Apex Prime Plus
Apex Prime Plus is a premium concentrated multi-purpose primer designed to improve bond strength and maximize the performance of Apex Minerals underlayment’s and self-leveling compounds across a wide range of substrates, including concrete, gypsum, wood, and more. It is a water-based primer formulated for strong adhesion, reduced surface porosity, and reliable long-term performance. Easy to apply with a broom or sprayer, Apex Prime Plus offers excellent coverage and is compatible with all Apex Minerals products.
It is designed for use in both residential and commercial flooring applications where proper substrate preparation is essential. By penetrating deeply into the substrate and helping to control porosity, Apex Prime Plus supports a more consistent application and improved bond for subsequent flooring materials and underlayments.
- Universal primer for use with underlayments and self-leveling compounds.
- Suitable for concrete, gypsum-based substrates, plywood, floorboards, and cement boards.
- Helps increase bond strength for longer-lasting applications.
- Penetrates substrates to reduce surface porosity.
- Water-based, safe, and easy to apply.
- Can be applied using a broom or sprayer for efficient coverage.
Substrate Preparation and Dilution Guidance
Apex Prime Plus can be used across a variety of common substrates with dilution rates adjusted to suit the surface:
- Concrete, cement-based screeds and levellers: 3:1 dilution, 1 to 2 coats
- Plywood: 1:1 dilution, 1 coat
- Floorboards: 1:1 dilution, 1 coat
- Gypsum-based underlayment: first coat at 3:1 and second coat at 3:1
- Cement boards: 2:1 dilution, 1 coat
Coverage
Approximate coverage will vary depending on dilution ratio and substrate condition:
- 1 part neat Prime Plus to 1 part water: 540 to 715 ft²
- 1 part neat Prime Plus to 2 parts water: 880 to 1050 ft²
- 1 part neat Prime Plus to 3 parts water: 1260 to 1430 ft²
Technical Information
- Packaging: 5 gallon and 245 gallon containers
- Appearance: low viscosity, green liquid
- pH: <11
- Working time: 20 to 30 minutes at 65°F
- Drying time: 1 to 2 hours
- Minimum time between coats: 12 hours
- Maximum overlay time: 24 hours
Storage and Shelf Life
Apex Prime Plus has a shelf life of twelve months in sealed containers when stored in cool, dry conditions and protected from extremes of temperature. The product must be protected from frost.
Apex Prime Plus is designed for use as a substrate preparation primer prior to the installation of Apex Minerals underlayments and self-leveling compounds.
It improves bond strength, reduces substrate porosity, and helps ensure consistent performance across a wide range of flooring applications.
– Typical application areas include:
– Concrete substrates – priming concrete slabs and cementitious screeds before applying Apex underlayments or leveling compounds
– Gypsum-based substrates – preparing gypsum underlayments to improve adhesion and surface strength
– Wood substrates – including plywood and floorboards prior to flooring preparation products
– Cement boards and fiber boards ensuring proper bonding for subsequent underlayment installations
– Renovation and refurbishment projects – where substrate condition or porosity requires improved bonding performance
– Residential and commercial flooring systems – suitable for projects requiring reliable substrate preparation before installing Apex products
- Universal Primer for use with underlayments and self-leveling compounds.
- Multi-purpose product for use on concrete, gypsum, and underlayments.
- Provides strong adhesion for a longer-lasting application.
- Penetrates deep into substrates to reduce surface porosity.
- Easy to use with a broom, or sprayer for great coverage.
- Water based, safe and easy to apply.
- Can be used on numerous substrates
Shake the container well before use. Select the appropriate dilution for the substrate, measure the water into a clean plastic container, then add the concentrated primer and mix thoroughly with a wooden stick or stirring rod.
Apply the primer evenly over the prepared substrate using a soft brush, broom, or suitable sprayer, taking care to avoid ponding. The primer should be allowed to become touch dry, which typically takes 1 to 2 hours under normal conditions. While still fresh, lightly brush the surface to ensure a complete and uniform film. Do not over-apply, as this may cause the primer to skin over rather than fully absorb into the substrate.
For best results, the substrate and ambient temperature should be above 50°F, and the product should not be applied if the temperature is below 40°F. All surfaces must be dry, sound, and free from dust, grease, oil, dirt, and other contaminants before application. Where moisture-sensitive materials are to be installed afterwards, the substrate should have a relative humidity reading not greater than 85%.
Property Value Product Type Concentrated multi-purpose primer Base Water-based polymer primer Appearance Low viscosity green liquid pH < 11 Packaging 5 gallon containers / 245 gallon totes Working Time Approximately 20–30 minutes at 65°F Drying Time Approximately 1–2 hours (touch dry) Minimum Time Between Coats 12 hours Maximum Overlay Time 24 hours Coverage (1:1 dilution) ~540 – 715 ft² Coverage (2:1 dilution) ~880 – 1050 ft² Coverage (3:1 dilution) ~1260 – 1430 ft² Shelf Life 12 months in unopened containers Storage Conditions Store in cool, dry conditions and protect from frost Primer systems used beneath self-leveling or cementitious flooring compounds help regulate substrate absorption and improve adhesion between the substrate and subsequent flooring layers, which is critical for consistent installation performance. (voyager.polyflor.com)
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