Tempo
Tempo is a setting retarder developed specifically for Vicat Prompt Natural Cement. Manufactured from 100% food-grade citric acid, it is used to extend the working time of Prompt, allowing greater flexibility during mixing, application, and finishing.
Prompt Natural Cement is renowned for its extremely rapid set, often beginning to set within minutes. Tempo slows this process, making Prompt easier to use for repairs, tanking, pointing, mouldings, casting work, and specialist restoration projects where additional working time is required.
Technical Data
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Product Type | Setting Retarder |
| Composition | 100% Food-Grade Citric Acid |
| Designed For | Vicat Prompt Natural Cement |
| Recommended Dosage | Approx. 1 Capful (7g) per Litre of Prompt |
| Typical Site Dosage | 1 Bottle per 25kg Bag of Prompt |
| Setting Time Without Tempo | Approx. 2 Minutes at 20°C |
| Setting Time With Recommended Dosage | Approx. 15 Minutes at 20°C |
| Packaging | Pre-Measured Bottle |
| Application | Internal & External |
Key Benefits
Extends Working Time
Increases the working time of Prompt Natural Cement, providing more time for mixing, placement, and finishing.
Designed Specifically for Prompt
Developed by Vicat for use with Prompt Natural Cement and Prompt-based mortars, renders, and repair materials.
Easy Dosing
Supplied in pre-measured bottles for simple and consistent site use.
Adjustable Performance
The degree of retardation varies depending on dosage and temperature, allowing setting times to be adapted to site conditions.
Maintains Prompt Performance
Vicat technical literature states that Prompt mortars maintain their compressive strength performance when used with the recommended Tempo dosage.
Biodegradable
Manufactured from food-grade citric acid, a biodegradable material widely used within construction and food-processing industries.
Typical Applications
| Application | Suitability |
| Prompt Mortars | ✓ |
| Prompt Renders | ✓ |
| Tanking Systems | ✓ |
| Rapid Repair Mortars | ✓ |
| Heritage Restoration | ✓ |
| Decorative Mouldings | ✓ |
| Casting Work | ✓ |
| Specialist Masonry Repairs | ✓ |
Why Use Tempo?
Prompt Natural Cement can begin setting within minutes, particularly in warm conditions. Tempo provides a simple and reliable method of extending the working time, allowing larger batches to be mixed and improving ease of application on more detailed or complex projects.
By extending the set while maintaining the key performance characteristics of Prompt, Tempo helps make rapid-setting natural cement more practical for everyday use on site.
Installation Overview
1. Measure
Use the recommended quantity of Tempo relative to the volume of Prompt being mixed.
2. Mix
Add Tempo to the dry Prompt before introducing sand and water.
3. Application
Apply the mortar or render within the available working time.
4. Monitor Conditions
Setting times will vary depending on temperature and site conditions.
5. Clean Equipment
Clean tools immediately after use before the mortar begins to harden.
