Coo-Var Dampshield | Two-Pack Epoxy Damp Proof Membrane Primer for Concrete Floors

• Apply a damp proof membrane to a concrete floor where no DPM was installed or where the existing DPM is damaged
• Coat or cover a concrete floor earlier than conventional drying times would allow by managing residual moisture
• Apply a solvent-free, low-odour primer in an occupied or sensitive environment such as food production, retail or healthcare
• Prepare a concrete floor for Coo-Var Profloor Plus or other epoxy floor coating systems

• The concrete surface has not been properly prepared by scarifying, vacuum shot-blasting or planing — surface must be mechanically prepared and free from laitance, dust and contaminants
• The surface is contaminated with oil or grease — treat with Coo-Var Oil Remover before mechanical preparation
• The relative humidity exceeds 97% — Dampshield is specified for up to 97% RH; above this level, specialist advice should be sought
• There is hydrostatic pressure present — where there is no DPM and hydrostatic pressure may be present, the consequences of creating a barrier layer must be carefully considered as pressure may be redirected elsewhere; seek specialist advice before applying
• The temperature is likely to drop below 10°C during application or drying
• The unbonded screed is less than 50mm thick — minimum screed thickness for application is 50mm
• You require a single-component product — Dampshield is a two-component system that must be mixed before use

Coo-Var Dampshield is a two-component, solvent-free epoxy resin membrane formulated to act as a damp proof membrane (DPM) on concrete floors. Developed by Coo-Var — a British coatings manufacturer with over 115 years of heritage — it is specifically designed to be tolerant to residual moisture in concrete, allowing floors to be coated or covered significantly earlier than would otherwise be possible without a traditional DPM installation.

When applied to concrete floors, Dampshield creates a continuous, impermeable epoxy membrane that prevents moisture vapour transmission from the substrate into floor coverings, screeds and coatings above. This makes it suitable for use where no DPM was installed during construction, where an existing DPM has been damaged, or where residual construction moisture needs to be managed to allow earlier floor finishing.

The number of coats required is determined by hygrometer readings in accordance with BS 8203 — from 1 coat at 75–85% relative humidity up to 3 coats at 92–97% relative humidity. The solvent-free, low-VOC formula (max 10 g/litre) produces minimal odour during application, making it suitable for use in occupied or sensitive environments including food production, retail and healthcare settings.

Key Benefits

• Acts as a damp proof membrane — creates an impermeable epoxy barrier that prevents moisture vapour transmission from concrete floors
• Tolerant to residual moisture — allows earlier access for screeds, coatings and floor coverings than conventional primers
• Solvent-free, low VOC — max 10 g/litre, low odour, suitable for use in occupied and sensitive environments
• Determined by BS 8203 hygrometer readings — number of coats matched to actual moisture levels for a correctly specified system
• Compatible with Coo-Var Profloor Plus — the recommended topcoat for a complete, high-performance floor coating system
• 100% solids formula — no solvent evaporation, full film build from every coat
• 115+ years of British expertise — trusted by contractors, facilities managers and flooring professionals across the UK

Order before midday for next-day UK delivery.

Coo-Var Dampshield is an essential floor primer for a wide range of concrete floor preparation and moisture management projects:

• New Concrete Floors with Residual Moisture — Apply to new concrete floors that have not fully dried, allowing earlier application of screeds, floor coatings and floor coverings. Residual moisture tolerance means floors can be coated significantly sooner than conventional drying schedules would allow, keeping construction programmes on track.

• Floors with Missing or Damaged DPM — Apply where no damp-proof membrane was installed during construction, or where an existing DPM has been damaged or compromised. Creates a continuous epoxy membrane that prevents moisture vapour transmission from the substrate into floor coverings above.

• Warehouses & Industrial Facilities — Prepare warehouse, factory and industrial concrete floors for epoxy floor coating systems. Apply Dampshield followed by Coo-Var Profloor Plus for a complete, heavy-duty floor system that manages moisture and provides chemical and wear resistance.

• Commercial & Retail Premises — Apply in commercial units, retail spaces and showrooms where floor coverings including carpet, tiles and vinyl are to be installed over concrete with residual moisture. The solvent-free, low-odour formula is suitable for use in occupied or partially occupied premises.

• Food Production & Healthcare Facilities — The solvent-free, low-VOC formula (max 10 g/litre) produces minimal odour and no taint risk, making it suitable for use in food production, pharmaceutical and healthcare environments where conventional solvent-based products are not appropriate.

• Garage Conversions & Domestic Floors — Apply to garage and domestic concrete floors where the DPM has failed or was never installed, before laying floor coverings or applying a decorative floor coating. Resolves persistent damp problems without the cost and disruption of breaking up and relaying the slab.

