AltroFix™ W139
Polyurethane wall cladding adhesive
6.5 kg container for 2.5 m sheets
8 kg container for 3.0 m sheets
Product description
This is the ideal adhesive for all types of Altro wall cladding in all locations.
You can use AltroFix W139 in all the areas where you would typically install Altro Whiterock or Altro Fortis wall cladding systems and Altro Walls ShowerKits, from hygienic environments to corridors, kitchens and bathrooms, in both new and refurbishment projects. The reason it’s so versatile is that it has excellent adhesion properties to all the sound substrates that are used for internal wall construction.
AltroFix W139 is a two-part polyurethane adhesive system. Trowel applied, it gives a firm bond in a cure time of 4 - 6 hours.
It’s available in two sizes: 6.5 kg and 8 kg. As this is a two-part adhesive, you have to mix two components before you start, known as Part A and Part B, but each size container comes with the correct quantities for mixing already measured and separated out, so you don’t have to worry about getting the measuring right.
To help with installation, we’ve coloured this adhesive cream, so you can see exactly where you’ve spread it as you install.
Frequently asked questions
Where can I use this product?
You can use it anywhere you install Altro Whiterock or Altro Fortis wall cladding systems and Altro Walls ShowerKits including hygienic environments, corridors, kitchens and bathrooms, in both new and refurbishment projects.
What prep do I need?
Substrates need to be sound and free from all surface contaminates. Clean any contamination from the surface using appropriate methods and allow the surface to dry. Stabilise dusty or friable surfaces using a stabilising solution of Unibond PVA diluted 1:10 with water or Altro Primer Seal (Ref: AGCPNF/01). Apply both stabilisers with a brush or roller and allow them to dry.
All substrates need to be dry to 16% WME (Wood Moisture Equivalent) on Protimeter ‘Surveymaster’ equipment.
What substrates can it I use it on?
Suitable substrates include good quality fairfaced brick or blockwork, well-aligned joints bagged up flush, straight to within 3 mm over a 2 m straight edge, brick and blocks to be flush with adjacent ones, and sand and cement rendering. AltroFix W139 is suitable for plasterboard, plywood, MDF, plaster and ceramic tiles, which are securely bonded to the substrate and thoroughly degreased, or certain sound painted surfaces (subject to an adhesive test).
What skill level do I need to use this product?
This product is suitable for use by professional installers or those with extensive experience of working with flooring adhesives. If you have any doubts about whether you have the right skill level to use it, please call us in advance to discuss.
How do I mix it?
Part A is a viscous cream coloured paste supplied in plastic tubs. Part B is a catalyst supplied in foil bags. Pour the contents of Part B into the plastic container holding Part A and mix thoroughly until you achieve a uniform consistency throughout.
We recommend that you use a slow speed drill with a paddle attachment to ensure complete mixing. Scrape the sides of the container thoroughly during this process. Take care to avoid spilling any as you mix, as you could stain the floor surface if you do. Only ever mix full packs.
How do I apply it?
Make sure the back of the PVCu sheet is clean and free of surface contaminates such as grease and dust before you start.
Apply the adhesive to the back of the sheet as soon as possible before the adhesive thickens. Apply the adhesive approximately 15 mm from the edges using a 5 mm x 5 mm square-notched trowel, producing a coverage of approximately 2.1 kg/m2. Once you have finished applying the adhesive, immediately apply the sheet to the wall.
Apply pressure to the whole surface area of the sheet to ensure transfer and a good overall bond. Use Altro double-sided tapes (Ref: A815) to help with your initial contact to the substrate.
On completion, do not expose the installation to a temperature variation of + or - 5ºC until the adhesive cures.
What equipment do I need to apply this adhesive?
- 5 mm x 5 mm square-notched trowel
- Altro double-sided tape (Ref: A815)
You can buy the above trowel from most distributors or large DIY retailers and the double-sided tape from Altro.
How do I store this adhesive?
On site it is essential that you store AltroFix W139 at ambient temperatures of approximately 14°C as the storage temperature determines the viscosity of the compound. If you store the adhesive in cold conditions, it will not spread easily and you will achieve less coverage. If you store it in extreme heat conditions, Part B can deteriorate.
What is its shelf life?
6 months from date of manufacture if stored in its original sealed container.
What are the recommended installation temperatures?
The recommended ambient temperature is 14°C.
We recommend you install the PVCu wall sheet at the approximate ambient service temperature intended for the area once the project is complete and the area is in use. This is to ensure that you do not exceed expansion parameters.
Do not use the adhesive if the temperature is below +5°C.
What are the setting and curing times?
The setting and curing times depend on site working temperatures.
As a general guide, at recommended ambient temperature of 14ºC
- Initial tack time: 45-60 minutes
- Initial setting time: 4-6 hours
- Full cure time: 24-36 hours
What coverage will I get?
AltroFix W139 adhesive comes in 6.5 kg and 8 kg pack sizes.
A 6.5kg tub of adhesive covers a 2.5 m x 1.22 m PVCu sheet, (approximately 2.1 kg/m2).
An 8 kg tub of adhesive covers a 3 m x 1.22 m PVCu sheet, (approximately 2.1 kg/m2).
We base coverages on applications with a 5 mm x 5 mm notched trowel.
How do I clean my equipment and the installation area?
Remove excess adhesive and wipe clean with solvent wipes or turps.
What is the pot life of the mix?
15-20 mins at 20°C.
What is the open time?
80 mins at 20°C.
What is the set to light foot traffic time?
6 hours at 20°C.
What is the time before putting into service?
24 hours at 20°C.
What other adhesives do you offer?
Health and Safety Advice
As from 24 August 2023 adequate training is required before industrial or professional use. Click here to see more.
Before using this adhesive, users should refer to the SDS (Safety Data Sheet) for correct safety guidance and to determine the level of PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) and RPE (Respiratory Protective Equipment) that are required. A COSHH (Control of Substances Hazardous to Health) assessment and risk assessment should be carried out before using this adhesive.
Ensure the area is adequately ventilated. In the case of contact with eyes or skin, rinse immediately
with plenty of water and seek medical advice. Whilst the adhesive does not normally cause skin irritation, epoxy / polyurethanes are potential sensitisers, which means they can lead to dermatitis reactions in sensitive persons.
Always wear correct protective clothing such as gloves, overalls and safety glasses to ward against splashes while mixing.
For more information specifically about Health and Safety and Parts A and B, please refer to the datasheet.
Where can I find out more technical information?
If you have any queries please call our Customer Care Centre on 01462 489516.
Download our datasheet AltroFix W139.