Gripset OP Primer: A Technical Overview
Gripset OP Primer is a solvent-free, low-VOC, multipurpose primer designed for maximum bonding performance on non-porous and smooth substrates. Its specialised polymer chemistry delivers super adhesion and a textured finish to enhance the mechanical key between substrate and finish layers. Applied by brush or roller, OP Primer is tack-free within 30 minutes, allowing rapid progression to membrane or adhesive application. Suitable for internal and external use, it eliminates the hazards of solvent-based primers while maintaining the grip and durability professionals demand.
Core Features & Specifications
- Solvent-free formulation for improved safety and environmental compliance.
- Exceptional adhesion to non-porous substrates, including metals, tiles, and PVC.
- Low VOC for safer indoor application.
- Textured finish improves mechanical bond for subsequent coatings or adhesives.
- Fast drying – tack-free in 30 minutes for efficient workflow.
- Suitable for internal and external environments.
- Simple, single-coat application by brush or roller.
The Gripset OP Primer Advantage
- Ensures long-term adhesion on smooth and challenging substrates, reducing risk of delamination.
- Eliminates the need for hazardous solvent-based primers.
- Improves efficiency by allowing quick turnaround to membrane or adhesive application.
- Engineered for compatibility with the full Gripset membrane and adhesive range.
- Versatile performance across a wide range of approved substrates for reduced inventory needs.
Proactive Troubleshooting
Scenario: Applying over damp or moisture-laden substrates
Potential Outcome: Poor adhesion and possible membrane failure due to moisture entrapment.
Adheseal Best Practice: Ensure substrate moisture is within specification. For active moisture or rising damp, prime with Gripset E60 instead.
Scenario: Using solvent-based coatings directly over OP Primer
Potential Outcome: Solvent attack on primer layer, compromising adhesion and finish quality.
Adheseal Best Practice: Only use approved polymer-based membranes, adhesives, and coatings over OP Primer. Avoid solvent-based products.
Applications in Practice: Trade Scenarios
For Waterproofers (Specifier/Installer): Priming Metal Flashings
The Professional's Challenge
Metal flashings in wet areas often present adhesion challenges for membranes due to their smooth, non-porous surfaces.
The Adheseal Solution: Engineered Certainty in Practice
OP Primer creates a textured, high-grip surface that ensures Gripset membranes bond securely to metal, eliminating the risk of edge lift or membrane separation.
Best Practice Note
Apply OP Primer in a single, even coat and allow to dry tack-free before membrane application.
For Tilers (On-Site Applicator): Tiling Over Existing Ceramic
The Professional's Challenge
Direct tiling over existing glazed ceramic surfaces risks poor adhesion without mechanical preparation or priming.
The Adheseal Solution: Engineered Certainty in Practice
OP Primer chemically bonds to glazed ceramic and creates a textured mechanical key, allowing Gripset tile adhesives to achieve full bond strength.
Best Practice Note
Clean and degrease tile surfaces before priming to avoid contaminant entrapment under the primer layer.
Frequently Asked Questions
What surfaces can Gripset OP Primer be applied to?
Gripset OP Primer bonds to non-porous and smooth surfaces including metal flashings, PVC, ceramic tiles, natural stone, compressed fibre cement sheeting, and approved coatings. Contact RLA Technical for unlisted substrates.
How long does Gripset OP Primer take to dry?
It dries tack-free in approximately 30 minutes at 23°C and 50% RH. Drying may be extended in cooler or more humid conditions.
Can I use Gripset OP Primer in wet or immersed areas?
No. OP Primer is not suitable for immersed applications. In wet areas over existing tiles, it must be covered with an approved Gripset waterproof membrane before tiling.
Is OP Primer compatible with solvent-based coatings or adhesives?
No. Solvent-based products should not be applied directly over OP Primer as they may damage the primer layer. Use compatible polymer-based adhesives or coatings.
What coverage can I expect from Gripset OP Primer?
On smooth, non-porous surfaces, expect approximately 1 litre per 10 m². Coverage may vary with substrate condition and porosity.
Does OP Primer require dilution?
No. OP Primer is applied neat in a single coat by brush or roller for full coverage.
Applications & Benefits
Typical Applications
- Priming metal flashings, waterstops, and trims before applying Gripset waterproof membranes.
- Providing adhesion to smooth non-porous surfaces such as glazed ceramic tiles or natural stone for tile-over-tile projects.
- Priming rigid PVC flanges, pipe penetrations, and waterstop systems before membrane installation.
- Preparation of compressed fibre cement sheeting prior to coating or waterproofing.
- Bonding to glass-reinforced concrete (GRC) substrates.
- Priming approved existing coatings before overcoating with Gripset systems.
Key Benefits
- Delivers strong, reliable adhesion on challenging non-porous substrates.
- Solvent-free formulation enhances safety and environmental compliance.
- Low VOC for improved indoor air quality during application.
- Fast-drying – tack-free in approximately 30 minutes at standard conditions.
- Single-coat application reduces preparation time.
- Textured finish optimises mechanical key for membranes, adhesives, and coatings.
- Compatible with the full Gripset waterproofing and tiling system range.
Application Guide
1. Surface Preparation
- Ensure all surfaces are clean, dry, and free from dust, grease, release agents, laitance, or loose material.
- Remove rust or corrosion from metals by mechanical abrasion.
- For glossy PVC or glazed tiles, lightly abrade to improve mechanical key.
