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Residual moisture in concrete and mineral surfaces often delays critical follow-on trades, risking membrane blistering or coating delamination. Gripset Xpress Primer H2O Plus is a 1-component vapour barrier primer engineered to rapidly form a protective layer over damp or green concrete. This allows overcoating with finishes in just one hour, visually confirmed by its unique colour-changing indicator.
Gripset Xpress Primer H2O Plus was developed as a unique, single-component solution for managing residual moisture on concrete and mineral substrates. Its core purpose is to prevent blistering and delamination of membranes and coatings, common issues when applied over damp surfaces. Crucially, it forms this vapour barrier without altering the surface profile, which means subsequent finishes bond correctly and maintain their intended appearance. It also acts as a standalone sealer, preventing concrete carbonation and reducing efflorescence on screeds and renders.
Application is straightforward: Xpress Primer H2O Plus is used neat, without dilution. Apply a single coat using a brush or medium nap roller, ensuring full coverage. The product transitions from milky white to a subtle green, then dries clear, indicating readiness for overcoating. Clean tools with water while the primer is still wet. To maintain system integrity, install subsequent finishes shortly after the primer has dried.
This primer typically serves as the critical first step in waterproofing or flooring systems over concrete and mineral substrates, especially when residual moisture is a concern. It prepares the surface to accept subsequent layers like the Gripset Xpress Multi Pro Membrane, ensuring optimal adhesion and system performance. Its fast-drying nature means the primer layer is established quickly, allowing the next trade to proceed without significant delay.
Gripset Xpress Primer H2O Plus is designed for rapid control of residual moisture on damp or green concrete, forming a vapour barrier in just one hour without altering the surface profile. This makes it ideal for fast-tracking projects where the substrate is simply damp from recent construction or cleaning. In contrast, Gripset E60 is specifically formulated for treating active moisture, rising damp, or areas under negative hydrostatic pressure, providing a robust solution for more challenging and persistent moisture problems. Choose Xpress Primer H2O Plus for speed and residual moisture control; opt for Gripset E60 when battling active water ingress.
Yes, Gripset Xpress Primer H2O Plus is specifically formulated for use over damp and green concrete or mineral substrates. It forms a vapour barrier to prevent blistering and delamination caused by residual moisture.
Finishes can be applied after only 1 hour, provided the primer is dry. The unique colour-changing formulation transitions from milky white to a slight green tinge, then dries clear, indicating it is ready for overcoating.
No, Gripset Xpress Primer H2O Plus is not for areas with continuous sources of rising moisture or negative hydrostatic pressure. For active moisture issues, you need to use Gripset E60.
Yes, as a standalone sealer over screed and render, it reduces the incidence of efflorescence. It also acts as a standalone sealer to prevent carbonation of concrete surfaces.
| Application | Key benefit | Primary trades |
|---|---|---|
| Vapour barrier under membranes and coatings | Prevents blistering and delamination of finishes due to residual moisture, even on damp or green concrete. | Waterproofers, tilers, builders |
| Sealing screeds and renders | Reduces incidents of efflorescence, ensuring a cleaner finish and reducing callbacks. | Renderers, tilers, concrete contractors |
| Preventing concrete carbonation | Acts as a standalone sealer, protecting concrete from atmospheric carbonation. | Concrete contractors, builders, renovators |
| Fast-track project schedules | Allows overcoating with finishes after only 1 hour, improving site efficiency. | All trades requiring fast turnaround |
Wear safety shoes, overalls, gloves (nitrile rubber recommended for intermittent contact), and safety glasses.
Natural ventilation is adequate under normal use conditions.
Store in original unopened packaging for up to 12 months. Keep in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area at room temperature, out of direct sunlight, and avoid freezing conditions. Dispose of material and containers according to local regulations.
Proper surface preparation is crucial for adhesion and long-term performance. This primer is designed for mineral surfaces only.
Surface prep: Ensure all surfaces are clean, sound, and free from loose material, dirt, dust, oil, grease, wax, laitance, curing compounds, release agents, or existing coatings. Mechanically remove structurally unsound layers by grinding or abrasive blasting. For masonry, point flush any voids, holes, or cracks. Building surfaces must be fit for purpose and installed to manufacturer’s recommendations.
Specific concrete prep: High MPa concrete or burnished/steel floated surfaces that show no water absorption must be mechanically abraded and roughened to facilitate primer absorption.
Active moisture: Substrates with active moisture or continuous rising damp require treatment with Gripset E60 before any priming or overlay.
Primer: Not required. Gripset Xpress Primer H2O Plus is the primer.
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Form | Thin Liquid |
| Wet Colour | Milky White |
| Transition Colour | Slight green tinge |
| Dry Colour | Clear |
| Solubility In Water | Miscible |
| Specific Gravity | 1.01 |
| pH | 8 |
| Coverage Rate | 1 litre / 6 m² per coat |
| Dry Time | 1 hour @ 23°C / 50% RH |
| Shelf Life | 12 months |
| Packaging | 15 litre pails |
| Application Temperature Range | 5°C to 35°C |
Here are some common examples on where Gripset Xpress Primer H2O Plus used by our customers.
