Bonding waterproofing membranes or tile adhesives to smooth, non-porous surfaces can be a critical point of failure. Metal flashings, existing glazed tiles, or PVC pipe penetrations demand a primer that locks onto the substrate, ensuring your final system stays put. Gripset OP Primer delivers that reliable adhesion, transforming challenging surfaces into ideal bonding areas for Gripset membranes and tile adhesives.

Why this product exists

Gripset OP Primer was developed to overcome the adhesion challenges presented by non-porous, smooth, and difficult-to-bond substrates. As a solvent-free solution, it provides a safer alternative to traditional solvent-based primers, enhancing the performance of Gripset membranes and tile adhesives. This primer creates a textured finish, improving the mechanical key for subsequent layers and ensuring a strong, lasting bond where it's needed most.

The numbers that matter

  • Fast Drying: A final drying time of just 30 minutes at standard conditions allows for rapid turnaround, reducing delays on site before the application of membranes or adhesives.
  • Low VOC & Solvent-Free: This formulation provides a safer working environment and contributes to healthier indoor air quality, a critical factor for internal projects.
  • Blue Colour: The distinct blue colour provides clear visual confirmation of consistent coverage, ensuring no areas are missed during application, especially on intricate detailing.

What it's like to use

Gripset OP Primer is applied neat, without dilution, using a brush or medium nap roller. A single coat is typically sufficient to achieve full coverage. The primer must be fully dry and tack-free before applying Gripset membranes, tile adhesives, or other approved polymer coatings. For optimal adhesion and to prevent surface contamination, apply the top coat shortly after the primer has dried. Tools can be cleaned with water while the product is still wet; once cured, mechanical removal or solvents are required.

Where this product excels

This primer is widely specified for critical detailing in waterproofing systems, particularly where non-porous elements are present.

  • Waste Outlets, Penetrations, and Waterstop Angles: Ideal for priming rigid PVC components, such as pipe penetrations, floor waste fittings, and waterstop angles, ensuring membranes form a reliable seal to these difficult-to-bond surfaces.
  • Balconies, Decks, and Wet Area Detailing: Provides essential adhesion over metal flashings, compressed fibre cement sheeting, or existing ceramic tiles and natural stone before applying Gripset waterproofing membranes or tile adhesives.
  • Internal Wet Areas: When tiling over existing non-porous tiles in bathrooms, laundries, or kitchens, Gripset OP Primer prepares the surface for direct adhesion of tile adhesives.

How it fits in a real system

Gripset OP Primer is commonly the first step in build-ups involving non-porous detailing elements. For waste outlets, penetrations, and waterstop angles, it is applied directly to the PVC or metal as the initial layer to ensure maximum adhesion of subsequent membrane layers. In balcony and deck systems, it can follow a porous substrate primer like Gripset GP Primer, specifically applied to metal flashings or other non-porous details within the primed concrete system. This layering ensures every component, regardless of its material, receives optimal surface preparation.

Choose this when

  • When bonding Gripset membranes or tile adhesives to non-porous substrates: Ideal for surfaces such as metal, PVC, existing ceramic tiles, or natural stone.
  • When a solvent-free solution is required: Provides a low VOC, safer alternative for priming in sensitive environments.
  • When rapid over-coating is beneficial: Its fast-drying nature allows subsequent layers to be applied quickly, optimising project timelines.

Don't use this when

  • Not for: Treating rising moisture or negative hydrostatic pressure. For these conditions, Gripset E60 is the appropriate choice.
  • Not for: Applications where solvent-based materials, such as certain adhesives or paints, are to be directly applied over the primer surface.
  • Not for: Priming damp or moisture-affected substrates. Ensure surfaces are dry, or use a moisture barrier primer like Gripset E60.
  • Not for: Substrates with elevated levels of residual moisture. Again, Gripset E60 is designed for these conditions.

Gripset OP Primer is a low VOC product, aligning with environmental and safety standards for internal and external use. As a non-hazardous chemical, it contributes to safer working conditions on site. Always refer to the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for detailed handling and safety information.

Priming for specific conditions

Gripset OP Primer offers a solvent-free alternative designed for non-porous, smooth, and difficult-to-bond substrates, specifically enhancing adhesion for Gripset membranes and tile adhesives. In contrast, for concrete and other porous substrates requiring a general-purpose primer, consider Gripset GP General Purpose Primer. For damp or moisture-affected substrates where a moisture barrier is essential, Gripset E60 provides a two-part epoxy primer solution, designed to tolerate elevated moisture levels.