If you need personalised advice on surface preparation, hygrometer readings, or the correct number of coats for your project, contact our experts via the live chat for tailored guidance.

Coverage: 20 m² per 5kg pack at 230 micron dry film thickness

Coverage per pack

• 5kg mixed unit: Covers 20 m² per coat at 230 micron DFT

Number of coats required (per BS 8203 hygrometer reading)

• 75–85% relative humidity: 1 coat — 1 x 5kg pack covers 20 m²
• 85–92% relative humidity: 2 coats — 2 x 5kg packs required per 20 m²
• 92–97% relative humidity: 3 coats — 3 x 5kg packs required per 20 m²

Example calculations

• For a garage floor of 30 m² at 80% RH (1 coat required): 2 x 5kg packs
• For a warehouse floor of 100 m² at 88% RH (2 coats required): 10 x 5kg packs
• For an industrial floor of 50 m² at 94% RH (3 coats required): 8 x 5kg packs

Important: Always take hygrometer readings in accordance with BS 8203 before specifying the number of coats. Do not apply additional coats to overcome a lack of colour change or to compensate for incorrect specification.

Recoat window: Minimum 12 hours — maximum 48 hours between coats at 20°C. Do not exceed the 48-hour maximum recoat window — overcoating after 48 hours may result in adhesion failure between coats.

Practical coverage may be lower depending on surface profile and porosity. For accurate project planning, we recommend ordering 10–15% extra.

Surface Preparation

• Concrete surfaces must be prepared by scarifying, vacuum shot-blasting, planing or other suitable mechanical method — hand preparation is not sufficient
• All traces of concrete hardeners, laitance and other contaminants must be removed
• If the surface is contaminated with oil or grease, treat with Coo-Var Oil Remover before mechanical preparation
• For smooth or power-floated concrete, treat with Coo-Var Acid Etch after mechanical preparation to provide an adequate key
• After mechanical preparation, vacuum the surface thoroughly to remove all concrete dust
• Protect the prepared surface against further contamination before applying Dampshield
• The surface must be free from liquid water and the atmosphere must not be condensing

Determining Number of Coats

Take hygrometer readings in accordance with BS 8203 to determine the number of coats required:

• 75–85% relative humidity: 1 coat at 230 micron DFT
• 85–92% relative humidity: 2 coats at 230 micron DFT per coat
• 92–97% relative humidity: 3 coats at 230 micron DFT per coat

Mixing

1. Mix the contents of the hardener component with the base thoroughly using a slow-speed power stirrer
2. Ensure the two components are fully and evenly combined before application
3. Do not thin — this product is applied undiluted

Application

1. Apply by lambswool roller to the prepared concrete surface
2. Apply at the specified film thickness of 230 micron per coat
3. Allow a minimum of 12 hours before applying subsequent coats
4. Do not exceed the maximum recoat window of 48 hours — overcoating after 48 hours may result in adhesion failure between coats
5. Apply the number of coats determined by the BS 8203 hygrometer reading

Drying Times (at 20°C)

• Touch dry: 24 hours
• Hard dry: 72 hours
• Full hardness: 5–7 days
• Recoat interval: Minimum 12 hours — maximum 48 hours

Drying times will be longer in cold or humid conditions. Do not apply if temperature will drop below 10°C during application or drying.

Recommended System Products

Free delivery on orders over £75 — stock up on everything you need in one go and complete the job properly.

Coo-Var Oil Remover: Remove oil and hydrocarbon contamination from concrete floors before mechanical preparation. Essential first step on oil-contaminated surfaces to ensure proper adhesion and membrane integrity.

Coo-Var Acid Etch: Apply to smooth or power-floated concrete after mechanical preparation to provide an adequate key for Dampshield. Removes laitance and opens the concrete surface.

Coo-Var Profloor Plus: Heavy-duty two-pack epoxy floor paint for application over Dampshield. Apply after Dampshield has fully cured for a complete, chemical-resistant floor coating system.

Paint Brushes, Rollers & Trays Use lambswool rollers for Dampshield application as specified in the TDS.

These products are commonly combined for best long-term results.

What is Coo-Var Dampshield used for?
It is used as a damp proof membrane (DPM) primer on concrete floors where residual moisture is present, where no DPM was installed, or where an existing DPM has been damaged. It creates an impermeable epoxy barrier that prevents moisture vapour transmission into floor coverings, screeds and coatings above.

Is it a two-component product?
Yes. Coo-Var Dampshield is a two-component epoxy system — base and hardener must be mixed together thoroughly using a slow-speed power stirrer before application. Do not apply the components separately.

