MasterTile4 C1 Polymer-Modified Cementitious Adhesive — Internal Ceramic Tiling
High-performance cementitious powder adhesive blended with Portland cement, graded sand, and organic polymer. Engineered for ceramic wall and floor tile fixing in internal applications — including kitchens, showers, and wet process areas — with reliable performance in institutional and high-traffic conditions.
Internal Use Only — MasterTile 4 is formulated for internal ceramic tiling. For any external scope (building entrances, cladding, podium decks), specify MasterTile 30 instead.
Performs reliably with a wide cured service range of −30°C to +100°C and water-resistant performance suited to UAE wet areas. Its economical, easy-mixing formula and consistent batch-to-batch quality make it a practical workhorse for the high volume of internal ceramic tiling across UAE residential, commercial, and institutional fit-outs in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah — used over properly installed wet-area waterproofing systems.
P.O Box 2806, Industrial Area 15, Sharjah UAE — expert coordination, authentic supply, site-ready delivery.
What is MasterTile 4?
MasterTile 4 is a high-performance, polymer-modified cementitious tile adhesive formulated with Portland cement, graded sand, and selected additives to provide excellent bond strength, durability, and water resistance. It is designed for fixing ceramic wall and floor tiles in internal applications — making it ideal for kitchens, bathrooms, showers, residential properties, commercial buildings, and institutional facilities.
Suitable for both new construction and renovation projects, MasterTile 4 offers reliable adhesion, easy application, and long-lasting tiling performance in dry and wet interior environments. As a precision-made, economical C1 adhesive, it is the practical choice for the high volume of standard internal ceramic tiling on UAE fit-out projects.
Ideal For
Key Performance Benefits
- Water resistant — suitable for internal wet areas including showers and kitchens
- Precision made — consistent powder formulation for reliable mixing every batch
- Easy to use — straightforward mixing and application for site crews
- Economical — cost-effective choice for standard internal ceramic tiling
- For walls and floors — versatile across both vertical and horizontal applications
- High adhesive bond strength — minimum tensile adhesion of 0.5 N/mm²
- Wide cured service temperature range — stable from −30°C to +100°C
- Institutional and high-traffic rated — suited to demanding internal environments
Technical Properties
| Base Material | Portland cement, graded sand, organic polymer |
| Colour | Grey or White |
| Classification | C1 (BS EN 12004) |
| Plastic Density | 1,800 kg/m³ |
| Tensile Adhesion | ≥ 0.5 N/mm² |
| Service Temperature | −30°C to +100°C |
| Application Temperature | +5°C to +35°C |
| Standards | BS 5980; BS EN 12004 (C1); ANSI 118.1 |
Application Parameters
| Method | Notched trowel; combed & buttered for vertical |
| Mixing Ratio | 3.6–4.0 L water per 20 kg bag |
| Slaking Time | Stand 5 minutes, then re-mix |
| Application Thickness | 3–6 mm (cover studs/keys) |
| Working Area | Max. 1 m² per batch before fixing |
| Recommended Use | Internal ceramic wall & floor only |
| For External Work | Use MasterTile 30 instead |
| Tool Cleaning | Wash with water while fresh |
Substrates & Priming
| Suitable Substrates | Concrete, screeds, renders, blockwork, plasterboard, cement board, calcium silicate board, aerated concrete, primed existing tiles |
| Absorbent Substrates | Prime with MasterTile P 302 |
| Tile-on-Tile | Prime existing tiles with MasterTile P 303 |
Application Guide — UAE Site Conditions
Follow these steps to achieve reliable bond strength and consistent results for internal ceramic tiling under UAE site conditions. Always refer to the current Master Builders TDS.
Surface Preparation
All surfaces must be clean, dimensionally stable, sound, and free from all traces of oil, grease, mould release agent, and curing compound. Ensure tiles are dry and free of contaminants. Concrete, screeds, renders, and blockwork should be cured sufficiently that all shrinkage movement has occurred before tiling. Prime very absorbent substrates — plasterboard, cement board, calcium silicate board, and aerated concrete — with MasterTile P 302. For tile-on-tile, prime the existing tiles with MasterTile P 303 before applying MasterTile 4.
Preparing the Mix
Add MasterTile 4 to cool, clean water at a rate of approximately 3.6–4.0 litres per 20 kg bag. Place approximately 4 litres of gauging water in a clean mixing vessel, then add the powder and mix to a uniform, lump-free consistency. Allow to stand for 5 minutes before use, then re-mix briefly. Full bags should ideally be mixed in a forced-action mixer; part bags using a slow-speed drill and mixing paddle.
Applying the Adhesive
Apply MasterTile 4 to a uniform thickness of 3 to 6 mm, or sufficient to cover the studs or keys on the tile back. Work in areas of not more than 1 m² at a time before fixing tiles. Solid bed fixing is recommended for all horizontal applications and for ceramic tiles generally; the adhesive can additionally be buttered onto the tile backs to ensure full contact. For vertical applications, comb the adhesive bed horizontally with a notched trowel to remove excess.
Installing Tiles
Tiles should be dry and fixed by pressing into place with a slight twisting motion, ensuring the tile back achieves full contact with the adhesive. Check coverage periodically by lifting a placed tile to confirm full adhesive transfer to the back, especially on floor and wet-area installations.
Curing & Protection
Allow the installation to cure undisturbed before exposing the tiled area to traffic or moisture. Refer to the ANSI 118.1 tile shear strength performance, measured after 24 hours, as a general guide for early-stage handling care.
Post-Application Performance
Once cured, MasterTile 4 delivers a tensile adhesion strength of at least 0.5 N/mm² and remains stable across a service temperature range of −30°C to +100°C. Suitable for ceramic wall and floor tiling in kitchens, showers, wet process areas, and institutional or high-traffic internal environments across UAE residential, commercial, and institutional projects.
Internal Use Only
MasterTile 4 is formulated for internal ceramic tiling only. Do not use externally — for building entrances, cladding, podium decks, or any exterior scope, specify MasterTile 30, which is built for external thermal and weather exposure.
Work in 1 m² Sections
Apply no more than 1 m² per batch before fixing tiles. In UAE heat the adhesive skins quickly — spreading too far ahead means tiles are pressed into a skinned bed, drastically reducing bond strength.
Prime Absorbent Substrates
Plasterboard, cement board, calcium silicate board, and aerated concrete must be primed with MasterTile P 302 first; existing tiles with P 303. Skipping priming on absorbent UAE substrates pulls water from the adhesive and weakens the bond.
Recommended System Products
Combine MasterTile 4 with these compatible tile fixing, grouting, and surface preparation systems for complete ceramic and porcelain tile installation projects across residential, commercial, and institutional applications. All stocked by Highway BMT.