Types of primers for foam blocks and the top 4 of the best brands, rules of application
Foam blocks are a great alternative to bricks and are in high demand among buyers. The materials are affordable and help keep the living space warm. It is important to take into account that they contain many pores and therefore absorb moisture well. Therefore, the surface is difficult to cover with plaster. Using a foam block primer will help minimize problems and increase coating strength.
Content
- 1 Should I prime aerated concrete?
- 2 Properties and principle of action of the primer
- 3 Advantages and disadvantages of applying a primer coat
- 4 Variety of composition and properties
- 5 Recommendations for selecting and scoring the best brands
- 6 Safety measures when working with equipment
- 7 Terms of use
- 8 Errors when working with aerated concrete
- 9 Advice from the masters
Should I prime aerated concrete?
Foam blocks and gas blocks require special protection. This is due to their structure. There are a large number of pores on the surface of the material, and in the structure there are many air-filled voids. Because of this, air and steam can easily penetrate the material. At the same time, it absorbs a lot of moisture from the environment.
In summer, this does not cause special problems, while in winter there is a risk of moisture freezing in the structure of foam blocks, which leads to the destruction of their structure from the inside. This means that the material becomes weaker. In addition, it loses its decorative properties.
Applying a primer achieves the following results:
- protect the structure from moisture;
- neutralize the effect of temperature fluctuations;
- increase thermal insulation parameters;
- make the building more attractive.
When choosing a plaster mix, it is important to take into account that the composition should have the same characteristics of vapor permeability. Otherwise, all the advantages of the material will be leveled. In addition, the application of mortar helps to level the walls.
Properties and principle of action of the primer
A feature of the soil for gas silicate blocks is considered the possibility of deep penetration into the structure of the material and the formation of a reliable layer with excellent water-repellent properties. This effect is achieved due to the liquid base and the small particle size of the filler. Blends include silicates, acrylates and other polymers.
Drying time is 30 minutes to 6 hours. At the same time, the coating turns out to be strong, so it does not take long to renew it. Common features include decreased absorptive capacity. This is very important when painting a house. Thanks to deep penetration, the soil strengthens the structure of the material and gives it antiseptic properties. In this case, the vapor permeability parameters do not decrease.
There are several types of primer mixtures on the modern construction market. To achieve the desired effect, it is necessary to correctly determine the type of composition.Most often, experts advise taking into account the following parameters:
- relative humidity;
- temperature indicators;
- options for additional surface finishing;
- coating porosity indicators;
- wall roughness.
If you plan to finish the walls with facing material, using a primer under the tiles can reduce the cost of glue and increase the degree of adhesion to the surface. In addition, this tool reduces labor costs.
Advantages and disadvantages of applying a primer coat
The use of special primers for foam blocks has the following advantages:
- Improved grip settings. When applied to the surface, the primer is absorbed by the porous substrate. As a result, the plaster adheres more firmly to the surface and does not dry out for a short time.
- Surface reinforcement. Walls made of foam blocks become much stronger. At the same time, there is no risk of losing material or mowing the smallest particles.
- Decreased water absorption coefficient. After processing the soil, the blocks do not absorb much moisture. As a result, the support structure lasts much longer.
- Increased thermal conductivity. The ability to keep warm is greatly increased. This is due to the fact that the material becomes an excellent conductor of heat.
- Antifungal properties. The primer contains special substances. Thanks to this, the treated surfaces can be reliably protected against fungus.
- No risk of dust and dirt absorption. The material retains its strength and prevents the building from sagging.
- Resistance to the negative influence of external factors. The primer protects the surface from temperature fluctuations.In this case, the service life of the structures increases.
- Ease of application. No specific skills or qualifications are required to use the primer.
- Eco composition of modern products. They do not contain toxic components. In addition, the substances are easy to use.
The main disadvantage of using soil is a slight decrease in the thermal conductivity of the material. This is due to the film that appears on its surface.
Variety of composition and properties
Primers for foam blocks differ in their composition and properties. This allows you to choose the best option based on your goals and objectives.
Polymer
This is a special building block that includes liquid polymers. The tool is a fluid mass, the ingredients of which form a moisture-resistant film when hardened.
With hydrophobic additives
The composition of such a floor contains special components that significantly reduce the absorption of moisture from the air by the material. Thanks to this, the coating retains vapor permeability from the outside.
Silicate
Potassium water glass compositions can be used to treat silicate brick, bark beetle or concrete walls. In practice, the floor is used for finishing industrial and other objects that do not belong to the building stock. It is also allowed to use a silicate composition for aerated concrete. It is vapor permeable and water repellent and does not support the development of microorganisms.
Firming and deep penetration
The ingredients of the substance are designed to deeply strengthen the walls. It is ideal for use on foam blocks. The liquid penetrates the surface structure to a depth of 5-8 centimeters.Through the use of potting soil, it is possible to fill in pores, depressions and cracks. As a result, the surface becomes monolithic after the mixture ingredients solidify.
Universal
This type of soil has a wide range of characteristics. It can be used indoors and outdoors. The composition usually includes a minimum set of active ingredients. The substance is used only in the absence of an urgent need to prime the surface - for example, before gluing wallpaper.
Recommendations for selecting and scoring the best brands
There are many brands that make foam block primers.
Dali
This composition is versatile. It is allowed to use it for the treatment of external and internal surfaces. With the help of the floor it is possible to provide protection against sudden temperature fluctuations. The composition contains a blue pigment, which helps to determine whether the surface is completely covered.
