GacoFloor 100EX Epoxy Floor Primer

GacoFloor EX100 Epoxy Floor Primer

GacoFloor 100EX is a moisture-tolerant epoxy floor primer for on-grade concrete and suitably prepared timber/ply substrates. Use it wherever a high-bond, dust-free base is needed before installing anti-slip or high-build coatings.

• Warehouses & factories – primes wide slab areas so build coats lay uniformly, resist scuffing and bond through heavy pedestrian and light vehicular use.

• Loading docks & service bays – seals porous concrete, improves adhesion under vehicular-grade finishes, and helps control hot-tyre pick-up.

• Access ramps & transfer aisles – wets out profiled concrete so traction coats achieve target texture and long-term bond.

• Walkways, corridors & stair cores – stabilises dusty substrates and evens absorption for consistent colour and slip profile.

• Plant rooms & utilities – moisture-tolerant epoxy floor primer that locks down the surface ahead of coatings in spaces with frequent wash-downs.

• Retail/commercial back-of-house – prepares concrete and approved timber/ply where hygiene, easy cleaning and durable finishes are required.

Pair 100EX with Permathane® for hairline crack/perimeter sealing before priming, then install the specified build coat (e.g., GacoFloor AS150 pedestrian or AS250 vehicular) for a complete, warrantable system.

GacoFloor 100EX is a 100%-solids, moisture-tolerant epoxy floor primer. Use the right tools to wet-out profiled concrete/timber evenly, hit target coverage, and leave a uniform, bond-ready surface.

• Mixing: low-speed drill (≈300–500 rpm) with epoxy paddle; clean graduations/pails; flat stir stick to scrape sides/bottom.

• Application: flat or serrated rubber squeegee (for fast wet-out), back-roll with solvent-resistant 9–18″ rollers (short/medium nap or microfiber); brushes/mini-rollers for edges and penetrations.

• Surface prep: diamond grinder or vacuum shot-blaster; industrial HEPA vacuum; approved degreaser.

• Detailing: Permathane® urethane caulk and caulk gun for hairlines, perimeters and terminations (used before priming).

• QA & environment: wet-film gauge, tape measure/area log, hygrometer/thermometer, dew-point calculator.

• PPE: chemical-resistant gloves, goggles/face shield, protective clothing; respirator where ventilation is limited.

1. Prepare the substrate — mechanically clean/profile to sound concrete or approved timber; vacuum dust. Seal hairlines/perimeters with Permathane®, allow to skin/cure.

2. Condition & stage — verify temperature/dew point; lay out pails, rollers and lanes so you can keep a wet edge.

3. Mix full kits — open Part A, pre-stir; add Part B; mix 2–3 minutes at low speed, scraping sides/bottom. Avoid entraining air. (Only split kits if you can measure ratios accurately.)

4. Place & wet-out — ribbon and squeegee the epoxy floor primer to penetrate the profile; immediately back-roll in two directions for uniform film and even suction.

5. Coverage target — Gaco publishes no coverage rate for GacoFloor 100EX and we do not offer one. Plan the job from a site trial on a small area of the actual substrate, and use a wet-film gauge to spot-check.

6. Edges & details — cut in around drains, upstands and posts; avoid puddles.

7. Recoat window — allow 100EX to cure within its stated window, then apply the build coat (e.g., GacoFloor AS150/AS250). If the window is missed, clean/abrade as directed and re-prime if required.

8. Housekeeping — keep the primed surface clean, dry and dust-free until top-coated. Dispose of waste per local regulations; follow SDS for cleaning agents.

Tip: On thirsty or highly profiled slabs, pre-prime a small test bay to confirm actual consumption and roller choice, then scale up so your epoxy floor primer leaves a consistent, bond-friendly film across the whole area.

GacoFloor 100EX Epoxy Floor Primer

GacoFloor 100EX is a 100%-solids, two-component epoxy floor primer designed to penetrate, consolidate and seal on-grade concrete (and suitably prepared timber) so build coats bond hard, level out and cure to their designed film. Its solvent-free chemistry delivers a dense film with minimal shrinkage, low odour and reliable recoat timing for fast programmes.

• Chemistry & solids — 100%-solids, solvent-free epoxy floor primer; low odour, minimal shrinkage, excellent wet-out of profiled substrates.

