Varieties and composition of primers for concrete, the best brands and how to apply them
Concrete primers are powerful substances that are used to treat surfaces before further finishing. The main task is to prepare the base for external or internal work. Such formulations have many advantages. They provide protection against moisture and aggressive factors, making the coating denser. This helps to increase the life of the surface.
The importance of priming concrete surfaces
Concrete is a durable material. However, under the influence of negative environmental factors, it is gradually destroyed. Using a primer achieves the following results:
- To make the coating more uniform and to facilitate the application of other materials intended for finishing. It is allowed to use the primer before applying varnishes, paints, putty. It is also used before fixing linoleum or wallpaper.
- Improves adhesion of finishing materials and concrete structures.
- Reinforce the concrete layer.
- Reduce the negative impact of external factors. The primer provides reliable protection against high humidity and the effects of chemicals.
- Prevents the formation of fungus and mold. This effect is due to the presence of antiseptic components in the mixtures.
- Prevent moisture absorption.
Although there are a variety of primers, their use in concrete is limited. Most often, such funds are used in the following situations:
- Primers are applied to any surface that cannot normally absorb moisture. Since concrete hardly absorbs water, any building composition has poor adhesion to the surface. The ceiling in such a situation must be treated with a primer.
- The composition can be used indoors or outdoors. Most often it is applied before facing work - applying decorative plaster, laying tiles or decorative stone.
- The unique properties of the primer allow the composition to be applied to surfaces of any complexity and configuration. Thanks to this, the surface becomes textured, which improves its adhesion to different materials.
Classification and varieties of soil
The choice of composition is influenced by the type of surface. In addition, concrete primers belong to different classes. They differ in the way they act on mineral surfaces.
Impregnation
Such substances help to fix loose surfaces. They contain adhesive ingredients that fill in microscopic pores and cracks. Such substances have an effect to a depth of 50 millimeters. After the primer hardens, small fragments of concrete are stuck together and the surface becomes stronger.
Impregnating compounds should be used when restoring old and worn surfaces, which for various reasons cannot be dismantled.
Deep penetrating
Deep penetration primers should be used for very porous concrete surfaces. This is especially important when there are lots of deep pores. The solutions penetrate 5-7 millimeters deep and have excellent adhesive properties. This is very important where deep pores are present, as the soil helps plug the voids to achieve high film strength.
To achieve the required degree of adhesion, the following components are added to the primers:
- acrylic;
- latex particles;
- Quartz sand;
- antiseptics;
- plasticizers;
- polymers.
Such substances can be used as the basis for various types of plaster - gypsum, lime-gypsum, lime-cement. These impregnations are recommended for walls and screeds during restoration work. Before the advent of these primers, these coatings were beyond repair.
Adhesive
Such compositions help to form an invisible film on the surface of the structure, which gives it roughness. This effect is achieved due to the presence of quartz sand in the composition. This improves grip performance.
The adhesion primer can be used for external and internal use. It is suitable for application on various surfaces - cement-sand, gypsum, polymer. It is allowed to process the walls covered with wood, ceramic tiles, plasterboard and plasterboard with the composition. Also, adhesives should be used for processing surfaces covered with paint and putty.
Soil composition and selection recommendations
The composition of primers for walls, floors and other surfaces is different. These products are suitable for outdoor and indoor use. In this case, it is important to choose the right substance, taking into account the following characteristics:
- A quality primer should contain antiseptic components. This will help prevent mold from forming, which is especially true in rooms with high humidity.
- For processing the premises inside it is worth using ordinary primers. For exterior work, the composition of the facade is more suitable.
- When choosing a floor, it is recommended to give preference to well-known brands. Plus, the best stuff isn't always expensive.
- It is worth checking the production date before purchasing. Stale material will not give the desired effect, as it completely loses its properties. The originality of the product is not negligible. Therefore, it is imperative that you pay attention to counterfeit protection.
- Before buying land, it is worth deciding on the features of further finishing. Otherwise, there is a high probability of subsequent destruction of the layers and delamination of the floor.
Acrylic
It is one of the most popular floor types for interior use. It is formulated with acrylic components to help prevent pungent odors and protect the surface. The composition is quickly absorbed and dries. It takes an average of 3-5 hours. The acrylic primer can be combined with any type of finish. The composition is considered environmentally friendly. In addition, it stands out for its economical consumption.
At the same time, the substance is not suitable for outdoor use, as it is characterized by quick drying. Also, the composition should not be applied before using a polyurethane dye.These materials are considered mutually exclusive. Their combination will not allow to obtain a one-piece smooth coating. In addition, it will peel off quickly.
alkyd
This substance can be used for internal and external surfaces. With its help, it is possible to create a protective adhesive membrane. The main disadvantage is the long drying time. It can be 12-20 hours.
polyvinyl acetate
This paint primer dries very quickly. It takes no more than 30-40 minutes. After applying the substance, it is recommended to cover the walls with a thin layer of PVA glue and dry well. After that, it is allowed to paint or glue the wallpaper. The primer provides a high degree of adhesion.
polystyrene
This substance contains toxic components, in particular a solvent. Therefore, it is better not to use it for internal work. Most often, polystyrene cladding is used for finishing industrial premises and facade works.
With the help of the composition it is possible to obtain a strong adhesive film, which provides adhesion between the surface of the concrete and certain types of specific dyes. Also, the floor perfectly performs the main task - it protects the surface from the influence of negative factors.
Polyurethane
It is a powerful soil type that provides chemical resistance to concrete surfaces. It also offers nearly complete dust removal, moisture resistance and an extra degree of resistance. According to the characteristics of the primer, it can penetrate the structure of the artificial stone by more than 6 millimeters.
