ECO Prim Grip is a remarkable multipurpose bond-promoting primer. The main use of ECO Prim Grip is to promote the adhesion of renders, adhesives, and leveling compounds on floors and walls.
It is sold in a ready-to-use package and is easy to apply using a roller brush. It also has low VOCs and can be used on non-absorbent substrates.
The biggest drawback with this universal bond-promoting primer is that it’s not widely available. Finding it in hardware stores and popular eCommerce sites such as Amazon is quite challenging.
Therefore, if you urgently need a multipurpose primer, it’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with some of the popular ECO Prim Grip alternatives.
In the guide below, I will compare some of the best alternatives to ECO Prim Grip and the features that make them stand out.
1. Ardex P4 Multipurpose Primer
Of all ECO Prim Grip alternatives, the Ardex P4 is the best option. The Ardex P4, besides being a universal primer, shares many similarities with ECO Prim Grip. They are both solvent-free, ready-mixed, and have a quick drying time.
The main difference is that the Ardex is slightly more available in hardware stores, and you can get it online. The Ardex P4 Primer, similar to its counterpart, can be used on interior and exterior building projects. During application, it has a unique consistency that prevents splashes and dripping.
This universal bond-promoting primer can be used before leveling compounds and popular tile adhesives. Another unique feature of the Ardex P4 is that it creates a textured grip.
Therefore, you can use this primer for tile-on-tile installations. It eliminates the need to remove old tiles before installing new ones.
Ardex P4 thrives well in high-humidity areas, and you can use it on a wide range of substrates such as concrete, terrazzo, smoothing compounds, and tile.
If you want to install this primer on porous surfaces, the manufacturer recommends adding a quarter liter of water for every 2kgs of primer.
If you walk into a store looking for ECO Prim Grip and find that it’s not available, you can get the Ardex P4 instead.
2. Prime-N-Bond by Laticrete
Laticrete is another renowned manufacturer in the construction industry. Therefore, it’s no surprise that their Prime-N-Bond is one of ECO Prim Grip’s top alternatives.
The Prime-N-Bond is a single-coat and ready-to-use primer that promotes a strong bond between mortars and adhesives to substrates. Like ECO Prim Grip, this alternative emits low VOCs, making it a safe option.
However, unlike MAPEI’s multipurpose primer, the Prime-N-Bond is sold through various distributors nationwide. It’s, therefore, easier to get your hands on Prime-N-Bond.
This universal floor and wall primer is easy to apply and doesn’t need any mixing. It significantly improves the adhesion of mortars to low-absorptive substrates.
Apart from mortars, Prime-N-Bond can also be used with self-leveling products. It is available in white. You, therefore, don’t have to worry about it darkening colored stone or tile.
Even though Prime-N-Bond is an excellent alternative, it’s only ideal for interior use. This is something that you need to keep in mind.
Nonetheless, it can be applied to many substrates, such as tile, terrazzo, vinyl, natural stone, epoxy coating, and marble.
3. Liquid Rubber Multipurpose Primer
If you are looking for an ECO Prim Grip alternative for wood substrates, you should heavily consider the one manufactured by Liquid Rubber.
Even though it’s a multipurpose primer that can be used on concrete and other materials, it works best on wooden floors or walls.
Similar to ECO Prim Grip, the Liquid Rubber multipurpose primer has low VOCs and it boasts a fast-drying formula.
It is a strong bonding agent that is relatively easy to apply. You only need one or two coats to create a strong bond between substrates and mortars.
One of the key features of this universal primer is that it creates a flexible membrane that prevents the entry of salt, water, and UV rays. Therefore, apart from adhesion, you also get an added layer of protection when you use this primer.
The Liquid Rubber primer is water-based and minimizes bubbling or peeling.
4. TEC Multipurpose Primer
If you don’t find ECO Prim Grim, you can always use the multipurpose primer made by TEC. This is an acrylic latex-based primer that can be used with leveling compounds. It is the ideal choice for building a floor using TEC products because this adhesive is more compatible.
The TEC primer differs from the ECO Prim Grip because it can be used on metal, gypsum, and substrates treated with acrylic or latex.
You can apply it on interior or exterior floors without worrying about the elements. It also works exceptionally well on porous substrates.
This multipurpose primer is safe to use in confined spaces because it doesn’t release a lot of VOCs. It is also widely available.
5. BAUMERK Multipurpose Primer
This type of primer is in the same category as the TEC. They are both acrylic-based and ideal alternatives to the ECO Prim Grip.
The BAUMERK is more of a hidden gem because it’s less popular than its counterparts. But it creates a strong bond between various substrates and adhesives or mortars.
The BAUMERK primer, just like ECO Prim Grip, can be used in interiors and exteriors. When you use it on a substrate, it will promote adhesion while filling in any cracks.
This primer also enhances the stiffness of the surface it is applied to. You can apply this primer using a typical brush or roller.
Though it is an ideal alternative to ECO Prim Grip, this multipurpose primer shares a similar drawback. They are both difficult to come by.
6. SHERWIN-WILLIAMS Multipurpose Primer
Sherwin Williams isn’t a new name in the construction market. This reputable brand also makes its multipurpose primer which can be used as an ECO Grip Primer alternative.
One of the things you need to know about this product is that it emits minimal VOCs. The Sherwin Williams multipurpose primer has a quick drying time and creates a uniform appearance for top coats.
Unlike the ECO Prim Grip, this primer seals stains from water, tar, or other products. And it adheres well to glossy surfaces.
Being a latex primer, you can apply this primer to both interior and exterior projects.
How to Choose the Ideal Eco Prim Grip Alternative?
The above are the six best ECO Prim Grip alternatives you can get in the market. However, you need to keep in mind that not all alternatives will be suitable for your project.
Here are some key factors you must consider when shopping for an Eco Prim Grip substitute.
• Compatibility
I have always advocated the importance of sticking to products from the same company. If you are using a self-leveling compound from MAPEI, stick to a multipurpose primer from the same company. The same applies to TEC and other brands listed above. This ensures compatibility.
• The Formula
As you may have seen from the above substitutes to ECO Prim Grip, different formulas are used to make primers. You need to pick the right formula depending on your project.
If you are working on surfaces that have poor adhesion, use acrylic primers. On the other hand, latex primers are more of a safer option when it comes to VOCs.
• The Color
The color of your primer determines the final finish, especially if you will be installing clear tile or stone over the floor or wall. Clear is the most neutral color you can use.
Grey, on the other hand, might darken the finish. Ensure you get the primer in a color that blends with the finish you intend to install.