How Long Do Ardex Adhesives Take to Dry?

One of the most common questions installers ask before laying a floor is, "How long does the adhesive take to dry?" The answer depends on both the product being used and what stage of the installation you're referring to.

With flooring adhesives, "drying time" can mean several different things. Some installers are referring to how long they need to wait before laying the floor covering, while others mean how long the adhesive needs before the floor can be walked on or put back into service.

Ardex technical data sheets use three key terms to describe adhesive timings: airing time, working time and open time. Understanding these definitions will help you choose the right adhesive and plan your installation more effectively.

Understanding Adhesive Timings

Before comparing products, it's useful to understand the terminology used throughout the Ardex technical data sheets.

Airing Time

Airing time is the period after the adhesive has been applied to the subfloor before the floor covering should be installed.

This allows the adhesive to reach the correct consistency for the chosen installation method. The required airing time varies depending on the adhesive, the absorbency of the subfloor and the ambient site conditions.

Working Time

Working time is the length of time the adhesive remains suitable for installing the floor covering after the airing time has elapsed.

During this period, the flooring should be positioned and rolled in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations.

Open Time

Open time is the total amount of time available from applying the adhesive until it is no longer suitable for laying the floor covering. It is the combined airing time and working time.

Ardex Adhesive Timing Comparison

Product	Airing Time	Working Time	Open Time
Ardex AF145 (Pressure Sensitive)	20–40 minutes	Up to 30 minutes (LVT), up to 80 minutes (sheet vinyl)	Up to 100 minutes
Ardex AF145 (Wet Set)	5–20 minutes	Up to 45 minutes	Up to 50 minutes
Ardex AF175	5–10 minutes	Up to 15 minutes	Up to 20 minutes
Ardex AF195	5–15 minutes	Up to 30 minutes	Up to 35 minutes
Ardex AF825	10–60 minutes	Up to 24 hours	Up to 24 hours

Timings are based on the Ardex Technical Data Sheets and can vary depending on subfloor absorbency, temperature and site conditions.

Why Do Drying Times Vary?

Several factors can influence how quickly an adhesive reaches the correct stage for installation.

These include:

• The absorbency of the subfloor.
• Room temperature.
• Relative humidity.
• Ventilation.
• The thickness of the adhesive application.

Cooler temperatures or less absorbent subfloors may increase the airing time, while warmer conditions may reduce it. Always check the adhesive before installing the floor covering rather than relying solely on the published timings.

When Can You Walk on the Floor?

The time before a floor can be walked on varies between products.

For example, Ardex AF175 can typically be walked on after approximately two hours under normal conditions. Other adhesives may require longer before they are subjected to traffic or heavy loads, so it's important to follow the guidance provided in the relevant Ardex Technical Data Sheet.

Choosing the Right Adhesive

Although drying times are important, they shouldn't be the only factor when selecting an adhesive.

For example:

• Ardex AF145 offers flexibility by allowing both pressure sensitive and wet set installation methods.
• Ardex AF175 is fibre reinforced to help minimise lateral movement during LVT installation.
• Ardex AF195 is designed for installations exposed to high temperatures and areas of significant solar gain.
• Ardex AF825 is a pressure-sensitive surface tackifier developed for carpet tiles and selected underlays.

Final Thoughts

Understanding adhesive timings can help you plan installations more efficiently and achieve the best possible results. Rather than focusing solely on "drying time", it's important to understand the difference between airing time, working time and open time, as each stage plays a part in a successful installation.

At Floormart, we stock a wide range of Ardex flooring adhesives for LVT, vinyl, carpet tiles and commercial flooring projects. If you're unsure which adhesive is best suited to your application, our team can help you choose the right product for your flooring and installation requirements.