Epoxy
These primers are colorless and colorless.They are successfully used for interior work and provide protection of artificial stone from the influence of chemical and mechanical factors.
How to use a concrete primer
In order for the primer to give the desired effect, it is important to use it correctly. In this case, it is worth preparing the surface for applying the composition and following the rules of priming.
We calculate the material consumption
Primer consumption depends on the composition and type of surface. The average value is usually indicated on the packaging. About 200-300 grams of the substance are used per square meter.
Preparation of tools and surfaces
The following are recommended for primer application:
- Construction mixer - used for the preparation of two-component floors. It also helps to mix the monocomponent. The best option is considered a tool with a power of 1.4 kilowatts. In this case, the speed of rotation per minute should be between 450 and 700. The device should rotate forward and backward.
- Net capacity.
- Different types of brushes - it is recommended to apply the primer with professional synthetic tools. This will help prevent lint buildup on the finished flooring. Maklovyts are suitable for processing uneven substrates where it is necessary to fill voids and irregularities. Fine brushes are suitable for applying primer to hard-to-reach areas.
- Rollers - Wear-resistant tools are suitable for the use of the primer. They must be made of polyamide. It is recommended to give preference to fur coats with short and medium fibers.
- Spray gun - depending on the type of soil, it is permissible to use an air and airless spray device.
Before applying primers, it is worth properly preparing the concrete surface.The method of exposure depends on the condition of the base. Usually for this, mechanical processing is carried out using milling cutters, shot-blasting and sandblasting devices, concrete finishing machines.
At the preparatory stage, it is recommended to remove all dirt, laitance, weak and loose areas. The moisture content of the base should not exceed 4%. Sometimes it is permissible to apply soil to wet concrete with indicators at the level of 6%.
It is recommended to use chemicals to remove stubborn oil stains. To do this, it is worth taking ready-made compositions or using a solution of soda ash in a concentration of 5%. It is allowed to do it yourself. This requires the use of 10 liters of water and 400 grams of baking soda.
Primer application technique
After the preparatory work is completed, it is allowed to proceed with priming. If the concrete base is covered with plaster, the following rules must be observed:
- The surface must be perfectly flat. The design should be checked with a laser level. If necessary, it is recommended to align it additionally.
- If there are cracks and defects, they must be eliminated.
- Immediately before applying the primer, the concrete must be dusted with an industrial vacuum cleaner.
- Apply a primer under the plaster. This will require 2 coats. It is recommended to prepare the primer in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations. It must be poured into a paint tray and spread with brushes and rollers. For a large volume of work, it is recommended to use sprayers.
- Areas with a complex configuration and difficult to access are recommended to be treated with a thin brush.
- The required number of coats should be applied to the surface.Between each of them it is necessary to observe a certain interval of time for the material to dry.
If the concrete is coated with putty, you must follow these rules:
- Sand the surface using a special tool.
- Apply the first coat of primer to the base and coat it.
- Once the first coat is dry, sand and dust. It is also recommended to prime the surface with an acrylic agent. Such a floor is considered universal and is suitable for all types of concrete. The finished composition should be applied as evenly as possible, avoiding the appearance of gaps.
If the surface was previously covered with plaster, it is recommended to use adhesive and reinforcing types of primer. They are sold as ready-to-use solutions or dry formulations.
Drying time
The drying time depends on the composition of the material and the characteristics of the coating. For quick-drying mixes, it only takes 30 minutes, while alkyd primers can dry up to 20 hours.
Material storage conditions
It is allowed, on average, to store the finished composition for 1 year. The specific term is usually indicated on the packaging. In this case, it is important to observe the rules for storing the composition. This requires a temperature regime of + 5-30 degrees.
When frozen, the substance loses its properties and becomes unusable. It is also important to avoid direct sunlight on the mixture.
The main brands and manufacturers of earth for concrete
When choosing a floor for concrete, it is recommended to take into account a number of features. The manufacturer is considered one of the key parameters. The highest quality primers include:
- Ceresit CT 17 - penetrates deep into the concrete layer and has excellent adhesive characteristics. The substance can be applied under plaster, wallpaper, panels. It is also allowed to be applied under tiles and porcelain stoneware. During work, it is recommended to use rubber gloves, since the composition adversely affects the condition of the skin of the hands.
- "Varnish" - prevents the formation of mold on the concrete surface. The composition is suitable for baths, loggias, bathrooms and toilets. It contains antibacterial components.
- "Optimist" - is easy to use and dries quickly, forming a glossy finish.
- Knauf Tiefengrund is considered a universal substance that fits perfectly into the structure of concrete. It can be used for moisture resistant surfaces.
- "Prospectors" - is an affordable composition, which is distinguished by deep penetration. It can be used to reinforce concrete floors.
- Vetonit is a product with an excellent quality-price ratio.
- Knauf Betonokontakt - impregnation is based on polymers. It should be used for poorly absorbent surfaces.
Recommendations from the masters
To purchase a high-quality primer and achieve a perfect and even coating, it is recommended to adhere to the following rules:
- Buy the composition in a specialized store, which guarantees the high quality of the substance. In addition, at the request of the customer, certificates can be provided that confirm the quality of the goods. In the absence of marks on the container, it is better to refuse to purchase the substance.
- After opening the package, pay attention to the homogeneity of the substance. The presence of lumps indicates poor product quality. In addition, this sign indicates that the product is expired.
- All types of interior decoration can be done with your own hands.After studying the technology, it is worth moving on to the implementation of the tasks.
- It is recommended to treat walls and other surfaces in stages.
Primer mixtures for concrete surfaces differ in composition and properties. This helps you choose a quality product based on your goals and objectives. In order for the substance to give the desired results, it is important to strictly adhere to the rules of its application.