EWI-226 Aquabase Water Resistant Basecoat

EWI-226 Aquabase is our most water-resistant basecoat adhesive, suitable for use in areas where there is a high risk of water ingress. Durable and vapour permeable, Aquabase is suitable for fixing polystyrene insulation boards (such as XPS) onto external substrates; this product is highly recommended when rendering or insulating below the DPC. Aquabase basecoat can also be used in bathrooms for around showers/baths, and in wet rooms. It is not intended for use in swimming pools. 

EWI-226 Aquabase can be used for two purposes:

• An adhesive used to fix XPS insulation below the DPC.
• A reinforcement basecoat onto XPS and to internally reinforce walls in bathrooms or wetrooms.

Preparation

EWI-226 is prepared in the same way regardless of whether it is being used as a basecoat or an adhesive for fixing the insulation boards to the substrate. Aquabase comes as a dry mix in 25kg so needs to be mixed with clean, cold water (5-6 litres) prior to use. We suggest filling a large bucket with the correct quantities of water prior to adding the dry basecoat mixture. Once the basecoat has been added to the water, it needs to be mixed using a paddle mix until an even consistency mortar is produced. Once the product has been mixed sufficiently, leave the bucket for 5-10 minutes and then remix using the paddle mix before the adhesive is ready for use.

Application

If using Aquabase for the basecoat layer, apply the basecoat using a 10mm notched trowel to the substrate. Then embed overlapping pieces of Fibreglass Mesh – the mesh should sit within the middle of the basecoat layer. Another layer of the product should be applied on top of the mesh to ensure water tightness. The basecoat layer should be 5mm in total.

If using Aquabase to fix insulation to the substrate, the basecoat should be applied to the whole surface of the insulation board using a notched trowel.

Aquabase Application Conditions:

• Primer: EWI-301 or EWI-310 if a key is required
• Application temperature (air, substrate, materials): from +5°C to 25°C
• Time of usability after mixing with water: approx. 2 hours (temp. +20°C)
• Water mix proportions: approx. 5-6 litres of water per 25 kg of dry mix
• Quantity to be used: approx. 4-5 kg/m2

Aquabase Storage Conditions

Comes in powder form in a 25kg paper bag.

Store in a cool, dry place. Avoid ingress of water. Shelf life: up to 12 months from the date of manufacture.

Frequently Asked Questions

1.       What makes Aquabase different from other basecoats?

Aquabase is our most water-resistant basecoat adhesive, suitable for use in areas with a high risk of water ingress. Durable and vapour permeable, 

2.       Where can I use Aquabase?

Aquabase is suitable for fixing polystyrene insulation boards (such as XPS) onto external substrates and is highly recommended when rendering or insulating below the DPC. Aquabase basecoat can also be used in bathrooms for showers/baths and wet rooms.

3.       How much water do I need to mix with Aquabase?

Using a suitable paddle or pan mixer, you should mix approximately 5-6 litres of water per 25kg bag of Winter Adhesive until the mortar is consistent. Once mixed, leave for 5-10 minutes, then remix.

4.       Can I use Aquabase as both a Basecoat and Adhesive?

Aquabase can be used to fix XPS insulation boards below the DPC and as a reinforcement basecoat layer onto XPC and to internally reinforce walls in bathrooms or wetrooms.

5.       What thickness should Aquabase be applied to?

Aquabase should be applied to a maximum of  5mm for the basecoat reinforcement layer.