• Moisture tolerance — Applies to properly prepared, surface-dry/damp (SSD) concrete; locks down laitance and residual porosity. (Not a DPM or moisture-mitigation system.)

• Adhesion & consolidation — High bond to concrete and properly prepared timber/ply; consolidates dusty/slightly friable surfaces and evens suction so anti-slip/topcoat systems achieve uniform colour and texture.

• Intercoat performance — Promotes tenacious adhesion for build coats (e.g., GacoFloor AS150/AS250), reducing risks of underfilm lift and hot-tyre pick-up in service.

• Cure / recoat — Practical recoat window supports same-day or next-day application of build coats (ambient-dependent). Walk-on hardness typically achieved within hours; full properties develop over subsequent days.

• Working time — Pot life is hour-scale at room temperature; warms shorten it. Mix only what can be placed within the pot life.

• Application window — Broad ambient range typical of professional epoxies; substrate must be clean, dry to SSD, and ≥3 °C above dew point with good ventilation.

• Coverage / film build — Coverage is substrate-dependent (profile, porosity, temperature and application method). Establish yield on a test bay and record actual m² per kit with wet-film checks; adjust technique to achieve a continuous, bond-friendly film.

• Chemical & cleaning resistance — Cured film resists common cleaners and site contaminants, supporting hygiene regimes and long service life of the coating system.

• Packaging & storage — Supplied as Part A (resin) + Part B (hardener), in 0.75-gallon and 3-gallon kits (gaco.com product page). Store cool, dry and upright; observe stated shelf life and FIFO rotation.

Notes: Verify substrate soundness and moisture condition before priming; honour movement joints; keep primed surfaces clean/dust-free within the recoat window. These parameters ensure the epoxy floor primer does its job—locking the substrate and delivering long-term intercoat adhesion.

GacoFloor 100EX Epoxy Floor Primer

GacoFloor 100EX Epoxy Floor Primer

GacoFloor 100EX Epoxy Floor Primer

GacoFloor 100EX is a 100%-solids, two-component epoxy floor primer (epoxy resin + amine hardener). It has very low VOC but can still cause irritation and sensitisation. Associated products in the system (e.g., Permathane® sealant, AS-series build coats) have their own hazards—brief crews to current SDS/PDS before work.

Key hazards

• Skin/respiratory sensitisation (epoxy/amine): Avoid skin contact and inhalation of vapours/mists. Once sensitised, workers may react to small exposures.

• Vapour/mist exposure: Low VOC ≠ zero risk; mixing, edging and any spray/back-roll can generate aerosols—control with ventilation and RPE.

• Exotherm & pot life: Mixed epoxy can heat rapidly in the pail. Mix small, workable batches; never reseal a warm/gassing container.

• Slip risk: Wet primer is slippery—barrier off the area and post warnings.

• Surface prep hazards: Shot-blasting/grinding create silica dust, noise and vibration—manage with LEV/HEPA extraction, hearing protection and exposure limits.

• Confined/poorly ventilated spaces: Plant rooms, pits and below-grade areas may require permit-to-work, continuous atmospheric monitoring and a rescue plan.

PPE (minimum)

• Respiratory: Half-mask respirator with organic vapour + P2/P3 particulate filters whenever ventilation is inadequate or aerosols may form.

• Hands: Chemical-resistant gloves (nitrile or equivalent); change regularly.

• Eyes/face: Chemical splash goggles; face shield for decant/spray.

• Body/feet: Chemical-resistant clothing and impervious safety footwear.

• Hearing: Protection during mechanical prep.

Ventilation & environment

• Provide effective cross-ventilation or mechanical extraction to keep vapours low and speed cure.

• Keep substrate ≥ 3 °C above dew point to prevent condensation/blush; monitor temperature/RH throughout.

Safe handling & application

• Stage materials/equipment so you can maintain a wet edge and avoid re-rolling partially cured primer.

• Mix at low speed (≈300–500 rpm); scrape sides/bottom to uniformity; avoid air entrainment.

• Do not thin unless explicitly allowed.

• Keep the primed surface clean, dry and dust-free within the recoat window; if exceeded, clean/abrade as directed before overcoating.

• Mask drains and protect adjacent finishes; collect washings—don’t discharge to sewer.

