Applying ImpriPox High Performance Primer

Surface Prep

Before you prime and mesh it’s essential that your surface is completely flat, dry and well-consolidated, so that there is no chance of movement.  Use a small amount of the base coat or a suitable filler to flush out joins and counter-sunk screw holes and sand until the surface is completely flat.  See surface prep for full details of preparing surface for microcement.

Introduction to ImpriPox, Mesh & Sand Blind

ImpriPox is a 2 part epoxy primer that will bond the Fibreglass Mesh to your substrate, adding strength to the substrate and creating a strong, impenetrable base for your microcement.

It will also ensure a uniform drying rate across the microcement surface and block stains in the substrate transferring through to you microcement.

It is particularly good at stopping small cracks in concrete floors and joins between boards being transferred through from the substrate to the microcement. The chance of movement must still be eliminated in advance.

Tools you’ll Need

You will need a knife to cut the mesh, weighing scales, a mixing bucket and a Squeegee Trowel to apply the Primer plus PPE suitable for working with Epoxies.

Prepare the Mesh

Cut the mesh to size & then flip it over so that it curls towards the surface. If you are microcementing over both the walls and floor, you can use Self-Adhesive Fibreglass Mesh around the perimeter of the room to bridge the join between the wall and floor, followed by Fibreglass Mesh for Floors right into the corner.  This will ensure you get a strong bond across both surfaces.

Mix the ImpriPox

Mix the ImpriPox with ImpriPox Hardener in a mixing bucket and stir gently with a paint stirrer or Microcement Mixer on a low speed for a few minutes.

The Mix Ratio is 5 x ImpriPox : 2 x ImpriPox Hardener

For every 10m2 you’ll need 2l ImpriPox : 800ml ImpriPox Hardener

This mixture will cover around 10m2 when trowelled over the mesh. If you use less than the full containers then weigh it carefully to ensure the ratio is accurate.

You will have a working time of around 1 hour once the ImpriPox has been mixed with the hardener.

Applying the ImpriPox

Use the Squeegee to apply an even coat of ImpriPox over the surface and mesh. You’ll need to ensure you have completely filled any voids in the sub-floor (e.g. grout lines, joins and screw holes) and also completely covered the mesh.

Applying Quartz Sand

Whilst the ImpriPox is still wet, spread the quartz sand across the surface. You can scatter it by hand, starting at the entrance to the room and walking on the sand into the room. Or by walking on the ImpriPox with spiked shoes.

Leave to Dry

Leave to dry. This should take around 12 hours depending on temperature and ventilation.

Sand & Vacuum Loose Sand

Once dry, run an orbital sander or floor sander over the surface to ensure it is completely flat.  Then vacuum off the loose sand.

Apply Primer 100

In most cases, you’ll need to use Primer 100 on top of the ImpriPox and Sand before applying the microcement.

Use a medium pile roller to apply an even coat of primer to the surface.  Leave the primer to dry. This should take around 1 hour.

No Primer 100 is required for MicroPool.