Most Terraco data sheets start with a primer, and four names keep coming up: Tex Primer, P Primer Clear, P Primer Pigmented and Terrabond A. They are not interchangeable. Short answer: Tex Primer is the pigmented primer under textured finishes such as Terracoat. P Primer Clear binds dusty surfaces without adding colour. P Primer Pigmented does the same job and also acts as a white or tinted undercoat. Terrabond A is a concentrated acrylic bonding agent that is diluted with water and used as a primer, sealer or mortar additive. This guide sets out what Terraco’s UAE data sheets say about each.
The four primers side by side
| Tex Primer | P Primer Clear | P Primer Pigmented | Terrabond A | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| What it is | Pigmented consolidation primer | Clear penetrating consolidation primer | Pigmented consolidation primer and undercoat | Concentrated acrylic bonding agent |
| Colour | White or tinted to the finish | Clear | White or tinted | Concentrated resin, diluted before use |
| Coverage | 8 to 10 m² per litre | 0.08 to 0.10 kg/m² | 0.15 to 0.20 kg/m² | Depends on dilution |
| Applied by | Brush, roller or spray | Brush or spray | Brush or spray | Brush or roller (diluted), or added to mixing water |
| Packs | 3.6 L and 18 L | 5 kg and 20 kg | 5 kg and 20 kg | 4 kg and 20 kg |
Tex Primer and both P Primers share the same core claims in their data sheets: they bind dusting surfaces, improve adhesion, reduce efflorescence and surface alkalinity, and suit old, dry, absorbent, untreated concrete.
Tex Primer: under textured finishes
Tex Primer is the one to use before Terracoat and other decorative finishes on render, concrete, blockwork and Terraco EIFS. Terraco recommends tinting it close to the topcoat colour, and its data sheet says it acts as a pigmented undercoat and gives a mechanical key. See our Terracoat guide for the full system.
P Primer Clear: dusty surfaces, no colour
P Primer Clear soaks into cement surfaces, plasters and limes to bind dust. Terraco recommends it under Handycoat Interior and Handycoat Exterior on dusting or flaking walls, which our Handycoat Interior guide covers. A second coat may be needed on poor surfaces.
P Primer Pigmented: primer and undercoat in one
P Primer Pigmented has the same consolidating role as the clear version, but is supplied in White, Pastel, Mid and Clear bases so it can be tinted. Use it where you want the primer to even out the colour of the wall as well as bind it.
Terrabond A: bonding agent and primer
Terrabond A is about 45% solids and is always diluted. Its data sheet gives these ratios (Terrabond A : water):
| Use | Ratio |
|---|---|
| Primer / sealer | 1:2 to 1:5, depending on porosity |
| Repair mortar, porous, under 5 mm | 1:3 |
| Repair mortar, porous, over 5 mm | 1:5 |
| Repair mortar, firm surface | 1:10 |
| Plasters and screeds | 1:10 |
| Tile fixing, thin bed | 1:3 |
| Tile fixing, thick bed | 1:5 |
Which primer under which Terraco product
Taken from each product’s own data sheet:
| Product | Primer specified |
|---|---|
| Terracoat | Tex Primer, tinted. On porous or dusty surfaces or Styrobond DP basecoat: Terrabond A 1:5 first, then Tex Primer |
| Handycoat Interior / Exterior | P Primer Clear on dusting or flaking surfaces |
| Weathercoat GP | Penetrating Primer Clear or Terrabond A 1:3, on dusty or flaking surfaces |
| Terracrete | Terrabond A 1:3 on dry or porous surfaces (supplied in the kit) |
| Terrafix W22 | Penetrating Primer Clear or Terrabond A 1:5, on dusting surfaces |
| Terramix Fine | Terrabond A 1:5 in extreme heat or on very absorbent surfaces |
| Terravertine | Terrabond A 1:5, plus Tex Primer Aggregated |
| Antique Stucco | One coat of Penetrating Primer |
| EIFS Alpha and Polar | P Primer over the basecoat |
Related guides cover several of these: Terracrete vs Weathercoat GP, Terrafix W22 vs W11 and concrete repair with Terramix.
How much primer for 100 m²
| Primer | Coverage | One coat on 100 m² | Packs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tex Primer | 8 to 10 m²/L | 10 to 12.5 L | One 18 L pail |
| P Primer Clear | 0.08 to 0.10 kg/m² | 8 to 10 kg | One 20 kg, or two 5 kg |
| P Primer Pigmented | 0.15 to 0.20 kg/m² | 15 to 20 kg | One 20 kg |
Our own calculations from Terraco’s coverage figures. Very absorbent walls use more, and poor surfaces may need a second coat.
Frequently asked questions
Do I always need a primer?
No. Several data sheets only call for one on dusty, flaking or very absorbent surfaces. Terracoat is the exception: Tex Primer is part of its standard system.
How soon do I apply the finish?
The Tex Primer and P Primer data sheets say to apply the finish as soon as possible after the primer has dried, for best adhesion.
Buying Terraco primers in Sharjah and Dubai
Al Tashteb Al Saree is an authorised Terraco distributor and supplies all four primers direct from the manufacturer, with Tex Primer and P Primer Pigmented tinted to your finish colour. Message us on WhatsApp with the finish and wall area. You can also browse every Terraco product we supply.
Sources
- Terraco UAE: Tex Primer technical data sheet (PDF)
- Terraco UAE: P Primer Clear technical data sheet (PDF)
- Terraco UAE: P Primer Pigmented technical data sheet (PDF)
- Terraco UAE: Terrabond A technical data sheet (PDF)
Retrieved 1 November 2026. The primer-by-product table comes from each product’s own Terraco data sheet, linked from its product page. Quantities are our own calculations. The main image is illustrative.
