Description
What is the AquaTank waterproofing kit?
AquaTank is an all-in-one liquid tanking system designed to waterproof suitable wall and floor substrates before tiling.
The system combines AquaTank Pro-Tile Primer, AquaTank SA Tape+ and AquaTank Neo-Flex Membrane to create a continuous waterproof barrier beneath the tiled finish.
It is particularly suited to areas exposed to frequent moisture, including:
- bathrooms;
- showers;
- wet rooms;
- shower enclosures;
- bath and shower areas;
- other damp or frequently wet tiled environments.
The complete kit is available in sizes suitable for approximately 5m² or 10m² of coverage, making it straightforward to select the right kit for the area being waterproofed.
Important: Tiles, adhesive and grout should not be relied upon as the sole waterproof barrier in frequently wet areas. The waterproofing system sits behind the finished tiles and protects the substrate beneath.
What does the AquaTank Kit contain?
Each AquaTank Kit contains the components required to prepare, reinforce and waterproof the substrate before tiling.
| Component | Purpose |
|---|---|
| AquaTank Pro-Tile Primer | Prepares the substrate before the waterproofing membrane is applied |
| AquaTank SA Tape+ | Reinforces and seals corners, joints and transitions |
| AquaTank Neo-Flex Membrane | Creates the flexible waterproof layer beneath the tiles |
| Application Brush | For applying the primer and membrane |
| Gloves | Included for application |
| Installation Guide | Provides application instructions for the AquaTank system |
Using the components as a complete system helps ensure that the large surface areas and the critical junctions between them are treated before tiling begins.
Where can AquaTank be used?
The AquaTank tanking kit is designed for suitable wall and floor substrates in wet and damp tiled environments.
Typical applications include:
Bathrooms
Use AquaTank to create a waterproof layer beneath tiles in areas where the substrate may be exposed to regular moisture.
Showers
Shower walls, corners, pipe penetrations and junctions around the shower area require particular attention because they are repeatedly exposed to water.
Wet rooms
AquaTank can form part of the waterproofing preparation for suitable wet-room installations before tiling.
Bath and shower areas
Areas surrounding baths with overhead showers should be treated as wet zones and waterproofed appropriately before the tiles are installed.
Why use a tanking kit before tiling?
Tiles may form the visible surface of a shower or bathroom, but they should not be expected to provide the complete waterproof barrier themselves.
Grout joints, corners, penetrations and changes of plane all create potential routes for moisture.
Installing an appropriate waterproofing system beneath the tiles helps protect the substrate from water ingress.
AquaTank provides a convenient system containing the primer, sealing tape and waterproof membrane in one kit, rather than requiring each element to be sourced individually.
What are the main benefits of AquaTank?
Complete tanking system
The kit includes the principal products and application accessories required to prepare and waterproof a suitable surface before tiling.
Ready to tile quickly
When correctly applied under suitable conditions, the AquaTank system can be dry and ready to tile after approximately two hours.
Always follow the current installation instructions and allow for site conditions when assessing drying time.
Flexible waterproof membrane
AquaTank Neo-Flex creates a flexible membrane beneath the tiled finish and offers crack-bridging properties as part of the system.
Suitable for walls and floors
The system can be used on appropriate wall and floor substrates within wet areas.
Available in two coverage options
Choose between:
- 5m² AquaTank Kit
- 10m² AquaTank Kit
This allows the kit size to be matched more closely to the project.
Easy-to-follow system
The AquaTank approach uses a simple sequence:
Prime → Seal joints and corners → Apply waterproof membrane → Apply second coat → Tile
How do you use the AquaTank Kit?
Always refer to the current AquaTank instructions and technical data before installation.
Step 1 – Prepare the surface
The substrate should be:
- suitable for tiling;
- clean;
- sound;
- dry;
- free from dust, grease and loose material.
Waterproofing should not be used to compensate for an unstable or unsuitable substrate.
Step 2 – Apply AquaTank Pro-Tile Primer
Apply AquaTank Pro-Tile Primer to the prepared substrate in accordance with the product instructions.
Allow the primer to dry before proceeding.
Step 3 – Seal corners and joints with AquaTank SA Tape+
Apply AquaTank SA Tape+ to vulnerable areas such as:
- internal corners;
- wall-to-floor junctions;
- board joints;
- changes of plane;
- relevant penetrations and transitions.
Pay particular attention to corners and panel joints, where movement and water exposure can make correct detailing especially important.
Step 4 – Apply the first coat of AquaTank Neo-Flex
Apply AquaTank Neo-Flex Membrane across the area being waterproofed, ensuring continuous coverage.
The membrane should integrate with the taped corners and joints to create the waterproof layer behind the tiled finish.
Step 5 – Apply the second coat
Once the first coat has dried in accordance with the instructions, apply the second coat of AquaTank Neo-Flex.
Ensure that the specified area is completely covered.
