Getting Plaster and Dot-and-Dab to Stick to Airtight Membranes
A cured liquid airtight membrane is smooth — great for airtightness, but plaster, adhesive and dot-and-dab need something to grip. That’s where a bonding primer comes in.

The problem
Plaster, board adhesive and dot-and-dab can struggle to bond to a sealed, low-suction membrane surface. The risk is hollow spots, debonding boards and cracked plaster — failures that appear after the finish is on and are expensive to put right.
The solution: Supergrip Primer
Supergrip Primer gives a smooth membrane a high-grip key so plaster, dot-and-dab and adhesives bond firmly over Passive Purple and other coatings. It lets the airtight layer and the finish work together instead of fighting each other.
How it is applied
- Make sure the membrane is fully cured and clean
- Apply Supergrip Primer to create a textured key
- Plaster, dot-and-dab or bond boards once ready
Benefits
- Strong key for plaster and adhesives
- Lets you finish directly over the airtight layer
- Reduces hollow spots and debonding
Frequently asked questions
Can I plaster straight onto Passive Purple without it? A primer is strongly recommended to guarantee adhesion on the smooth membrane.
Does it work under dot-and-dab? Yes — it keys the surface for adhesive dabs as well as wet plaster.
See the full build-up in How to Make a Building Airtight.