When dealing with chronically damp or green mineral surfaces, establishing a dry, bondable substrate is critical. Gripset E-60 transforms these challenging environments. This two-component epoxy creates a powerful moisture and vapour barrier, preparing surfaces for subsequent coatings and finishes with confidence. It allows for immediate progress on jobs that would otherwise be stalled by moisture issues.

Why this product exists

Gripset E-60 provides a multi-functional foundation where moisture is a significant concern. It functions as a heavy-duty moisture and vapour barrier, a high-performance primer, and a protective coating. It addresses the core problem of moisture penetration and rising damp through mineral surfaces, effectively resisting hydrostatic pressure and preventing efflorescence. This formulation ensures that subsequent layers like membranes, adhesives, and floor finishes bond reliably, even on difficult substrates like 'green' concrete.

The numbers that matter

Its ability to withstand up to 25 metres or 250 Kpa of hydrostatic pressure is a key performance indicator. This ensures the barrier remains effective against significant water ingress, preventing delamination and failure of subsequent finishes. A low water vapour transmission rate of 1.3 g/m²/24 hours (at 300-micron dry film thickness) means it significantly reduces moisture vapour movement, allowing for earlier installation of moisture-sensitive floor coverings. The 2-hour pot life offers a practical working window, while a 4-hour recoat time optimises workflow on site, balancing usability with rapid progression.

What it's like to use

Gripset E-60 is a two-component product, requiring equal parts of A and B to be thoroughly mixed for approximately 3 minutes. For optimal penetration into porous or dense substrates, the first coat can be diluted with a small amount of water. Application is versatile; use a squeegee, stiff nylon broom, or medium/long nap roller on floors, ensuring consistent coverage to fill pinholes and voids. For vertical surfaces, a medium-long nap roller is recommended. If tiling or applying cementitious toppings, the second coat of E-60 must be sand-seeded at 750g/m² to create a mechanical key for superior adhesion. Tools and equipment should be cleaned with water while the product is still wet; dried material requires mechanical removal.

Where this product excels

  • Damp and 'Green' Concrete Slabs: Acting as a vapour and moisture barrier, it allows earlier installation of floor finishes and membranes, controlling residual moisture and protecting against rising damp.
  • Basements and Subterranean Structures: Its hydrostatic pressure resistance makes it ideal for sealing against permanent moisture and negative pressure through concrete and masonry walls, preventing efflorescence.
  • Potable Water Tanks: AS 4020 compliance ensures it is safe for use in contact with drinking water, providing a durable waterproof coating for immersed applications.
  • High-Performance Priming: It creates a compatible and robust bonding surface for a wide range of Gripset membranes, adhesives, and other finishes over mineral substrates and compressed fibre cement sheeting.

How it fits in a real system

Gripset E-60 serves as a critical foundational layer on mineral surfaces where moisture management is paramount. It is typically the first step on prepared concrete, screed, or masonry that exhibits dampness or is 'green'. For example, before installing liquid or sheet waterproofing membranes (like Gripset 2P Waterproofing Membrane or Gripset P39 Waterproofing Membrane) on a concrete slab, E-60 establishes a dry, stable base. For direct tiling with products like Gripset C-Rubber Tile Adhesive, applying two coats of E-60 with a sand-seeded second coat provides the necessary moisture barrier and mechanical key for durable tile adhesion.

Choose this when

  • When you need to control high levels of residual moisture or moisture vapour transmission in concrete or screeds.
  • When a substrate is subject to hydrostatic pressure or rising damp, requiring a robust, pressure-resistant barrier.
  • When a compliant coating for potable water storage tanks is required.
  • When priming 'green' concrete to accelerate the installation of subsequent finishes or membranes.

Don't use this when

  • Not for: Surfaces with standing or running water; address running water first with Gripset C-Plug before applying E-60.
  • Not for: Use as a trafficable coating or as a finished coating subject to permanent UV exposure, as it is designed as an underlayment.
  • Not for: Application when surface or ambient temperatures are below 10ºC or above 35ºC, or when relative humidity exceeds 80%, as cure rates will be significantly impacted.

This product complies with AS 4020 for potable water storage, providing assurance of its safety and suitability for use in applications where contact with drinking water is expected. This compliance removes guesswork for critical water infrastructure projects.

Choosing the right Gripset primer for your moisture challenge

Gripset E-60 is a heavy-duty, two-component, water-based epoxy solution engineered for significant moisture challenges, including direct hydrostatic pressure and 'green' concrete. Its robust formulation provides a multi-functional moisture and vapour barrier. In contrast, Gripset Xpress Primer H2O Plus is a single-part, rapid-drying primer better suited for managing residual surface moisture and general adhesion promotion on porous and non-porous surfaces where hydrostatic pressure resistance is not a primary requirement. Choose E-60 for serious, structural moisture issues; opt for Xpress Primer H2O Plus for everyday priming and moisture mitigation where extreme conditions are not present.