Storage & transport

• Store upright in original, closed containers, cool, dry, ventilated, away from oxidisers.

• Protect from freezing and high heat; rotate stock FIFO; observe shelf life.

First aid (summary)

• Inhalation: Move to fresh air; keep at rest; seek medical advice if symptoms persist.

• Skin: Remove contaminated clothing; wash with soap and water—do not use solvents.

• Eyes: Rinse cautiously with water for 15 minutes; remove lenses if easy; get medical attention.

• Ingestion: Rinse mouth; do not induce vomiting; seek urgent medical care.

Spills & waste

• Contain with inert absorbent; collect into labelled containers. Prevent entry to drains/watercourses.

• Dispose of liquid waste, absorbents, used PPE and empty tins as hazardous waste via a licensed contractor per local regs.

Fire

• 100EX is solvent-free but combustible; nearby materials (rags/absorbents) can burn. Suitable extinguishers: foam, dry chemical, CO₂. Avoid water jet. Fire-fighters to wear SCBA.

After installation

• Keep traffic off until within the specified recoat window and subsequent build coats are cured for service.

• Maintain ventilation until residual odour dissipates.

• Clean finished floors with neutral detergents; remove oils promptly.

• Include the primed zones in routine inspections; if contamination occurs before overcoating, clean/abrade and re-prime if specified.

This section is a site-safety summary. Your RAMS/COSHH (or local equivalent) and the latest SDS/PDS for GacoFloor 100EX, the matched primers/topcoats, and Permathane® are the controlling documents.

GacoFloor 100EX Epoxy Floor Primer

• The points below are the critical do’s-and-don’ts that govern how GacoFloor 100EX performs as an epoxy floor primer. Follow them to secure long-term bond, uniform appearance and a clean, trouble-free base for your build coat.

  • System role — 100EX is the epoxy floor primer layer; it is not a build coat, DPM or crack-isolation membrane. It prepares the substrate so anti-slip/topcoat systems (e.g., GacoFloor AS150/AS250) can perform.

  • Mechanical prep only — Shot-blast or diamond-grind to bare, sound substrate (typ. CSP 2–4 for primer). Remove laitance/old coatings; do not acid-etch. HEPA-vacuum all dust.

  • Seal defects before priming — Treat hairlines, pinholes, perimeter gaps and terminations before primer using Permathane® urethane caulk sealant; allow to skin/cure so moisture can’t track behind the system.

  • Moisture limits — 100EX is moisture-tolerant (SSD acceptable) but not a moisture-mitigation/DPM. No active leaks or vapour drive; confirm slab condition separately.

  • Ambient control — Apply only within the stated temperature/RH window. Keep substrate ≥ 3 °C above dew point and maintain ventilation; condensation will spoil adhesion/appearance.

  • Mix accuracy — Two-component product; respect mix ratios. Pre-stir Part A, then add Part B and mix at low speed (≈300–500 rpm) for uniformity. Do not thin unless the data sheet allows.

  • Pot life & staging — Pot life is hour-scale at room temp; heat shortens it. Mix only what you can place while maintaining a wet edge.

  • Wet-out & film — Squeegee to wet-out the profile, then back-roll to a uniform film. Avoid ponds and missed areas at edges/penetrations.

  • Coverage varies — Porosity/profile, temperature and method drive yield. Establish real-world m² per kit on a test bay before full production.

  • Recoat window — Overcoat within the specified window (primer → build coat). If exceeded, clean and abrade; re-prime if the spec demands.

  • Movement joints — Honour expansion/movement joints through all layers; do not bridge live joints with primer or coatings.

  • Clean hand-off — Keep the primed surface clean, dry and dust-free until coated. Contamination (dust, overspray, rain) must be removed before overcoating.

  • Compatibility — Use only the specified GacoFloor build coats and any approved sealer. Apply optional sealers thinly so anti-slip texture (where used) is not flooded.

  • Batch & colour control — Record batch numbers and area logs for QA/traceability; keep continuous areas to the same batch where appearance matters.

  • Safety — Epoxy/amine system: control exposure, ventilate and use PPE per SDS. Manage prep dust (silica), noise and vibration; contain and dispose of waste via licensed routes.

  These fundamentals ensure GacoFloor 100EX epoxy floor primer locks the substrate reliably and sets your anti-slip or high-build system up for long-term performance.