Ardex R3E Moisture Tolerant Primer

• Suitable For: damp concrete and cementitious surfaces
• Area of use: INT
• Application Method: brush
• Time to full cure: 24 hours
• Volume: 6kg 25kg
• Container Type: tin
• Colour: clear
• Brand: Ardex
• Manufactuer: Ardex
• Box Size: 1

ARDEX R 3 E Moisture Tolerant Epoxy Primer is a two component solvent free epoxy resin for use on concrete and cementitious surfaces that have damp surfaces (e.g. from water spillages or rain) prior to installing polyurethane screeds and self-smoothing epoxy floor coatings.

Surface Preparation

Ensure that the concrete or screed substrate is hard, sound, and free from dust, paint, lime coatings, plaster, curing agents, laitance, adhesive residues, and other materials that could impair adhesion. Prior to mechanical preparation, use ARDEX DGR Degreaser to remove polish, wax, grease, oil, and other contaminating substances. Prepare all substrates with appropriate mechanized surface preparation equipment before applying ARDEX products. After mechanical preparation, thoroughly remove all dust and fines using a combination of brushing and industrial vacuum extraction. The substrate must be prepared to a depth that exposes the aggregate and provides a solid surface ready for treatment.

Note: Movement joints or cracks in the concrete that are subject to differential movement, such as expansion joints, should be carried through to the finished surface and properly sealed.

Mixing

Before mixing, thoroughly stir each component of the ARDEX R 3 E Solvent-Free Epoxy Primer. Pour the entire contents of the hardener container (Component B) into the resin container (Component A) and mix thoroughly for at least 3 minutes using a heavy-duty slow-speed drill and spiral paddle. Reintroduce some of the mixed material back into the hardener container to activate any residual product, then pour it back into the resin container and mix for an additional 30 seconds. This method ensures consistent product quality and allows for easier disposal of leftover material. The mixed primer has a working time of up to 20 minutes at 20°C; any remaining material should be discarded safely after this period.

Note: ARDEX R 3 E will generate heat and reduce working time if left in the mixing container or stored in bulk. Always wear suitable eye/face protection and gloves during mixing.

Application

Apply the mixed material promptly to the floor using a brush or a short/medium pile roller, as the self-heating of the mixture will decrease working time. One or more coats may be necessary to achieve a uniform coating and address variations in surface porosity. Ensure all movement joints in the subfloor are carried through the topping and properly sealed. Construction joints and non-moving cracks can be overlaid, but any movement in the floor will reflect through the system. Isolation joints should be incorporated in areas with anticipated high thermal movement, such as around ovens and freezers.

When using ARDEX Fine Aggregate as a sand blind, apply it while the ARDEX R 3 E is still wet. Fully cover the wet surface with dry ARDEX Fine Aggregate. Remove any excess aggregate by brushing or vacuuming after the ARDEX R 3 E has set, which typically leaves a sandpaper-like finish.