The advantages of the composition are as follows:
- universal application;
- increase the strength of the coating;
- the presence of pigment in the composition.
Disadvantages include:
- high price;
- high consumption.
Volma-Plast
This brand offers a styrene-acrylate primer that is applied before plastering or tiling. The composition is characterized by high adhesion properties, water resistance, excellent vapor permeability. Also, the substance has antifungal properties. This primer forms a thin transparent film on the surface.
Benefits of the funds include:
- increased grip;
- water resistance;
- antifungal properties;
- vapor permeability.
The disadvantages are:
- the need for careful preparation of the base;
- high price.
"Prospectors"
This brand offers a deep penetration primer. It should be used if the foam concrete has a loose surface.
Small particles penetrate deep into the base.
The advantages of the material include:
- the ability to apply to a loose surface;
- universal goal;
- the possibility of applying by roller or spray gun.
However, there are also disadvantages:
- high consumption;
- the need for strict adherence to application instructions.
"Ceresit"
This brand offers a fast-drying, water-dispersible and highly penetrating formulation. It should be used before preparing a foam block structure for painting, plastering or insulating.
The advantages of the tool include:
- high vapor permeability;
- application versatility;
- the presence of a yellow pigment in the composition;
- increase the degree of adhesion.
However, there are also disadvantages:
- high price;
- high material consumption.
Safety measures when working with equipment
When using a primer, it is important to follow a number of rules and recommendations. First of all, it is important to take care of your own safety. In this case, the following rules should be observed:
- Wear a hat and closed shoes.
- Use protective goggles. Gloves should be worn on your hands. This will help protect the skin from splashes.
- When working at height, use sturdy, proven structures.
- Do not perform any work if you feel unwell or dizzy.
Terms of use
Preparatory work
First of all, it is worth deciding how exactly it is planned to cover aerated concrete. For this, it is permissible to use a roller or a spray gun.You should definitely take a flute and some brushes. This will prime hard-to-reach areas. Additionally, you will need the following:
- primer palette;
- old rags and newspapers;
- solvent;
- wire brush;
- putty knife;
- hammer.
First of all, it is necessary to clean the surface from crumbs, dust, cement and construction debris. For this, it is permissible to use a spatula. It is also allowed to use a metal brush.
Hot steam cleaning should be used to remove oil stains or other greasy stains. If this is not possible, it is recommended to use a universal degreaser.
The surface must be completely dried. Otherwise, there is a risk of impairing the adhesion of the primer and the coating.
Calculation of consumption and preparation of the solution
Foam blocks are characterized by high absorbency. Therefore, when processing this type of material, the costs of the floor increase significantly compared to other materials. This should definitely be taken into account when purchasing a substance.
In addition, the consumption of the primer mixture directly depends on its composition and manufacturer. On average, these indicators are at the level of 50-200 milliliters per square meter.
In most cases, emulsions are produced ready to use. If the composition is available in the form of a concentrate, it must be mixed with water. This is done according to the instructions on the label. The water should be at room temperature.
The primer should be applied exclusively at positive temperatures - the parameters should be + 5-30 degrees. Quite often, foam blocks are processed in several layers.In this case, you must first make a weak solution of 1: 4. For the second layer, use a ratio of 1: 3. The third time the primer is applied, it should not be diluted with l 'water.
Bootstrap process
After the preparatory work is completed, you can proceed to the application of the primer. To do this, it is recommended to proceed as follows:
- Use a round or flat brush to treat difficult surfaces.
- Cover all walls with spray or roller. It is necessary to apply the primer evenly, in one layer. At the same time, it is important not to miss certain areas.
- After the substance is completely dry, it is worth checking whether the surface is saturated with a primer mixture. To do this, it is permissible to use an ordinary table lamp or flashlight. If there are untreated areas, the procedure should be repeated.
Only careful processing of the foam blocks will help to achieve the desired strength and durability of the coating. In addition, when plastering the walls, the solution will not dry out too quickly.
Drying time
The drying time depends on the composition and the manufacturer. This period can range from 30 minutes to 6 hours.
Errors when working with aerated concrete
When using aerated concrete primer, novice craftsmen often make the following mistakes:
- do not prepare the surface for the primer;
- choosing the wrong primer;
- does not hold up to the time required between coats.
Advice from the masters
To choose a high-quality primer, you need to take into account the basic recommendations of the masters:
- The composition should contain antiseptic substances. Despite its excellent resistance to biological factors, aerated concrete requires additional protection.Formulations that meet this criteria are slightly more expensive than conventional formulations, but are considered more effective.
- It is imperative to take into account the flow parameters. Most deeply penetrated liquids will absorb more strongly on porous substrates than when priming brick or concrete. Therefore, it is important to consider the upper limit indicated by the manufacturer.
- Vapor permeability is of great importance. When processing interior walls, preference should be given to denser compounds. Also for this purpose, a floor capable of maintaining the air exchange capacity is suitable.
- It is imperative to take into account the operating conditions. If you need protection against intense moisture loads or the influence of aggressive factors, it is permissible to use only special hydrophobic agents.
- The shade of the coating after drying is of great importance. It is also important to consider its compatibility with paint or plaster.
A quality foam block primer has many benefits. With the help of this substance, it is possible to increase the strength of the material and protect it from the influence of negative factors. In this case, it is important to strictly follow the instructions for applying the product.