Culminal, Culminal Plus, and Combizell cellulose ethers

Words: Dan Kamys

Thin-bed mortar www.ashland.com

Thin-bed mortar is becoming a widely used, multi-functional approach to tiling, providing extended installation time, greater flexibility and strong adhesion. The popularity of large porcelain and stoneware tiles fixed on vertical substrates demands high-performance ceramic tile adhesive with outstanding sag resistance (high yield stress). Culminal and Combizell cellulose ethers help dry mortars to be applied more easily and to perform better, according to Ashland. All three products provide water retention and cohesiveness to mixtures. Key mortar benefits include the following:

  • Controlled thickening
  • Adjusted water demand and improved workability
  • Good open time and pot life
  • Reduced sag and increased strength
  • Compatibility with different electrolytes such as salts and alkali.


Ashland also supplies a wide range of Jaypol acrylates for D1 and D2 categories of latex based tile adhesives.

LVCC: N212

Making Old Brickwork Look New Again
September 2026

Brickwork is built to last, but mortar isn’t. Over time, exposure to moisture, freeze-thaw cycles, and everyday wear causes joints to crack, crumble, and even recede. What starts as a cosmetic issue can quickly turn into a structural concern if left unadd

Why Joint Profiles Matter In Masonry Restoration
September 2026

For generations, masonry structures have been defined not only by the brick, block, or stone used in construction, but also by the mortar joints that tie everything together. Whether restoring a historic brick facade, repairing natural stone veneer, or re

Designed for the Way Contractors Work Today
September 2026

Every piece of equipment tells a story about the challenges contractors face. For more than 30 years, the EZG Manufacturing team has listened to those stories—through customer relationships, job site visits, dealer feedback, a

Chemicals In Masonry
September 2026

Mason contractors must deal with chemicals on the job site. One of the main ones comes in the form of dust. Another is acid. From high-rise commercial structures to residential facades, masonry work involves handling raw materials that require careful man