The Best Surfacing Supplies for Professional Waterproofing Contractors

Professional waterproofing contractors know that high-quality surfacing supplies can make or break the success of a project. Whether you’re sealing concrete, protecting timber, or preparing complex substrates, the right tools and membranes ensure durability, adhesion and long-term performance.

This guide breaks down the best surfacing supplies every waterproofing professional should have on hand.

1. Liquid Waterproofing Membranes

Liquid membranes remain a favourite among contractors because of their versatility, ease of application and ability to conform to irregular surfaces.

Why Professionals Use Liquid Membranes

• Seamless application — no joints or seams to fail
• Ideal for complex shapes, transitions and penetrations
• Strong adhesion to concrete, timber, metals and composites
• Rapid curing options available
• Suitable for internal and external waterproofing
• Compatibility as preparation for resurfacing with microcement and other renders

Best Uses: Bathrooms, balconies, planter boxes, rooftops, retaining walls, MDF or wood waterproofing, and fiberglass structures.

Read more in our Liquid Waterproofing Guide.

2. Sheet Membranes (Complementary Systems)

While liquid membranes dominate irregular surfaces, sheet membranes still have a place in the contractor’s toolkit — particularly for large, flat areas where speed and thickness control matter.

Advantages of Sheet Membranes

• Consistent thickness
• Quick rollout on large slabs
• Excellent for below-grade or tanking applications

Many professionals now use a hybrid approach, combining sheet membranes for the base layer and liquid membranes for corners, transitions and penetrations.

Read more in our guide to Choosing Between Liquid Membranes and Sheet Membranes: Pros & Cons for Builders.

3. Surface Primers & Bond Enhancers

Proper adhesion starts with substrate preparation. Primers ensure your membrane bonds securely to concrete, wood, MDF, metal or epoxy surfaces.

Types of Primers

• Acrylic primers — for porous substrates like concrete, render or screed
• Epoxy primers — for high-moisture or contaminated surfaces
• Solvent-based primers — for dense or non-porous materials
• Polyurethane primers — for flexible and high-movement areas

Pro tip: Always match your primer to your membrane chemistry for maximum compatibility.

4. Concrete Surfacing Supplies

Concrete is one of the most common substrates waterproofers work with — and also one of the most unpredictable.

Essential Concrete Treatments

• Concrete stains (popular in Australia for decorative resurfacing)
• Densifiers and hardeners
• Crack fillers and repair mortars
• Sealers
• Liquid membranes for concrete waterproofing

If waterproofing is the primary goal, make sure all repairs and levelling compounds fully cure before membrane application.

5. Wood & MDF Waterproofing Products

Timber and MDF are increasingly used for interior construction and custom builds, but they require proper sealing.

What Contractors Should Keep On Hand

• Penetrating waterproofing sealers
• Liquid membranes compatible with timber/MDF
• Fiberglass overlays for high-moisture areas
• The right sealers for structural strength

Liquid waterproofing membranes are especially effective because they create a flexible, fully adhered surface that moves with the natural expansion of wood (Liquid Membrane has 1300% elongation, one of the most flexible membranes on the market).

7. Application Tools Every Contractor Should Own

High-quality tools reduce labour time, ensure even application and prevent membrane failure.

Must-Have Tools

• High-quality rollers and roller frames
• Squeegees for thick membrane buildup
• Trowels (steel and flexible)
• Caulking guns for sealants
• Moisture meters for substrate assessment
• Safety gear (respirators, gloves, eye protection)

Investing in durable tools pays for itself in fewer application failures and more efficient job sites.

7. Reinforcement Fabrics & Joint Tapes

Where movement or cracks are expected, reinforcing materials are essential.

Common Reinforcement Options

• Woven polyester fabrics
• Fiberglass scrims
• Butyl or polyurethane joint tapes
• Corner reinforcement kits

Reinforcement fabrics are especially important around:

• floor-to-wall transitions
• drainage points
• control joints
• cracks or repairs

Equip Yourself With Professional-Grade Waterproofing Supplies

Professional waterproofers need reliable products that perform under pressure. From liquid waterproofing membranes and sheet systems to primers, concrete stains, reinforcement fabrics and topcoat sealers, having the right supplies ensures long-lasting, leak-free results.

Interested in liquid waterproofing membranes? Learn why SEMCO Liquid Membrane is the best option on the market.