
The AquaTank Kit from Quantum Group NI is a complete waterproofing system, ideal for areas exposed to water and moisture such as showers, bathrooms, and wet rooms. With everything needed to treat up to 10m², the kit ensures full protection and peace of mind before tiling.
What’s Included in the Kit:
- AquaTank Neo-Flex Membrane – Flexible waterproofing liquid membrane.
- AquaTank Pro-Tile Primer – A bonding primer for improved adhesion.
- AquaTank SA Tape+ – Flexible self-adhesive tape for joints and corners.
- Brush & Instructions – For quick and safe application.
Before You Start:
- Ensure all surfaces are clean, dry, dust-free, and stable.
- The substrate should be capable of handling the intended load.
- Fill or repair any surface cracks, gaps, or imperfections.
- Pre-wet very dry surfaces (especially masonry), ensuring no standing water remains.
- Minimum background/air temperature should be above 7°C during application.
A full video showing how to use the AquaTank Tanking Kit is available to view HERE
Step 1 – Apply AquaTank Pro-Tile Primer
Before any waterproofing work begins, it’s essential to ensure the substrate is prepared properly—and that starts with AquaTank Pro-Tile Primer. This high-performance primer is specifically designed to promote superior adhesion between the substrate and the AquaTank Neo-Flex waterproof membrane that will follow.
Begin by inspecting the area for dust, debris, oil, or loose particles. The substrate must be clean, dry, and free from contaminants. Use a vacuum and damp cloth if necessary to remove fine particles. Any cracks or uneven surfaces should be filled and levelled with a suitable filler before applying the primer.
Once the surface is clean and dry, pour a small amount of AquaTank Pro-Tile Primer into a paint tray. Using a medium-pile roller or a wide, flat brush, apply a generous but even coat of primer to all horizontal and vertical surfaces within the intended wet area. This includes walls, floors, shower trays, alcoves, niches, and any areas expected to be tiled and exposed to moisture.
Be sure to cut in carefully around corners and junctions where floors meet walls or internal corners meet external edges. These areas are particularly vulnerable to water ingress and must be coated thoroughly.
Allow the primer to dry completely before proceeding to the next stage. Drying time will vary based on room temperature and humidity, but typically it will take 30–60 minutes. The surface should appear matt and slightly tacky to the touch when dry, with no visible wet patches.
Do not rush this step—proper adhesion of the primer ensures the success of all subsequent waterproofing layers. Once dry, you’re ready to move onto applying the sealing tapes in Step 2.
Step 2 – Apply AquaTank Sealing Tape to All Joints and Edges
With the surface primed and ready, the next step is sealing all internal corners, wall-to-floor joints, pipe penetrations, and any gaps where moisture is likely to escape. AquaTank Sealing Tape is a high-performance, fleece-backed tape designed to reinforce these weak spots, ensuring a watertight finish before the full membrane is applied.
Start by measuring and pre-cutting the tape lengths needed for all junctions. You’ll need strips for:
- All wall-to-floor transitions
- Internal wall corners
- External wall corners (use pre-formed corner pieces for speed and neatness)
- Around waste pipe penetrations and fixtures (use pipe collars for a perfect seal)
Firmly apply the tape and overlap the ends of each strip by at least 50mm to ensure continuity and prevent gaps. In corners or around complex shapes, take extra care to smooth out wrinkles or folds, trimming neatly as required for a snug fit.
Step 3 – Apply the First Coat of AquaTank Neo-Flex Waterproof Membrane
With all sealing tapes, corners, and pipe collars fully installed and set in place, it’s time to apply the first full coat of AquaTank Neo-Flex, the flexible, ready-to-use waterproofing membrane that forms the core of the AquaTank system.
Before starting, stir the AquaTank membrane thoroughly to ensure an even consistency. Use a brush or roller (ideally a medium pile or fleece roller) to apply the membrane evenly across the surface. Begin at the lowest point—usually the floor—and work your way up the walls. Always apply in a smooth, continuous motion to avoid drips or clumps, aiming for even coverage without leaving thin patches.
Be sure to cover:
- All taped joints again (this is the second layer over your sealing tape)
- The entire shower tray area or wet zone floor
- The wall areas up to at least 300mm above the highest expected splash point—though in showers, it’s good practice to go at least 1.8m high or to ceiling height for full protection.
The membrane should be applied at a minimum thickness of 0.4–0.6mm per coat (wet film), which will dry to approximately 0.2–0.3mm per layer. It’s important not to spread it too thin, as an insufficient build-up may compromise its waterproofing integrity.
Once complete, inspect for missed spots, especially around junctions and fittings. Touch up any inconsistencies while the product is still wet.