Step 6 – Allow to dry before tiling
Once the waterproofing system is fully dry, tiling can begin using an adhesive suitable for the:
- AquaTank membrane;
- chosen tile;
- substrate;
- location;
- tile format.
Under suitable conditions, AquaTank can be ready to tile in approximately two hours.
What size AquaTank Kit do I need?
AquaTank is available in two kit sizes:
| Kit size | Approximate coverage | Suitable for |
|---|---|---|
| 5m² Kit | 5m² | Smaller shower or wet-area installations |
| 10m² Kit | 10m² | Larger shower, bathroom or wet-room areas |
Measure the area that requires waterproofing rather than simply the overall floor area of the bathroom.
For example, a shower enclosure may require waterproofing to several walls as well as other junctions, so calculate the complete surface area that will be treated.
Where the measured area is close to the kit limit, allow sufficient material to achieve the specified coverage rather than attempting to stretch the product over a larger area.
Can AquaTank be used underneath ceramic and porcelain tiles?
Yes.
AquaTank is designed to waterproof suitable substrates beneath:
- ceramic tiles;
- porcelain tiles;
- natural stone;
- mosaic tiles.
The adhesive used afterwards should also be selected according to the tile, substrate, waterproof membrane and installation environment.
Can AquaTank be used on walls and floors?
Yes, AquaTank is designed for suitable wall and floor applications in wet areas.
The background must still be stable and appropriate for tiling.
Where a new tile-ready substrate is required rather than a liquid tanking system over an existing suitable surface, a waterproof tile backer board such as Baseboard may be another option.
Is AquaTank suitable for showers and wet rooms?
Yes. AquaTank is designed for waterproofing suitable substrates in wet areas including showers, bathrooms and wet rooms before tiling.
Correct treatment of corners, joints, floor-to-wall junctions and penetrations is particularly important in these areas.
Is AquaTank suitable for plasterboard?
The suitability of the substrate must be assessed before installation.
In wet areas, plasterboard and other moisture-sensitive backgrounds should not be assumed to be waterproof simply because they will eventually be covered by tiles.
Where the substrate is suitable for the intended installation, AquaTank provides a tanking layer before the tiled finish is installed.
For new wet-area construction, a purpose-designed waterproof backer board such as Baseboard may also be considered depending on the project.
What is the difference between AquaTank and a waterproof backer board?
Both can form part of a waterproof tiled installation, but they solve different problems.
AquaTank is a liquid-applied waterproofing system installed over a suitable substrate.
Baseboard is a waterproof tile backer board that can create the substrate itself.
AquaTank may therefore be particularly useful when an existing suitable background needs to be tanked before tiling, while Baseboard can be considered where a new waterproof tile-ready background is required.
For projects requiring a waterproof membrane with additional movement protection, StructaMat Pro may also be appropriate.
Do tiles and grout make a shower waterproof?
No.
Tiles and grout form the finished tiled surface, but the complete shower or wet-room installation should include appropriate waterproof protection behind the tiles.
A tanking system such as AquaTank creates that waterproof layer beneath the decorative finish.
For more information, read our Complete Guide to Waterproofing Before Tiling.
AquaTank Kit at a glance
| Feature | AquaTank Kit |
|---|---|
| Product type | Complete waterproof tanking kit |
| Applications | Bathrooms, showers, wet rooms and other wet tiled areas |
| Suitable surfaces | Appropriate wall and floor substrates |
| Tile types | Ceramic, porcelain, natural stone and mosaics |
| Coverage options | 5m² and 10m² |
| Waterproof membrane | AquaTank Neo-Flex |
| Primer included | Yes – AquaTank Pro-Tile Primer |
| Sealing tape included | Yes – AquaTank SA Tape+ |
| Application accessories included | Brush and gloves |
| Approx. tile-ready time | From 2 hours under suitable conditions |
| Product codes | 5570 / 5571 |
AquaTank downloads and installation information
Before installation, refer to the current technical and application information.
Available resources:
- AquaTank Technical Datasheet
- AquaTank Installation Video
- AquaTank Product Focus
- Waterproofing Before Tiling Guide
These resources provide further information about preparation, application and the wider AquaTank waterproofing system.
Where can I buy AquaTank?
AquaTank is supplied by Quantum Group on a wholesale trade-only basis through our network of tile retailers, wholesalers, builders’ merchants and online retailers across the UK and Ireland.
If you’re an installer or homeowner looking for AquaTank, contact Quantum and we can help you locate your nearest stockist.
If you’re a retailer, merchant or distributor interested in stocking the AquaTank waterproofing range, contact the Quantum sales team or apply for a trade account.
AquaTank waterproofing range
The AquaTank range extends beyond the complete kit and includes individual waterproofing components and accessories such as:
- AquaTank Neo-Flex Membrane
- AquaTank Pro-Tile Primer
- AquaTank SA Tape+
- AquaTank ShowerSeal Pro Tape
- AquaTank Waterproof Upstand Tape
This allows individual components to be specified or replaced where required and supports more detailed wet-area installations.
