5 tips on which primer to choose for walls

Content

1. №1. Why do I need a primer?
2. №2. Types of primers for walls by composition
3. No. 3. Properties and purpose of the primer
4. №4. The best manufacturers of primers
5. №5. How to apply a primer?

Peeling wallpaper, cracked paint or plaster, falling tiles - all these are problems that can be faced by those who decided to save money and refuse to priming the walls. The application of soil will not take much time and will not affect the pocket, but will allow for better grip the finishing material with the wall surface, and in some cases even save material consumption for the finishing coating. Not so long ago, the primer mix was prepared by spreading the glue with water, but now many ready-made means, allowing to choose the optimal composition for any type of surface, finishing material and conditions premises. We will determine which primer to choose for the walls in each particular case, and how not to be mistaken when buying.

№1. Why do I need a primer?

This question is asked by everyone who repairs, doubting that the ground is generally needed.

So what does a primer for and what does it consist of?The composition of primer mixes includes film-forming polymeric materials (resins, oils, glues), pigments, drying accelerators and various kinds of additives to impart the necessary qualities. Primers do not have decorative properties, they are used for coating with finishing materials, but if necessary they can be tinted to simplify the process of coating application.

Primers are producedin the form of formulations ready for application to the wall or powders,which must be prepared according to the instructions. The composition may differ significantly depending on the surface for which the primer is intended and what conditions will be in the room where it is used. Regardless of the compositionthe functions of the primer remain unchanged:

• surface strengthening, therefore for the loose, porous, uneven and weak bases, the use of a primer is strictly necessary. For the most fragile surfaces, primers of deep penetration are used, which are "taken" into the thickness of the material by 8-10 cm while ordinary compositions penetrate only 2-3 cm;
• Improved adhesion with finishing material, which is the main function of the primer. With its help, the roughness is removed, andabsorbent properties of the surface are reduced, What allowsave material consumptionfor finishing up to 30%. Theoretically, some surfaces do not need priming, but in practice this solution brings additional costs. On the surface of any type that has been treated with a primer, paint, plaster, glue, mastic and othersmaterials are applied more easily, lie better and are stronger;
• Special substances that are part of the primer,increase the resistance of the wall to moisture, protect from the appearance of mold, fungus, rust.

Producers offer today a huge number of compounds that can confuse an unprepared person and make them buy from desperation is not exactly suitable material. To determine which primer is best to choose, it should be clearly understood,on which surface the composition will be applied, considerroom featuresandtype of future finishing material. On sale, you can find special compounds for metal, wood, brick, gypsum cardboard or for places with high humidity. On the information specified by the manufacturer it is worth paying attention, but it is better when you can double-check it, knowing the features of a particular composition, so it is worth studying the properties of the main types of primers before purchase.

№2. Types of primers for walls by composition

Depending on the composition, suchbasic types of primers:

• acrylic primer- the mostuniversal composition, which can be covered with wood, concrete, particle board, brick, old and fresh plaster. Acrylic primer can be used to treat porous substrates, has no odor, dries quickly (about 5 hours), forms a "breathing" surface. The only negative - not suitable for priming metal surfaces;
• alkyd primer- ideal for processingwooden surfaces, which under the influence of such a primer acquire a slightly expanded structure, due to which a beautifuladhesion with any finishing materials: from wallpaper and painting to cement-sand coatings. One coat of such a primer dries about 15 hours. In the composition can be added substances that prevent the development of corrosion and the appearance of mold;
• glyptal primerIs one of the few compounds that can be processedmetal surfaces. It is also sometimes used for painting on wooden walls. The primer dries out during the day, but has a restriction - it is suitable only for relatively dry premises, since it constantly loses its properties when exposed to excessive moisture;
• perchlorovinyl primer- a universal composition, which can handle wood, brick, plaster and even metal. It dries quickly, and in summer, at high temperatures, one layer dries in 1 hour. Inside the premises, this primer is not used because of its toxicity, butfor external worksshe can come up;
• polyvinyl acetate primerconsists of polyvinyl acetate dispersion and latex, can be applied to any surface and is used only as a basefor polyvinyl acetate paint. It dries quickly, up to 30 minutes;
• phenolic primerIt is used as the first layer in the processing of metal and wooden structures. The composition dries up to 15 hours, it is used for carrying out only external works;
• polystyrene primerAlso it can not be used for internal works, it is treated with plastered and wooden surfaces;
• aluminum plasters, as a rule, they are used for the treatment of wooden surfaces and can additionally protect them from fungus damage;
• epoxy primerssuitable for processing metal and concrete. They protect metal from corrosion, and concrete allows better to unite with the finish;
• shellac primersThey are used for the treatment of wooden surfaces and prevent the release of resins;
• mineral primersproduce on the basis of gypsum, lime and cement, used to treat the surface of concrete and brick walls. The soil dries from 3 to 24 hours, depending on the thickness of the layer and the nature of the surface material.

