MasterSeal® 588 Elastomeric Cementitious Waterproofing
Two-component acrylic-reinforced cementitious flexible waterproof coating designed to provide a flexible, seamless, and protective membrane for concrete and masonry surfaces. Manufactured at BASF's Dubai, UAE facility under ISO 9001, ISO 14001, and ISO 45001 certified management systems.
MasterSeal® 588 performs reliably in UAE's hot, humid, and coastal environments, offering excellent resistance to chlorides, carbonation, and saline groundwater — ideal for structures in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, and Ras Al Khaimah. Especially effective for basement and below-grade waterproofing, resisting negative water pressure in high water table conditions common across coastal UAE.
UAE's trusted construction chemistry partner — expert coordination, authentic supply, site-ready delivery.
What is MasterSeal® 588?
MasterSeal® 588 (formerly Thoroseal FX100) is a two-component elastomeric waterproof coating composed of Portland cements, selected silica sands, and modifying agents in powder form (Part A), combined with an acrylic polymer emulsion as the liquid component (Part B). When mixed, it forms a brushable waterproof slurry that cures into a highly flexible elastomeric membrane.
It must be applied at a minimum 2 mm thickness in two coats by stiff brush, broom, or spray. Approved under Regulation 31 of the Water Supply (Water Quality) Regulations 2000 for use in potable water contact. Suitable for both positive and negative hydrostatic pressure applications in UAE's coastal and below-grade structures.
Key Performance Benefits
- Retains full elastomeric flexibility when permanently submerged
- Crack-bridging up to 0.5 mm (unreinforced) and 1.5 mm with mesh reinforcement
- Resists positive hydrostatic pressure up to 1.5 bar and negative (rising damp) up to 1.0 bar
- Excellent anti-carbonation protection — CO₂ resistance µ ≈ 100,000
- Very low chloride ion penetration — only 0.001% chloride diffusion
- Freeze/thaw resistant — no scaling after 50 cycles (ISO/DIS 4846.2)
- Excellent adhesive strength of 1.0 MPa and tensile strength of 0.64 MPa after 28 days
- Low water absorption of only 1.5% (ASTM 642)
- Solvent-free and water vapour permeable (µ = 985)
Mix ratio 1:1 by volume. Pour liquid into clean container, blend powder in using slow-speed drill with paddle (400–600 rpm). Mix ~2 minutes to lump-free slurry. Allow to stand 10 minutes before use. Do not re-temper with water. For spray application add 0.4 L extra liquid and re-mix 10–20 seconds before use.
Chemical & Physical Properties
| Composition — Part A | Portland cements, selected silica sands, modifying agents (powder) |
| Composition — Part B | Acrylic polymer emulsion (liquid) |
| Colour | Grey / White |
| Density | ~1,680 kg/m³ (EN 1015-6) |
| Max Particle Size | 0.6 mm |
| Tensile Strength (air cured) | > 0.7 N/mm² |
| Tensile Strength (water cured) | > 0.5 N/mm² |
| Elongation (air cured) | > 37% |
| Elongation (water cured) | > 30% |
| Water Absorption | <1.5% (ASTM 642) |
| Positive Waterproofing | 1.5 bar |
| Negative Waterproofing | 1.0 bar |
| Static Crack-Bridging | 0.5 mm unreinforced / 1.5 mm with mesh (EN 1062-7) |
| CO₂ Permeability (µ) | 100,000 — equiv. 500 mm P35 concrete |
| Chloride Ion Penetration | 0.001% |
| Water Vapour Permeability (µ) | 985 |
| Freeze/Thaw Resistance | No scaling after 50 cycles (ISO/DIS 4846.2) |
Application & Site Parameters
| Mixing Ratio | 25 kg powder + 10 L liquid (1:1 by volume) |
| Mixing Method | Slow-speed drill + paddle (400–600 rpm) |
| Mixing Time | ~2 minutes to lump-free slurry |
| Standing Time | 10 minutes after mixing before use |
| Pot Life | 60 minutes (+20°C) / ~20–25 min (UAE summer) |
| Application Method | Stiff brush, roller, or spray |
| Min. Coat Thickness | 1 mm per coat (2 mm total minimum) |
| Coverage | 1.68 kg/L at 1 mm thickness (~21 m²/pack) |
| Min. Application Temp | +5°C |
| Max. Storage Temp | 35°C (Part B liquid) |
Packaging — UAE
| 35 Kg Double Pack | Part A (25 kg powder bag) + Part B (10 kg liquid container) |
Application Guide — UAE Site Conditions
Follow these steps for optimum elastomeric waterproofing performance with MasterSeal® 588 in UAE's hot, coastal, and high-humidity environments.
