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FAQ

Please select the product name below to show the frequently asked questions for that specific product.

  • What colors are available for VTF Novolac Grout?
    Standard colors are black, gray, beige, and yellow. Many additional colors are available but subject to a minimum order quantity.
  • Can narrow width joints be filled with ATLAS VTF Novolac Grout?
    ATLAS VTF Novolac Grout is capable of filling joint widths as narrow as 5/64″ to 1/8″ (2mm to 3mm).
  • Is ATLAS VTF Novolac Grout chemical resistant?
    It has very good chemical resistance to a wide range of acids, solvents, caustics, and many byproducts and cleaning compounds used in food, dairy, beverage, and other process flooring.
  • What is the best temperature range for the application of ATLAS VTF Novolac Grout?
    The optimal temperature range for the application of most ATLAS products is between 70ºF (21ºC) and 85oF (29ºC). Do not apply when room temperature is below 60ºF (16ºC) or above 100ºF (38ºC) or in direct sunlight.
  • How do I apply ATLAS VTF Novolac Grout?
    Do not proceed until the ATLAS VTF SETTING BED has been allowed to set long enough to support foot traffic. Disperse ATLAS VTF FILLER over the surface of the floor. Sweep it into the open joints. Be certain the joints are full. Sweep away as much excess filler as possible. Mix ATLAS VTF NOVOLAC GROUT RESIN and HARDENER per the stated ratio. Pour the material on the floor and slowly work the materials over the joints with a rubber squeegee. Continue to work the fresh material over the joints to allow the joints to become fully saturated. Remove excess. Lightly broadcast ATLAS VTF FINE on the surface of the floor. Approximately one pound of material should cover 10 to 15 square feet. Use a Raimondi 219 Maxitinita machine with grouting paddles to power grout the floor. Remove power grout residue using a squeegee. Lightly sprinkle the floor with water. We suggest the use of a conventional “garden-type” sprayer. Use enough water to emulsify the resin and hardener. Use the Raimondi machine with nylon buffing pad (3M 5300 blue cleaning pad) to begin cleaning the floor. Remove residue using a squeegee. Repeat this step with a clean white pad (3M 4100) and remove residue with a squeegee a second time. Remove any remaining residue with a mop or cellulose sponge. Use warm water with a small amount of dish detergent and change the water frequently. Apply sufficient pressure to remove residue but not enough to remove grout from the joints. Repeat cleaning until the surface is free of haze.
  • How much VTF Novolac Grout will I need?
    Due to the wide range of tile sizes and joint configurations, it is difficult to publish standard coverage information. We do have guidelines and can assist with theoretical material requirements based on specific project information. Please contact ATLAS’ Technical Service Department for more information.
  • How do I clean my tools and equipment?
    Nylon pad, soap and warm water will remove the materials referred to in this Data Sheet from mixing tools and equipment if cleaning is done immediately after use. Solvents, such as methyl ethyl ketone, toluene or xylene, will have to be used after the material has begun to harden. Fully hardened material will have to be removed by mechanical means. Dispose of residues and wastes in accordance with the directions in the Safety Data Sheets and government regulations.
  • What Altas VTF Setting Bed unit sizes are available?
    Our ATLAS VTF Novolac Grout is available in: • Two – 5-gal. pails of Resin (40 lb. [18.1 kg.] ea.) • One – 5-gal. pail of Hardener (36 lb. [16.3 kg.]) • ATLAS VTF Filler and Fine are packaged in 50 lb. (22.7 kg.) bags
  • What is the mix ratio of ATLAS VTF Novolac Grout?
    ATLAS VTF Novoloac Grout Resin Weight: 20 lb (9.0 kg) Volume: 278 fl. oz. (8.21 liters) ATLAS VTF Novolac Grout Hardener Weight: 9 lb (4.0 kg) Volume: 140 fl. oz. (4.13 liters)
  • How do I store ATLAS VTF Novolac Grout?
    Store all materials in a cool, dry place. Keep out of direct sunlight. In unopened, original containers most ATLAS materials can be stored for a minimum of one year.
  • Are there technical service representatives available?
    ATLAS maintains a staff of Technical Service Representatives who are available to assist you with the use of ATLAS products.
  • Are “dairy brick” or vitrified tile preferred to be set in Atlas VTF® Setting bed?
    Both are acceptable at the preference of the end user. Quarry tile, clinker tile, and many other masonry units can be set in Atlas VTF Setting Bed.
  • Can “self-spacing” or beveled vitrified tile be set in Atlas VTF® Setting bed?
    Absolutely. Atlas VTF Setting Bed was formulated to be the optimal setting bed for a wide range of vitrified tile shapes, sizes, and configurations.
  • Is concrete the only allowable substrate?
    No, Atlas VTF Setting Bed can be applied over sand cement, latex beds, or epoxy modified leveling beds.
  • How do I apply Atlas VTF® Setting Bed?
    The ATLAS VTF SETTING BED is best applied with a 3/16” V-notched trowel held at a 45-degree angle. We recommend placing a sufficient amount of ATLAS VTF SETTING BED to provide a continuous bond coat to the specified thickness.
  • Is there a moisture-tolerant formulation for going over damp concrete?
    Yes. Atlas VTF Setting Bed MT can be used on damp concrete. Standing water should be removed prior to application.
  • How soon can the MT formulation be installed after concrete is poured?
    Atlas VTF Setting Bed MT can be applied in as little as five (5) days after concrete is poured.
  • How do I mix Atlas VTF Setting Bed?
    Mixing of the components should be with a KOL type mixer with a 5-gallon capacity. The mixing speed should be between 60 and 75 RPM.
  • How much will I need to back-butter my grooved tile?
    To estimate the amount of back-buttering necessary for a 3/32” thickness setting bed calculate the number of units estimated and multiply by 0.4 for the number of additional units.
  • How do I clean my tools and equipment?
    The combination of steel wool, soap, and warm water will remove the product from mixing tool and equipment when done immediately after use. Solvents such as methyl ethyl ketone, toluene, or xylene will have to be used after material begins to set. Fully hardened material is best removed by mechanical means.
  • What Altas VTF Setting Bed unit sizes are available?
    Our ATLAS VTF SETTING BED units come in 32 lb. 10oz. and 171 lb. 30z.
  • How do I store the Altas VTF Setting Bed?
    Store all materials in a cool, dry environment. Keep all materials out of direct sunlight. Ideal storage temperature is 75℉ (24℃). Protect from freezing. In unopened original containers, the materials have a shelf life of approximately one year.
  • Are there technical service representatives available?
    ATLAS maintains a staff of Technical Service Representatives who are available to assist you with the use of ATLAS products.
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