Proper substrate preparation is the most important step in any tiling or floor-laying project — and the one most often skipped. Our range of professional primers and bonding slurries from Ardex, Larsen and Mapei ensures your adhesive bonds correctly to the substrate, prevents delamination and gives you a finish that lasts.
Acrylic primers (Larsen Acrylic Primer, Larsen Pink Primer, Ardex P51) are applied to absorbent substrates such as sand/cement screeds, concrete, plaster and plasterboard before tiling. They reduce suction, improve adhesion and prevent the substrate from drawing moisture out of the adhesive too quickly. Larsen Primer Grip360 and Mapei Eco Prim Grip Plus are specialist primers for non-absorbent and difficult surfaces — including existing tiles, anhydrite screeds and power-floated concrete — where a standard acrylic primer won't provide sufficient key. Larsen SBR Bond (Larcem 25) is a versatile styrene butadiene rubber admixture used to improve adhesion, flexibility and waterproofing resistance in cement-based mortars, screeds and renders. Larsen Priming Slurry PS Eco is a ready-to-use bonding slurry for priming concrete and screed prior to self-levelling compound application, preventing air bubbles and ensuring a sound bond.
Not sure which primer you need? As a rule of thumb: absorbent substrates need an acrylic primer; non-absorbent or glazed surfaces need a grip primer; and screeds receiving self-levelling compound need a priming slurry. Our team are happy to advise — get in touch before you start. Browse our tile adhesives and self-levelling compounds to complete your floor preparation system.