On sale also can be founduniversal primers. The very name of these compounds suggests that they can be used to apply to any surface. They are used to perform minor construction and repair work when the hand was not the right one composition with specific qualities, as well as sometimes for surface treatment consisting of different materials.

No. 3. Properties and purpose of the primer

Depending on where the primer will be used, for the treatment of the surface, you can choose the formulations with specific properties:

• deep penetration primer- option for loose and insufficiently strong surfaces. The composition is able to perfectly strengthen this wall and significantly reduce paint consumption. Often, such compounds are used to impregnate the surface, finished with plaster, but this does not prevent the use of a primer for application on plasterboard, brick, foam concrete and aerated concrete. If necessaryreliable primer for wallpaper, especially for their heavy species, then we can safely stop their choice on similar compositions. It is not recommended to apply a deep penetration primer to surface treatment with a poor ability to absorb moisture;
• antiseptic primer for damp areas(bathroom and kitchen) in the composition has special substances that prevent the appearance and development of fungus, has water repellent properties and can even reduce the ability to ignite the substrate. Such formulations provide such a high adhesion that the surface of the material and the finish adhere very strongly, and no microorganisms can seep into the joint. In the bathroom it is recommended to apply a primer in three layers;
• anticorrosive compoundsare irreplaceable at processing of metal surfaces, interfere with formation of a rust, increase a term of service;
• adhesive compounds and non-contact primersuse when it is important to achieve the maximum level of adhesion with a smooth and completely non-absorbent surface (concrete, previously painted walls). They include sand or needle-quartz particles, which increase adhesion. Such primers can be used to treat the substrate before gluing the heavy wallpaper.

Manufacturers should indicate on the packaging, for what type of surface the primer is intended, where its it is recommended to use, and what approximate material consumption will be for different types of surface. Experts advise when choosing a primer to pay attention to the products of those manufacturers whose finishing materials you use, as a rule, the products of one company are perfectly combined.

№4. The best manufacturers of primers

Hardly, you can argue with the fact that the primer from a large eminent manufacturer is of high quality. Buying a composition from a little-known company is always a risk: maybe you are lucky, and the material will be meet expectations, and may not have the claimed properties, or worse, will spoil surface. If you do not want to risk the quality of repair, it's better to go straight to the shelves with productsknown manufacturers of primers:

• Ceresit- the leader in terms of production of construction mixtures, exists for more than 100 years and always relies on advanced technologies, quality control and expansion of the range. Due to the fact that today the company's plants are located in Russia, the cost of production was reduced without loss of quality. In the range there is a primer and a primer-concentrate of deep penetration, a primer for absorbent mineral bases, primer for decorative plaster and primer-contactless for the treatment of smooth grounds;
• Knauf- German company, exists since the 30-ies, on the domestic market has been presented since 1993. Here they pay great attention to innovations, continuous improvement and introduction of complex solutions for repair work. The assortment is represented by primers of deep penetration, universal compounds for absorbent substrates, primers for cement plaster;
• Tikkurila- a Finnish company that has been operating since 1862. The plants are located in 7 countries of the world, they produce paints and other finishing and building materials. Primers are acrylic compositions, universal, moisture-proof and adhesive compounds;
• Caparol- a brand known throughout the world. The history of the company began in 1885 in Germany, and today its products are used in a hundred countries. It produces primers for interior and exterior works, incl. frost-resistant and antiseptic compositions;
• Weber- a company that is now part of the Saint-Gobain group and produces building mixes under the trademark Vetonit. In the assortment there are primers for external and internal works, if necessary they can be studded;
• IVSIL- a domestic company, which has been operating since 1997, has been constantly developing and today has grown into a major producer of construction mixtures. It produces a universal primer and a deep penetration primer;
• "Starateli"- a domestic company, founded in 1992. At first, only putties were produced here, then they began to adjust the production of other mortars and mixtures, improved recipes, bought raw materials from leading manufacturers, introduced innovations, and now it is one of the largest Russian producers primers. In the range there are universal compounds, primers for highly absorbent surfaces, and a primer for concrete-contact.

№5. How to apply a primer?

The process of applying a primer is not more difficult than painting the walls. Specialists recommend to treat the wall with a primer not only for the finishing material, but also before its leveling (applying plaster or putty). Before applying the primer under the lining layer, make sure that the surface is smooth, smooth and has no noticeable defects.

For work you will need the chosen primer,Bath and instruments for applying composition: soft roller and brush for hard-to-reach places. Some use a spray gun, but its use is not always justified. The consumption of the formulation depends on many factors and on average is 100-200 ml per 1 m2. The main surface is treated with a roller, corners and the most complex places are primed with a brush. When the first layer is dried, start applying the second, if it is necessary (when the structure of the walls is unstable). After complete drying of the primer, you can proceed to finishing works.

With priming the walls, it's easy to manage on your own, and when choosing a primer, carefully study The information shown on the package: this will save you from incorrect purchase and will tell you how to work properly with composition.

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