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InternationalBetter adhesion, cleaner installs, longer system life.
Before a membrane goes down or a roof coating rolls on, the surface has to be ready. That’s where a waterproof primer earns its keep. W. R. MEADOWS makes waterproofing primers that lock dusty concrete, seal porous masonry, and give your system the grip it needs to last.
Why a Waterproofing Primer Matters
A good primer does more than “make things sticky.” It
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Seals pores so moisture can’t creep under the membrane
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Grabs hold of sheet goods, cold-fluid coatings, and hot-applied asphalt
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Speeds tack time and increases labor savings
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VOC compliant with water-based options
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Eliminate callbacks and warranty headaches
When you want the rest of the assembly to do its job, priming isn’t optional — it’s essential.
Choose the Right Primer for Your Waterproofing or Air Barrier System
| Primer | Where It Shines | Key Benefit | VOC |
|---|---|---|---|
| MEL-PRIME® (Solvent-Based) | Concrete/CMU before MEL-ROL®, MEL-DEK™ | Fast tack, high grab | ~350 g/L |
| MEL-PRIME® W/B | Green or damp concrete, including insulated concrete forms (ICFs) and interior applications | Low odor, water cleanup | <100 g/L |
| REZI-WELD® LV Epoxy Primer | Joint walls before DECK-O-SEAL or FLOOR-TOP STG (sand broadcast) | Structural penetration & bond | 0 VOC (mixed) |
| AIR-SHIELD® Air Barrier Primers | |||
| MEL-PRIME® (Solvent-Based) | Exterior CMU and poured concrete before AIR-SHIELD® | Quick tack for aggressive adhesion | ~350 g/L |
| MEL-PRIME® W/B | Interior or damp substrates under AIR-SHIELD® | Low odor, easy water cleanup | <100 g/L |
Why an Air Barrier Primer Matters
Whether you’re installing a self-adhered or liquid-applied membrane, surface prep is critical to performance. For AIR-SHIELD® systems, that often means applying a primer like MEL-PRIME® to the substrate before the membrane goes on. It’s more than adhesion — it’s about long-term durability and system integrity.
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Required for self-adhered installs: MEL-PRIME is mandatory for AIR-SHIELD, TMP, and joint treatments using the sheet membrane
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Edge prep and joint treatment: For fluid-applied systems like LM, LSR, and LMP, MEL-PRIME is used on raw board edges, joints, and rough openings when detailing with AIR-SHIELD membrane strips
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VOC flexibility: Choose solvent-based MEL-PRIME for cold weather or tight adhesion, or go with MEL-PRIME W/B for indoor use and green concrete
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Assures full system bonding: Helps prevent adhesion failures, water infiltration, and premature delamination
If you’re installing an AIR-SHIELD membrane — in any form — priming may not just be recommended. It may be required. Always consult the data sheet or install guide for your specific product and wall type.
Built for Real-World Conditions
From damp concrete and cold mornings to strict emissions rules, W. R. MEADOWS primers are field-tested for the surprises a jobsite throws at you.
Resources
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Data Sheets & SDS – download instantly
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Spec Guides – get the wording right the first time
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Technical Support – talk with someone who’s seen it all
Get the Surface Right—Then Everything Else Follows
Successful membrane, coating, and sealant applications begin with proper surface preparation. A quality waterproof primer paint helps create the stable, consistent base your project needs.
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Waterproofing Primers
MEL-PRIME
MEL-PRIME is a solvent-based, ready-to-use adhesive for W. R. MEADOWS membrane systems. It is red to reddish-brown in color.
MEL-PRIME W/B
MEL-PRIME W/B water-based adhesive is a ready-to-use compound specifically formulated with polymers in a true water-based emulsion.
Coverage Calculator
The W. R. MEADOWS Product Estimator app includes a coverage calculator that will spell out just how much product you will need once you input the project’s size.
Request More Information
To contact your local W. R. MEADOWS representative or for general correspondence, please click here. If you need immediate assistance, please call (800) 342-5976. Thank you!