Avoid costly project delays from concrete that isn't fully dry. Epocote F100W lets you prime damp or green concrete, keeping your waterproofing application on schedule. This two-pack epoxy primer ensures a strong bond even with up to 10% moisture content in the slab. Proceed with confidence, maintaining project timelines without compromise.

Why this product exists

Epocote F100W is a clear, two-pack, water-based epoxy primer engineered to overcome the common site challenge of damp or green concrete. Many waterproofing primers demand a fully dry substrate, leading to delays. This formulation specifically bonds to concrete with up to 10% moisture content, eliminating wait times. It forms a robust, chemically resistant foundation for GCP waterproofing membranes and also acts as an effective sealer against efflorescence and calcium leachate on tiled surfaces.

The numbers that matter

  • Damp and green concrete compatibility (up to 10% maximum moisture content): This is the core advantage. It means less waiting for concrete to cure fully, allowing earlier application of waterproofing membranes and keeping projects on schedule.
  • Pot life (60 minutes at 25°C): A full hour of working time ensures applicators can mix and apply the product without rushing, minimising waste and allowing for thorough coverage on larger areas.
  • Tack-free time (2-4 hours): This fast cure window means subsequent coats or waterproofing membranes can be applied quickly, often within the same workday. It reduces exposure time for the primer and keeps the project moving efficiently.
  • Very low VOC and low odour: Designed for comfort and safety on site. This makes it suitable for enclosed spaces and minimises disruption for other trades or building occupants.

What it's like to use

Mixing Epocote F100W is straightforward: combine Part B with Part A, mix for three minutes with a slow-speed mixer, then let it stand for five minutes before re-mixing. This ensures a homogenous blend for optimal performance. Application is by brush or roller. For porous concrete prone to pinholes, dilute the first coat with 10% clean water. Apply the undiluted second coat within 24 hours. Pot-life will shorten in hot conditions, while cold temperatures will extend cure times. Discard any product that begins to gel. Clean-up of uncured product is with water. Gelled product may require xylene for removal.

Where this product excels

  • Priming new concrete slabs: Ideal for construction projects where waiting for concrete to fully dry would cause delays, allowing prompt waterproofing application.
  • Wet area waterproofing: Ensures a reliable bond for membranes in bathrooms, laundries, and balconies, particularly on newer concrete that retains some moisture.
  • Tile and step riser sealing: Effectively prevents efflorescence and calcium leachate staining on finished surfaces, preserving the aesthetic integrity of installations.
  • Renovation projects: When existing concrete substrates may not be perfectly dry, Epocote F100W provides a dependable primer base for subsequent coatings.

How it fits in a real system

Epocote F100W serves as the critical initial layer for various GCP waterproofing systems, especially when dealing with challenging substrate conditions. It prepares damp or green concrete to accept membranes like BITUTHENE™ LM, AQUAGARD™ polyurethane, and NEWFLEX™ water-based membranes. Its role is to penetrate the concrete, seal the surface, and create a strong, tenacious bond that prevents adhesion failures caused by residual moisture, ensuring the longevity and performance of the entire waterproofing system. Ensure all detailing for internal wet areas or external above-ground applications is complete before priming.

Choose this when

  • You need to prime damp or green concrete substrates for waterproofing membranes.
  • The concrete substrate has up to 10% maximum moisture content.
  • You are applying BITUTHENE™ LM, AQUAGARD™ polyurethane, or NEWFLEX™ water-based membranes.
  • You need to seal concrete or tiled surfaces to prevent efflorescence or calcium leachate staining.
  • A low VOC, low odour epoxy primer is required for interior applications or sensitive environments.

Don't use this when

  • Not for: Use as a standalone waterproofing membrane; it is a primer and sealer.
  • Not for: Crack filling or structural concrete repair.
  • Not for: Substrates with a concrete strength grade below 25 MPa, as a robust base is essential for adhesion.
  • Not for: Concrete substrates that are extremely dry and highly porous where Silcor Primer BS may be a more appropriate choice.

Concrete substrates must meet a minimum strength grade of 25 MPa and be moist-cured as required by AS 3600. All detailing must comply with NCC, AS 4654.2 for external above ground applications, and AS 3740 for internal wet areas, ensuring system integrity and performance.