Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What is Insl-X® Aqua Lock® Primer?
A. Insl-X® Aqua Lock® Primer is a 100% acrylic primer that provides excellent adhesion to a variety of interior and exterior surfaces. It has superior sealing and coverage qualities, product versatility, and is an excellent base coat for both latex and oil-based finish coatings.
It offers excellent stain blocking properties for water stains, wood tannin, fingerprints, smoke, crayons and more. It also provides a mould-resistant coating.
Q. What are the benefits of using Insl-X® Aqua Lock® Primer?
A. Insl-X® Aqua Lock® Primer is a low-VOC, smooth base for latex or oil-based top coats that provides a mildew-resistant coating. It offers outstanding sealing properties.
Aqua Lock prevents stains from bleeding through the finish coat. Thanks to a formula that dries quickly, it can be recoated in one hour.
Q. How do I use Insl-X® Aqua Lock® Primer?
A. Insl-X® Aqua Lock® Primer applies easily with a quality brush, roller, airless, HVLP or conventional spray methods. Stir product thoroughly before using. For best results, it is recommended to apply by brush or roller application to effectively work primer into surface pores.
When applying by brush, apply a smooth and generous coat in an “M” or crisscross motion avoiding any excessive respreading or reworking.
If applying by airless sprayer, it is recommended to use a unit with a minimum of 2000 PSI of pressure with a 0.017 – 0.021 fluid spray tip. For airless sprayer application, we recommend that the surface area should be backrolled/brushed to ensure proper adhesion, even application, and to effectively work primer into surface pores.
It is important to maintain a wet edge during all methods of paint application by brushing or rolling into previously applied coating area.
Apply when surface and ambient temperature are above 10 °C (50°F) and below 32 °C (90°F). Do not paint if the surface temperature is within 5° of the dew point. See the Technical Data Sheet for more details.
Q. Can Insl-X® Aqua Lock® Primer be used on painted surfaces?
A. Insl-X® Aqua Lock® Primer can be applied to properly prepared, previously painted surfaces.
Although Aqua Lock Primer is formulated to be applied to glossy hard-to-coat surfaces without the need for sanding, it is recommended that proper surface preparation still be completed to enhance adhesion properties. Surfaces such as Formica, ceramic tile and glossy paint should be properly deglossed.
All surface areas to be painted should be clean, dry, and free of all dirt, grease, oils, waxes, mildew and any other surface contaminants that can cause paint failure. Remove all loose chipping, cracking and peeling from previously painted surfaces by hand scraping, sanding, wire brushing and/or by use of power tool cleaning methods such as electric sanders, grinders, etc.
Once applied, allow Aqua Lock Primer to cure for approximately 3 to 4 days to achieve maximum resistance to scrape-off. However, it may be top coated with a quality latex or oil-based finish within 1 to 2 hours, depending on overall drying conditions.
Q. What safety precautions can I take when using Insl-X® Aqua Lock® Primer?
A. Always allow for adequate ventilation when painting and priming. The use of safety goggles and gloves is recommended.
For more information, refer to the product's Safety Data Sheet.
Q. Is Insl-X® Aqua Lock® Primer suitable for use on driving surfaces?
A. Insl-X® Aqua Lock® Primer can be used on many substrates, including concrete, cement blocks, galvanized metals, etc. However, it is not formulated specifically for surfaces that will be driven on. For vehicular traffic, like a garage, try Insl-X® GarageGuard®.
Q. How long does it take for Insl-X® Aqua Lock® Primer to dry?
A. Insl-X® Aqua Lock® Primer dries quickly. At 77°F (25°C) at 50% RH (Relative Humidity), it takes 30 minutes to be tack free after the initial application. After an hour, Aqua Lock is ready to be recoated. It takes three to four days for Insl-X Aqua Lock to cure.
High humidity and cool temperatures will result in longer dry, recoat and service times.
Q. Can Insl-X® Aqua Lock® Primer be used underneath topcoats that are submerged in water?
A. Insl-X® Aqua Lock® Primer is not designed to be submerged under water.
Aqua Lock Plus is formulated to prevent stains from bleeding through. Aqua Lock Plus Primer provides excellent stain blocking properties against common stains, such as water stains, tannin, smoke stains, graffiti, crayons, lipstick and fingerprints.
Q. Do you have any other questions about Insl-X® Aqua Lock® Primer?
A. Benjamin Moore representatives are available to answer all your questions about Insl-X® Aqua Lock® Primer.
Please contact us by calling 1-866-708-9180 or email us at info@benjaminmoore.com. Learn more in the Benjamin Moore online product guide.