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What is the difference between one-component and two-component liquid waterproofing?

When choosing a liquid waterproofing system, you will often face the choice between one-component or two-component products. The main difference between these two types lies in their application and curing process.

One-component liquid waterproofing

  1. Ready to use and easy to apply:
    One-component products are ready for use immediately. They do not require mixing and can be applied directly from the packaging. This makes them very user-friendly, especially for smaller areas or quick repairs.
  2. Curing by moisture in the air:
    These products cure by reacting with atmospheric moisture. The curing time varies depending on temperature and relative humidity and is generally longer than with two-component systems.
  3. Different types within one-component systems:
  • Solvent-free (e.g., IKO hybritech MS Detail):
    Can be applied wet-on-wet, meaning a second layer can be applied before the first is fully cured.
  • Solvent-based (e.g., IKO tanetech Detail):
    The first layer must be fully cured before the next layer is applied.

Two-component liquid waterproofing

  1. Fast curing and controlled mixing process:
    Two-component products consist of a resin and a hardener (catalyst). These must be mixed in the correct ratio just before application. Once mixed, the polymerization process starts, and the product cures rapidly.

  2. Fast curing:
    Cures within approximately 45 minutes (e.g., IKO metatech), making the system ideal for projects where speed is crucial.
  3. Wet-on-wet application:
    Because the layers can merge during curing, this results in excellent adhesion and a homogeneous layer build-up.

More information about our liquid systems can be found here.

Summary:

FeatureOne-componentTwo-component
ApplicationReady to useRequires mixing before use
CuringBy atmospheric moistureBy chemical reaction (polymerization)
Curing timeSlowerFast (± 45 min)
Use caseSmaller projects, repairsLarge projects, fast execution
Wet-on-wet applicationOnly for solvent-free typesAlways possible
Example IKO productsIKO hybritech MS Detail, IKO tanetechIKO metatech