FAQs

KA Tanking Slurry – Frequently Asked Questions

 Surface Preparation & Compatibility

• Can I apply KA Tanking Slurry to a concrete floor? Yes, but prime smooth concrete with a 1:2 mix of SBR and clean water. Leave for 15 minutes before applying slurry to ensure proper bonding.

• Can I use KA Tanking Slurry on engineering bricks? Yes, but apply a bonding coat of 1 part KA-Bond SBR to 2 parts clean water 15 minutes prior. Engineering bricks are non-porous.

• Can I apply KA Tanking Slurry on painted brickwork or bitumen-coated surfaces? No. All paint, oils, dirt, and bitumen must be removed first. Use white spirit to clean bitumen before application.

• Can it be applied to wet surfaces? Only to clean, damp surfaces—not saturated or dry.

• Can I use it on standard bricks in a shed built into sloping ground? Yes. Apply a 3:1 sand/cement scratch coat to brick walls first. Prime concrete floors with SBR/water mix before tanking.

• Will it adhere to surfaces previously treated with silicone-based water sealants? No. These must be fully removed and the surface scored to create a key. Slurry will not bond to silicone residues.

• Can I apply it over lime-based substrates or heritage masonry? Not directly. Lime surfaces must be stabilised with a cementitious scratch coat or bonding primer before tanking.

 Mixing & Additives

• What do I mix KA Tanking Slurry with? Use clean water. In high-movement areas, add approx. 1L of SBR per 25kg for flexibility.

• Can I add dye for a black finish (e.g., pond sealing)? Yes. Use a carbon-based powdered cement dye—safe for aquatic life.

• Do I need a salt inhibitor? No. KA Tanking Slurry prevents moisture passage, which also stops efflorescence.

• Can I mix KA Tanking Slurry with other waterproofing compounds or additives? No. Use only clean water or SBR as specified. Other additives may compromise performance or certification.

 Rendering, Plastering & Finishing

• Can I render or plaster over KA Tanking Slurry? Yes. Use an intermediate bonding compound:

  • For plaster: dilute SBR latex 1:1 with water, apply to cured slurry, allow to become tacky, then plaster.

  • For render: apply bonding slurry (2 parts sand, 1 part cement, gauged with 1:1 SBR:water) and render before it dries.

• Can I paint over it? Yes. Treat it like new plaster—only use water-based emulsion within the first 6 months.

• Can I use dot and dab after application? Yes, after 7 days drying. For traditional dab mix, use a dry fix system like Soudal Fix All or Dow Insta-Stik to avoid condensation.

• Can I tile over KA Tanking Slurry? Yes, but only after full curing. Use a cement-based tile adhesive and ensure the slurry is fully bonded and dry.

 Installation & Coverage

• What area does a 25kg tub cover? Two coats will cover approx. 8m².

• Does it need an SBR bonding agent on internal walls? Not normally—unless the surface lacks a key.

• Can I use it in a basement with occasional leaks? Yes. It’s suitable for waterproofing against rain ingress through underpinning.

• Can I use it after applying a water seal and masonry paint? No. Remove all paint and water seal first. Score the wall to create a key before applying slurry.

• Can I apply it in cold weather? No. Application below 5°C is not recommended. Cold temperatures may prevent curing and compromise performance.

• Can I apply it in high humidity or damp environments like dairies or livestock sheds? Yes, provided the surface is clean and damp—not saturated. Ensure good ventilation during curing.

 Certification & Compliance

• Is KA Tanking Slurry certified for residential basements? Yes. It’s LABC Registered (England & Wales), holds Scottish Building Control certification, and conforms to BS:6920 via WRAS.

• Is it safe for use in potable water tanks or near livestock drinking sources? Yes. It meets WRAS standards and poses no hazard to organic life when fully cured.

• Can I use it in conjunction with other KA products (e.g., insulation adhesives)? Yes. KA Tanking Slurry is compatible with KA adhesives and primers—refer to product datasheets for layering order