For priming damp or green concrete before applying BITUTHENE LM, AQUAGARD polyurethane, or NEWFLEX water-based membranes, Epocote F100W Clear Epoxy Primer provides a fully-bonded, chemically resistant foundation. It also functions as a clear sealer on tiles and step risers to block efflorescence and calcium leachate staining from marring the finished surface.
Epocote F100W Clear is a two-pack, water-based epoxy system. It penetrates porous concrete substrates to establish a strong mechanical bond, even when the concrete is damp or green (up to a 10% maximum moisture content). By forming a tough, continuous barrier, the cured epoxy prevents moisture and soluble salts from migrating to the surface, which stops efflorescence on tiled step risers and protects overlying waterproofing membranes from moisture-induced adhesion failure. The low-odour, low-VOC formulation is mixed in a simple 100:100 ratio by weight or volume, offering a long pot life for practical application without early gelling in the pot.
For porous concrete substrates prone to pinholes, dilute the first coat of Epocote F100W Clear with 10% clean water to seal the pores. Apply the second coat undiluted within 24 hours. For non-porous or standard damp concrete, apply the product undiluted by brush or roller.
To mix, add Part B to Part A and mix for 3 minutes using a slow-speed mixer. Allow the mixture to stand for 5 minutes, then re-mix before starting application. Clean tools immediately with water while the epoxy is uncured; xylene can be used to help remove gelled material.
Concrete substrates must have a minimum strength grade of 25 MPa and be moist-cured as required by AS 3600. The minimum age of the concrete before waterproofing membrane application is 14 to 28 days, depending on concrete thickness and the specific GCP primer selected. Detail all joints and penetrations according to NCC, AS 4654.2 (for external above-ground areas), and AS 3740 (for internal wet areas) before priming begins.
Yes, this primer is specifically designed to bond to damp or 'green' concrete with up to 10% moisture content. This allows earlier membrane application, helping keep projects on schedule where traditional primers would cause delays.
It acts as a sealer, creating a barrier on porous surfaces like concrete or tiles. This barrier prevents moisture from rising through the substrate, which is the cause of efflorescence and calcium leachate staining on finished surfaces.
The maximum recoat time is 24 hours at 20°C. For two-coat applications, apply the second undiluted coat within this window to ensure proper intercoat adhesion and optimal performance.
No, EPOCOTE™ F100W Clear is a primer and sealer, not a structural repair material. Concrete substrates must be structurally sound and meet a minimum strength grade of 25 MPa before application.
| Application | Key benefit | Primary trades |
|---|---|---|
| Primer for waterproofing membranes on damp concrete | Bonds effectively to concrete with up to 10% moisture, allowing earlier application of BITUTHENE™ LM, AQUAGARD™, and NEWFLEX™ membranes. This reduces project delays. | Waterproofers, Concrete contractors |
| Sealer for efflorescence prevention on tiles/concrete | Prevents efflorescence and calcium leachate staining on porous surfaces. This maintains the aesthetic finish and prevents callbacks. | Tilers, Concrete finishers, Builders |
| Primer for 'green' concrete for waterproofing | Compatible with concrete aged 14-28 days, speeding up construction timelines by reducing waiting periods before membrane application. | Waterproofers, Builders |
| General concrete priming where low VOC is required | Very low VOC and low odour formulation allows for use in sensitive indoor environments without significant disruption or hazardous fumes. | All trades working in occupied spaces |
| Application / Use Case | Key Benefit | Primary Trades |
|---|---|---|
| Primer on damp or "green" concrete slabs | Accelerates project timelines by reducing the standard concrete cure wait time. | Waterproofers, Builders, Flooring Contractors |
| Sealer to prevent efflorescence and leachate staining | Ensures a clean, high-quality aesthetic finish and prevents costly callbacks for staining issues. | Tilers, Remedial Contractors, Landscapers |
| Foundation primer for polyurethane and water-based membranes | Creates a tenacious, reliable bond, ensuring the long-term performance of the entire waterproofing system. | Waterproofers, Remedial Contractors |
Signal word: Warning
EPOCOTE™ F100W Clear contains ingredients that can cause skin and serious eye irritation, and may cause an allergic skin reaction. Read the SDS before use.
Wear protective gloves (rubber), safety glasses with side shield protection, and appropriate body protection. Wash contaminated clothing before reuse.
Ensure adequate ventilation during application. Use only outdoors or in a well-ventilated area.
Store in original, tightly sealed containers in a dry, cool place, protected from frost. Shelf life is 12 months from the date of manufacture. Do not allow product to reach sewage systems. Dispose of contents and container according to local and national regulations.
Proper substrate preparation is critical for the bond strength and performance of EPOCOTE™ F100W Clear. Neglecting prep can lead to premature failure of membranes or coatings.
Surface prep: Ensure concrete is structurally sound with a minimum strength grade of 25 MPa, moist-cured as per AS 3600, and aged at least 14-28 days depending on thickness. Remove all dust, laitance, loose matter, oil, curing compounds, and release agents. Surface moisture content must not exceed 10%.
Primer: Required. EPOCOTE™ F100W Clear is designed to bond directly to prepared damp concrete as a primer for specified waterproofing membranes.
Surface prep: The substrate must be clean, smooth, and free of all contaminants. Remove any laitance or loose material. For porous concrete prone to pinholes, a first coat diluted 10% with clean water may be necessary.
Primer: Optional. Can be used as a sealer coat to prevent efflorescence and calcium leachate. Apply undiluted as a second coat within 24 hours if diluted first coat was used.
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Mix Ratio (by wt or vol) | 100:100 |
| Solids Content (undiluted) | 40% |
| Pot Life | 60 minutes @ 25°C |
| Tack Free Time (0.1mm) | 2-4 hours @ 25°C / 60% RH |
| Application Relative Humidity | <80% |
| Application Temperature | 10°C to 35°C |
| Maximum Re-coat Time | 24 hrs @ 20°C |
| Coverage | 0.25 kg/m² (4m²/litre) |
| Concrete Minimum Strength Grade | 25 MPa |
| Concrete Minimum Age | 14-28 days |
| Density at 20°C | 1.5 g/cm³ |
| Flashpoint | >100 °C |
| Water Solubility | Insoluble |
| Shelf Life | 12 months |
Here are some common examples on where GCP Epocote F100W Clear Epoxy Primer used by our customers.
