for Tile and Stone, 40 Lbs Bag, Gray (12538)

Product Features:

• Large Format Tile Versatility: Designed specifically for large format tile installations, including large porcelain tile, ceramic tile, mosaic tile, marble tile, granite tile, and most natural stone tile, ensuring excellent coverage and consistent results on both floors and walls.
• Extended 60-Minute Open Time: Extended open time of up to 60 minutes, which is approximately double the ISO standard, allowing installers more flexibility for precise tile placement, alignment, and adjustment during demanding installations.
• Outstanding 105 Sq. Ft. Coverage: Exceptional coverage of up to 105 sq. ft. per bag when used with a 1/4" square-notch trowel, helping reduce material waste and improve installation efficiency on large tile projects.
• Advanced Microtec Bond Strength: Formulated with advanced Microtec technology to deliver unmatched shear resistance, superior bond strength, and enhanced flexibility, making it ideal for high-traffic residential and commercial areas.
• Flexible Polymer-Modified Performance: Polymer-modified thin-set mortar engineered to accommodate minor substrate movement, thermal expansion, and structural stress without compromising adhesion or performance.
• Wide Substrate Compatibility: Suitable for use over a wide range of substrates, including concrete, masonry, cement backer board, exterior-grade plywood, and compatible uncoupling membranes.
• Reliable Wet-Area Performance: Excellent performance in wet and intermittent wet areas such as bathrooms, kitchens, showers, steam rooms, pool surrounds, spas, and other moisture-exposed environments.
• Smooth Application and Transfer: Creamy, smooth, and easy-to-mix consistency that allows for effortless troweling, improved transfer, and excellent contact, often eliminating the need for back-buttering in most installations.
• ANSI-Compliant Tile Mortar: Meets or exceeds ANSI A118.4 and ANSI A118.11 standards, ensuring reliable performance for both interior and exterior tile and stone applications.
• Professional Installer Trusted: Trusted by professional tile installers and contractors for demanding installations requiring long working time, high bond strength, and consistent results.

Product Description:

ARDEX X 78™ MICROTEC® is a premium, fiber-reinforced, semi-pourable, polymer-modified tile and stone mortar engineered for demanding installations where superior bond strength, flexibility, shear resistance, and extended working time are essential. Developed with advanced MICROTEC® technology, this professional-grade thin-set mortar delivers reliable adhesion and excellent strength for large format tile installations in high-traffic residential and commercial environments. Its highly flexible formulation helps accommodate demanding installation conditions while supporting durable, long-lasting floor tile and natural stone applications.

This versatile tile adhesive can be used to set porcelain tile, glass tile, quarry tile, ceramic tile, cement tile, all types of mosaic tile, and most natural stone tile, including marble tile and granite tile. It is especially suited for large format tile installations over exterior concrete and masonry surfaces, as well as common interior substrates such as concrete, cementitious surfaces, and properly prepared exterior-grade plywood. ARDEX X 78 is designed for interior and exterior floors and horizontal surfaces, making it an excellent choice for kitchens, bathrooms, bathroom floors, shower floors, foyers, dining rooms, hallways, closed balconies, pool surrounds, spas, and other home improvement or commercial flooring projects.

The extended open time of up to 60 minutes is approximately double the ISO standard, giving professional tile installers and experienced DIY users more time to place, align, and adjust large porcelain tile, ceramic tile, stone tile, and mosaic tile without sacrificing bond performance. A working time of up to 15 minutes supports accurate tile positioning, while the generous 4-hour pot life helps installers complete larger flooring areas efficiently. Once installed, the tile can typically be grouted after 24 hours, helping support organized project scheduling and dependable installation results.

Its unique semi-pourable, creamy consistency makes the mortar exceptionally easy to mix, spread, and apply over large horizontal areas. The advanced transfer properties promote excellent contact between the tile and substrate, virtually eliminating the need to back-butter the tile in most installations when proper mortar coverage is achieved. Special additives also help minimize the risk of efflorescence, supporting a cleaner and more professional finished appearance. For mixing, use approximately 6 3/4 to 7 1/2 quarts of water per 40 lb. bag. For smaller batches, mix approximately 2 1/4 to 2 3/4 parts powder with 1 part water by volume.

ARDEX X 78 MICROTEC provides outstanding material coverage to help reduce waste and improve installation efficiency. One 40 lb. bag covers approximately 105 sq. ft. with a 1/4" x 1/4" square-notch trowel, 75 sq. ft. with a 1/4" x 3/8" x 1/4" square-notch trowel, or 50 sq. ft. with a 1/2" x 1/2" square-notch trowel. Available in gray and white with a VOC content of 0, this high-performance tile mortar is packaged in a 40 lb. net-weight bag and has a shelf life of up to one year when unopened and stored in a cool, dry area away from direct sunlight. Meeting or exceeding ANSI A118.4 and A118.11 requirements, ARDEX X 78 delivers the strength, flexibility, coverage, and installation control required for professional large format tile, bathroom tile, shower tile, floor tile, and natural stone projects.