- Do not apply over damp or moisture-laden substrates.
2. Mixing
- Gripset OP Primer is supplied ready to use—no dilution or mixing required.
- Stir contents thoroughly before application to ensure a consistent finish.
3. Application
- Apply in a single, even coat using a brush or roller.
- Ensure full coverage of the substrate—avoid pooling or excessive thickness.
- Leave to dry tack-free (approx. 30 minutes @ 23°C, 50% RH) before overcoating.
- For textured surfaces, ensure OP Primer penetrates recesses and grooves.
4. Overcoating & Compatibility
- Only overcoat with approved Gripset membranes, tile adhesives, or compatible polymer coatings.
- Do not apply solvent-based adhesives, paints, or coatings directly over OP Primer.
- In wet areas, install a Gripset waterproof membrane over OP Primer before tiling.
5. Environmental Conditions
- Apply between 5°C and 35°C in dry conditions.
- Avoid application during high humidity or imminent rain when outdoors.
- Protect fresh primer from dust and site traffic until overcoated.
6. Clean-up
- Clean tools and equipment immediately after use with water.
- Once cured, OP Primer is difficult to remove mechanically.
Limitations & Safety
Limitations
- Not suitable for application over damp, wet, or moisture-laden substrates.
- Not designed for immersed or continuously wet conditions—must be overcoated with an approved Gripset waterproof membrane in such cases.
- Do not apply solvent-based coatings, paints, or adhesives directly over OP Primer.
- Avoid use where substrate temperatures exceed 35°C or fall below 5°C during application/drying.
- Substrate moisture and structural integrity must be verified before application.
Safety & Handling
- Refer to the product Safety Data Sheet (SDS) before use.
- Wear suitable personal protective equipment (PPE) including gloves, eye protection, and protective clothing.
- Use in well-ventilated areas to avoid inhalation of vapours or mists.
- Avoid contact with skin and eyes. In case of contact, rinse immediately with clean water and seek medical advice if irritation persists.
- Do not ingest. If swallowed, rinse mouth, do not induce vomiting, and seek immediate medical assistance.
- 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 unused product and empty containers in accordance with local regulations.
Gripset OP Primer Application Guide
Metal Flashings & Waterstops
Surface Preparation
Substrate must be clean, dry, smooth and free of oils, corrosion products and contaminants. Mechanically abrade or solvent-wipe to remove residues; repair defects and ensure sound fixings.
Primer Requirements
No additional primer required
Apply OP Primer neat in a single even coat by brush or roller. Allow to dry tack-free (~30 min @ 23 °C) before overcoating with approved Gripset membranes/adhesives.
Gripset OP Primer (1 L / ~10 m² on smooth metal)Concrete (incl. GRC)
Surface Preparation
Remove laitance, curing agents, dust and contaminants by grinding or abrasive methods. Substrate must be dry—OP is not suitable for damp or moisture-laden concrete.
Primer Requirements
No additional primer required
Apply OP Primer neat. Where active moisture/rising damp is present, use a moisture barrier system (e.g., Gripset E60) instead of OP.
Gripset OP Primer (1 L / ~10 m² on smooth concrete)Ceramic Tiles & Natural Stone (Existing)
Surface Preparation
Ensure tiles/stone are well bonded and degreased. Remove soap scum, sealers and contaminants. Rinse and dry thoroughly; do not apply to wet surfaces.
Primer Requirements
No additional primer required
Apply a uniform coat of OP Primer and allow to dry tack-free. In wet-area re-tiles over existing tiles, OP is not a substitute for a mandatory waterproofing membrane; install an approved Gripset membrane before tiling.
Gripset OP Primer (1 L / ~10 m² on glazed surfaces)Compressed Fibre Cement Sheeting (e.g., Scyon Secura™)
Surface Preparation
Fix sheeting per manufacturer specs. Clean to remove dust and site contaminants; ensure panels are dry and sound with flush joints where required.
Primer Requirements
No additional primer required
Apply OP Primer neat by brush or roller. Proceed with Gripset membranes or tile adhesives after tack-free dry.
Gripset OP Primer (1 L / ~10 m²)Rigid PVC Flanges, Waterstops & Pipe Penetrations
Surface Preparation
Clean with appropriate PVC cleaner to remove mould release, oils and debris. Lightly abrade if glossy; ensure the surface is dry before priming.
Primer Requirements
No additional primer required
Apply a continuous film of OP Primer; allow to dry tack-free before installing compatible membranes/adhesives.
Gripset OP Primer (1 L / ~10 m²)Approved Coatings (as Substrates)
Surface Preparation
Confirm coating compatibility. Clean, degloss/abrade if necessary, and ensure the coating is sound and fully cured. Do not apply OP over solvent-softened films.
Primer Requirements
No additional primer required
Apply OP Primer neat and allow to dry tack-free. Overcoat with approved polymer coatings, Gripset membranes or tile adhesives; avoid solvent-based products directly over OP.
Gripset OP Primer (1 L / ~10 m²)Moisture & Environmental Conditions (All Substrates)
Surface Preparation
Verify the substrate is dry and not subject to rising damp or negative hydrostatic pressure. Maintain ambient/surface temperature between 5 °C and 35 °C during application and drying.
Primer Requirements
Use OP only on dry substrates
For substrates with elevated moisture or active damp, select a moisture barrier system such as Gripset E60 instead of OP.
Alternate: Gripset E60 (moisture barrier)
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