Surface Preparation
All substrates must be completely clean, structurally sound, and mechanically keyed. Remove all surface coatings, defective renders, formwork treatments, and contaminants. Prepare by abrasive blasting or high-pressure water treatment — do not use scabbling or aggressive mechanical methods. All mortar joints must be flush-pointed. Repair spalled or damaged concrete with MasterSeal 590 and/or MasterEmaco S 420. At all wall/floor intersections, cut a 20 mm × 20 mm chase, fill with MasterSeal 590, and finish with an angle fillet to eliminate the sharp internal corner.
Active Water & Joint Treatment
Any active water infiltration must be diverted by drainage or concentrated at weepholes — these will be plugged with MasterSeal 590 after the final coat of MasterSeal 588 has been applied. In basements with high levels of soil or groundwater sulphates, a pre-treatment sulphate-resistant render may be required — consult BASF Technical Services for site-specific guidance.
Mixing
Pour 10 litres of MasterSeal 588 liquid into a clean container. Blend the powder into the liquid using a slow-speed drill with a paddle mixer (400–600 rpm). Mix for approximately 2 minutes until a lump-free, slightly viscous slurry is obtained. Do not over-mix. Allow the mixed material to stand for 10 minutes for full saturation before use. If spray-applying, add an additional 0.4 L of liquid and re-mix for 10–20 seconds before use. Do not re-temper with water.
First Coat Application
Always apply to a pre-dampened substrate — high-suction substrates require more dampening than dense ones. Ensure no free-standing water is present. Apply by stiff brush (150 mm width, 80 mm stiff nylon bristles), broom, or spray at 1.0–1.5 mm thickness per coat. Do not apply by trowel. The first coat must be worked firmly into the substrate with a stiff brush while still wet to ensure intimate bond. Embed mesh reinforcement into the wet first coat at all construction joints, movement joints, and cracks.
Second Coat
Apply the second coat at right angles to the first once the first coat has achieved sufficient set. Each coat must be 1.0–1.5 mm thick — the total minimum dry film thickness must be 2.0 mm. Coverage is approximately 21 m² per pack per coat at 1 mm. On rough or porous substrates, consumption will increase significantly — always assess actual site consumption on a test area before estimating full material quantities.
Curing & Protection
Damp cure the applied membrane for 24 hours — keep the surface continuously moist during this period. After 24 hours, allow to air dry fully. Never use dehumidifiers during curing. In cold, humid, or unventilated areas, a longer curing period or forced air movement (fans only — not dehumidifiers) may be required. Do not apply if ambient or substrate temperature is below +5°C or expected to fall below +5°C within 24 hours. Clean all tools immediately with clean water before material sets.
No Dehumidifiers
Never use dehumidifiers or A/C on dry mode during the 24-hour damp cure. Premature drying arrests cement hydration and weakens the membrane — fans only are acceptable for air movement.
Saline Groundwater
Always obtain a groundwater chemical analysis before specifying for below-grade UAE structures. High sulphate levels require a pre-treatment render — consult BASF Technical Services before proceeding.
Hydrocarbons
MasterSeal 588 is not suitable for prolonged contact with hydrocarbons such as petrol or fuel oil. Do not specify for fuel storage tanks, petrol station forecourts, or vehicle containment areas.
Recommended System Products
Combine MasterSeal® 588 with these Highway BMT-stocked Master Builders Solutions by BASF products for a complete elastomeric waterproofing system across UAE residential, commercial, and below-grade environments.