Gripset Xpress Primer H2O Plus: A Technical Overview
Gripset Xpress Primer H2O Plus is a water-based, rapid-drying primer engineered to allow waterproofing membranes to be applied to damp or porous surfaces within 30 minutes of priming. Developed for internal and external use, it provides deep substrate penetration, sealing residual surface moisture and delivering strong adhesion to subsequent coating layers. This low-VOC, solvent-free formulation improves efficiency on wet-weather projects, reduces downtime, and is safe for use in occupied environments.
Core Features & Specifications
- Allows membrane application to damp (not wet) surfaces in as little as 30 minutes.
- Water-based, solvent-free, and low VOC for safer application.
- Penetrates and seals porous substrates to prevent pinholing or blistering in membranes.
- Compatible with the complete Gripset membrane range.
- Improves bond strength between substrate and membrane/adhesive.
- Suitable for internal and external use.
- Can be applied by brush, roller, or spray.
The Gripset Xpress Primer Advantage
- Reduces project delays caused by damp surface conditions.
- Enhances waterproofing system performance by sealing porous substrates.
- Non-flammable and safe for confined or enclosed spaces.
- Single-coat application saves labour and material costs.
- Fast turnaround between priming and membrane application increases productivity.
Proactive Troubleshooting
Scenario: Applying to surfaces with visible water pooling
Potential Outcome: Reduced adhesion, membrane blistering, or failure.
Adheseal Best Practice: Remove standing water and ensure only surface dampness remains before applying Xpress Primer H2O Plus.
Scenario: Using with non-compatible coatings
Potential Outcome: Delamination or poor performance of topcoat/membrane.
Adheseal Best Practice: Only overcoat with Gripset membranes or compatible adhesives/coatings as specified in the TDS.
Applications in Practice: Trade Scenarios
For Waterproofers: Rapid Turnaround on Damp Concrete Slabs
The Professional's Challenge
Rain delays can leave concrete slabs damp for days, pushing project schedules back.
The Adheseal Solution
Xpress Primer H2O Plus bonds to damp concrete, enabling membrane installation within 30 minutes and avoiding costly downtime.
Best Practice Note
Ensure the surface is free of surface water and contaminants before priming.
For Tilers: Priming Porous Masonry in Variable Weather
The Professional's Challenge
Porous blockwork can absorb moisture quickly, especially in humid or rainy weather, affecting adhesive performance.
The Adheseal Solution
Xpress Primer H2O Plus seals and stabilises the substrate, ensuring consistent adhesive bond strength regardless of minor residual dampness.
Best Practice Note
Prime early in the day to allow membrane or adhesive installation to proceed without weather delays.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply Gripset Xpress Primer H2O Plus to wet surfaces?
No. The primer is suitable for damp surfaces but not for those with visible water or pooling. Remove standing water before application.
How quickly can I overcoat after applying the primer?
Waterproofing membranes can typically be applied within 30 minutes of priming at 23 °C and 50% RH. Cooler temperatures or high humidity may extend drying time.
Which substrates is Xpress Primer H2O Plus compatible with?
It bonds to damp or dry concrete, screeds, renders, masonry, fibre cement sheeting, and blockwork. Always ensure surfaces are clean and structurally sound before application.
Can I use this primer for immersed or negative pressure conditions?
No. It is not recommended for submerged or negative hydrostatic pressure situations. Use Gripset E60 or another moisture barrier system in those cases.
Is it safe to use indoors?
Yes. The water-based, low-VOC formulation makes it safe for use in enclosed or occupied spaces, provided adequate ventilation is maintained.
Applications & Benefits
Typical Applications
- Priming damp concrete slabs prior to applying Gripset waterproof membranes.
- Sealing porous screeds, renders, or masonry before membrane or adhesive installation.
- Preparing fibre cement sheeting in wet weather conditions to prevent delays.
- Stabilising porous blockwork to ensure uniform membrane coverage and adhesion.
- Internal or external use where substrate dampness is present but drying time is limited.
Key Benefits
- Fast-drying – overcoat with membranes in as little as 30 minutes.
- Water-based, low-VOC, and solvent-free for safer indoor and outdoor use.
- Excellent penetration into porous substrates for optimal membrane adhesion.
- Minimises weather-related project delays.
- Single-coat application reduces labour and material costs.
- Compatible with full Gripset waterproofing membrane system range.