Let the first coat dry for approximately 30 minutes (depending on temperature and humidity) until it turns from blue to dark grey and is no longer tacky to the touch. Good airflow will assist drying but avoid using direct heat.
Step 4 – Apply the Second Coat of AquaTank Neo-Flex Waterproof Membrane
Once the first coat of AquaTank Neo-Flex has completely dried and turned from blue to a uniform dark grey colour, you’re ready to apply the second coat. This step is essential to ensure a continuous, durable, and fully watertight barrier across the entire wet area.
Just like the first coat, stir the membrane thoroughly before application to ensure a smooth, lump-free consistency. Using the same type of brush or roller (medium pile or fleece roller), begin to apply the second coat perpendicular to the direction of the first coat — if the first was horizontal, apply the second vertically, and vice versa. This crosshatch technique ensures optimal coverage and builds a reinforced waterproof layer.
Key areas to focus on include:
- Corners and changes in plane, such as wall-to-floor junctions
- Around pipe penetrations and fittings
- Full coverage of the tray or floor area, extending outward to overlap any joins with surrounding floor surfaces
- All splash zones on walls — typically to full height in showers and at least 300mm above the basin or bath level
Apply the second coat evenly, aiming again for a wet film thickness of approximately 0.4–0.6mm, which will dry to around 0.2–0.3mm. Combined with the first coat, this will give the minimum total dried membrane thickness required for AquaTank’s certified waterproofing performance (minimum 0.8mm total when dry).
The surface will be ready to tile in just 2 hours, depending on ambient conditions such as temperature, airflow, and humidity. Do not attempt to tile over wet or tacky membrane. Once cured, the surface will be fully waterproof, flexible, and ready for tiling using a compatible cement-based tile adhesive.
Step 5 – Ready for Tiling
Once the second coat of AquaTank Neo-Flex has fully dried, your surface is officially ready for tiling. At this point, the waterproof membrane will present a consistent dark grey, rubberised finish across all treated surfaces, with no soft spots, tackiness, or colour variation.
Before proceeding, check the membrane for the following:
- Uniform coverage across walls, floors, corners, and around pipe penetrations.
- No pinholes, cracks, or areas where the substrate is visible.
- A minimum total dried membrane thickness of 0.8mm, as per AquaTank’s technical standards.
Do not tile until the membrane is completely dry. Drying time may vary depending on site conditions , cooler, more humid environments may require longer, so always verify with a touch test: the surface should feel dry, firm, and flexible — never tacky or soft.
When tiling over AquaTank, it’s crucial to use a flexible cement-based tile adhesive that is compatible with waterproof membranes. Do not use ready-mixed (dispersion) adhesives, as they may not bond effectively to the waterproofing surface.
Begin by setting out your tile plan and working from your datum lines. For walls, start tiling from the centre or a feature tile and move outward and upward. For floors, always ensure the correct fall to the drain is maintained, particularly in wet rooms or walk-in showers.
It’s important to leave movement joints in accordance with BS 5385 recommendations, especially at internal corners, junctions, and where the tiling abuts different materials. These joints should be filled with a suitable silicone sealant.
Once tiling is complete, allow the adhesive to fully cure before grouting — typically 24 hours. Your waterproofing is now protected by a strong, well-laid tile surface, and your installation is set up for long-term performance and peace of mind.
Why Choose AquaTank from Quantum Group NI?
At Quantum Group NI, we understand that reliable waterproofing is non-negotiable in wet areas like showers, wet rooms, and bathrooms. The AquaTank Tanking Kit has been developed to offer installers and merchants a system that’s easy to use, fast to apply, and robust enough to withstand long-term exposure to moisture. Whether you’re working on a domestic ensuite, a hotel refurbishment, or a large-scale residential development, AquaTank ensures total waterproofing confidence with minimal installation time.
Our Neo-Flex technology delivers high elasticity and crack-bridging performance, ensuring that movement in the substrate does not compromise the waterproof layer. Every component in the AquaTank kit—from our self-adhesive internal and external corners to our butyl-backed sealing tapes—has been engineered to the highest specification, giving you peace of mind at every stage of the installation.
The kit is also compatible with underfloor heating systems and suitable for use beneath tiles made from porcelain, ceramic, and natural stone. Backed by a comprehensive datasheet and video demonstration, our AquaTank system has become the go-to choice for professional tilers, contractors, and merchants across the UK and Ireland.
With AquaTank, you’re not just waterproofing a space—you’re protecting the entire tile installation from future damage, leakage, and costly repairs.
If you’re a retail showroom or stockist looking to supply a tanking solution that your customers can trust, get in touch with the Quantum Group NI team today. We provide brochures, display samples, technical guidance, and full merchant support to help you sell with confidence.
Contact us for trade enquiries or to request your AquaTank product sample today.