How many coats do I need?
The number of coats is determined by hygrometer readings in accordance with BS 8203: 1 coat at 75–85% RH, 2 coats at 85–92% RH, and 3 coats at 92–97% RH. Always take hygrometer readings before specifying the number of coats.

What is the maximum relative humidity it can be used at?
Dampshield is specified for use up to 97% relative humidity. Above this level, specialist advice should be sought.

What surfaces can it be applied to?
Concrete floors and fine concrete screeds. Unbonded screeds must be a minimum of 50mm thick. The surface must be of sufficient quality, continuity and mechanical strength to ensure even coating.

How do I prepare the surface?
Concrete must be prepared by scarifying, vacuum shot-blasting, planing or other suitable mechanical method. All laitance, concrete hardeners and contaminants must be removed. The surface must be thoroughly vacuumed and protected from further contamination before applying Dampshield.

What if the surface is contaminated with oil?
Treat with Coo-Var Oil Remover before mechanical preparation to remove oil and hydrocarbon contamination.

What topcoat can I apply over Dampshield?
Coo-Var Profloor Plus is the recommended topcoat for use over Dampshield for a complete, heavy-duty epoxy floor coating system.

How long before I can apply a topcoat?
Allow a minimum of 12 hours before applying subsequent coats or topcoat. Do not exceed the maximum recoat window of 48 hours — overcoating after 48 hours may result in adhesion failure between coats.

What is the coverage?
20 m² per 5kg pack at 230 micron dry film thickness per coat.

What pack size is available?
Coo-Var Dampshield is available in 5kg mixed units (base + hardener).

Is it flammable?
No. The flash point is above 55°C and the product is solvent-free with a VOC content of max 10 g/litre.

What temperature do I need to apply it?
Do not apply if the temperature is likely to drop below 10°C during application or drying.

What about hydrostatic pressure?
Where there is no DPM or where the DPM may be damaged, the possible presence of hydrostatic pressure must be considered before applying Dampshield. Creating a barrier layer may redirect pressure or water flow elsewhere. Seek specialist advice if hydrostatic pressure is suspected.

Do you offer next-day delivery?
Yes. Order before midday for next-day delivery to mainland UK addresses. Contact us for delivery options to Scottish Highlands, Northern Ireland and other remote areas.

Technical Data Sheet

Safety Data Sheet 1

Safety Data Sheet 2

We recommend these system products to achieve the best results with Coo-Var Dampshield. Free delivery on orders over £75

Coo-Var Oil Remover — remove oil and hydrocarbon contamination from concrete floors before mechanical preparation; essential first step on oil-contaminated surfaces

Coo-Var Acid Etch — apply to smooth or power-floated concrete after mechanical preparation to provide an adequate key for Dampshield; removes laitance and opens the concrete surface

Coo-Var Profloor Plus — heavy-duty two-pack epoxy floor paint for application over Dampshield; apply after full cure for a complete, chemical-resistant floor coating system

Paint Brushes, Rollers & Trays — use lambswool rollers for Dampshield application as specified.

Not sure how many coats you need or which system is right for your floor? Contact our experts via live chat for free, tailored advice — we will help you specify the correct system for your moisture readings.

Fast, Reliable & Fully Tracked UK Delivery

Every order is dispatched from our warehouse using a fully tracked DX or FedEx service, so you always know when your paint will arrive.

Delivery Options

• FREE Standard Delivery (orders over £75) Arrives in 2–3 working days
• Standard Delivery – £7.95 Arrives in 2–3 working days
• Express Delivery – £13.95 Next working day delivery when you order before 12:00 noon (Mon–Thu)
• Spending £75+? Select Express Upgrade at checkout and only pay the difference

Dispatch & Delivery Times (What Happens After You Order)

• Express delivery (order before 12:00 Mon–Thu) Dispatched same day, delivered next working day
• Standard delivery (Mon–Wed orders) Dispatched next working day, delivered 2–3 working days later
• Orders placed Thursday (standard delivery) Dispatched Friday for Monday delivery
• We do not dispatch or deliver on weekends or UK bank holidays

What to Expect on Delivery

Please provide a contact telephone number at checkout. This allows the courier to share tracking updates or contact you if there are any delivery issues.

Most orders require a signature on delivery. If you may not be available during the day, we recommend delivery to a workplace, business address, or another location where someone can sign.

Outside the UK Mainland?

Delivery prices shown apply to UK Mainland only.

For the Highlands, Islands, Northern Ireland, or non-mainland addresses, please contact us for a quick personalised quote via live chat, by calling 01482 222 421, or emailing info@specialistpaintsonline.co.uk.

Bottom Line

Order today, get fast and reliable delivery, track every step, and get painting without delays.