- Non-flammable and safe in confined or enclosed spaces.
Application Guide
1. Surface Preparation
- Ensure substrate is sound, clean, and free from dust, oil, grease, curing compounds, and loose particles.
- Remove any standing water—only surface dampness should remain.
- Repair cracks, voids, or damaged areas prior to priming.
2. Mixing
- Product is supplied ready-to-use—no dilution required.
- Stir contents thoroughly before application to ensure consistency.
3. Application
- Apply a single, even coat by brush, roller, or spray to cover the entire surface.
- Avoid over-application or pooling, particularly on smooth surfaces.
- Coverage: Approximately 1 L per 6–10 m² depending on substrate porosity.
4. Drying Time
- Tack-free and ready for overcoating in approximately 30 minutes at 23°C, 50% RH.
- Drying times will extend in cooler temperatures or high humidity.
5. Overcoating
- Overcoat with Gripset waterproofing membranes, tile adhesives, or compatible coatings as specified.
- Do not use solvent-based products directly over the primer.
6. Environmental Conditions
- Apply between 5°C and 35°C in dry, well-ventilated conditions.
- Avoid application during rain or when rain is expected before product has dried.
7. Clean-up
- Clean equipment with water immediately after use.
- Dried material may require mechanical removal.
Limitations & Safety
Limitations
- Not suitable for application over surfaces with visible water or pooling.
- Not intended for submerged conditions or negative hydrostatic pressure applications.
- Do not apply if ambient or substrate temperature is below 5°C or above 35°C.
- Avoid application during rain or if rain is expected before drying.
- Only use with Gripset waterproofing membranes, tile adhesives, or other compatible coatings as per TDS recommendations.
Safety & Handling
- Read and follow the product Safety Data Sheet (SDS) before use.
- Wear suitable PPE: gloves, safety glasses, and protective clothing.
- Ensure adequate ventilation during application.
- Avoid contact with skin and eyes. Rinse immediately with clean water if contact occurs.
- Do not ingest. If swallowed, seek immediate medical advice.
- Keep out of reach of children.
Storage & Shelf Life
- Store in original, unopened containers in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and frost.
- Shelf life: 12 months from date of manufacture when stored as recommended.
- Dispose of any unused product and empty containers in accordance with local regulations.
Gripset Xpress Primer H2O Plus Application Guide by Substrate
Concrete (Damp or Dry)
Surface Preparation
Ensure the surface is clean and free from contaminants, laitance, curing compounds, or standing water. Remove dust and debris by sweeping, vacuuming, or light abrasive methods.
Primer Requirements
Apply Xpress Primer H2O Plus directly to damp or dry concrete. Suitable for rapid membrane installation within 30 minutes under normal conditions.
Gripset Xpress Primer H2O Plus – approx. 1 L per 6–10 m²Screeds & Renders
Surface Preparation
Remove laitance, loose particles, and contaminants. Ensure only surface dampness remains before priming—no visible surface water.
Primer Requirements
Apply a single coat of Xpress Primer H2O Plus by brush, roller, or spray. Allow to dry tack-free before overcoating.
Gripset Xpress Primer H2O Plus – approx. 1 L per 6–10 m²Masonry & Blockwork
Surface Preparation
Clean thoroughly to remove dirt, efflorescence, and contaminants. Repair cracks or voids before priming. Suitable for slightly damp substrates.
Primer Requirements
Prime with Xpress Primer H2O Plus to seal and stabilise porous surfaces, ensuring consistent adhesion of membranes or adhesives.
Gripset Xpress Primer H2O Plus – approx. 1 L per 6–10 m²Fibre Cement Sheeting
Surface Preparation
Ensure sheeting is securely fixed and free from dust and debris. Lightly damp surfaces are acceptable—do not apply to saturated sheets.
Primer Requirements
Apply evenly with a brush, roller, or spray. Allow to dry tack-free before applying waterproofing membranes.
Gripset Xpress Primer H2O Plus – approx. 1 L per 6–10 m²Moisture & Environmental Conditions
Surface Preparation
Ensure no visible water is present on the surface. Ambient and substrate temperatures should be between 5°C and 35°C during application and drying.
Primer Requirements
Xpress Primer H2O Plus is for damp surface priming, not for submerged or negative pressure conditions. For high moisture or immersion, use a suitable moisture barrier.
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