Types of primers for bathrooms and a rating of the best brands, how to apply them

The use of a bathroom primer is essential. This substance should be used during repair work. Today in hardware stores you can find a huge number of materials with different composition and properties. This allows you to choose the best option, taking into account your goals and objectives. Compliance with coating technology is not negligible.

Primer Properties and Functions

A primer is called a universal material that is durable and has anti-corrosion properties. The composition can be used to prepare various surfaces for finishing work.

The use of a bathroom primer is particularly important. In no case should this stage of processing be ignored, since it directly affects the quality of the repair. By applying a primer, it is possible to obtain the following results:

• Significantly improve the surface condition. The composition has a positive effect on the structure of the coating and has binding properties. Thanks to this, it is possible to slow down the destruction of the base, which directly affects the durability of the repair.
• Increased adhesion. The adhesive that is then used to lay the tiles adheres much better to the primed surface. This helps to increase the adhesion of substances. For best results, you should use a primer combined with tile adhesive. It is better to give preference to products of the same brand. In this case, you can be absolutely sure of their compatibility.
• Reduced material consumption. The primer saves the consumption of paints, glue and other substances used for further processing of the walls in the bathroom. A feature of the primer is the filling of pores and the formation of a solid film between them.

Advantages and disadvantages of using in the bathroom

A primer is a special composition that is used to cover the floor or walls in order to increase the adhesion of the base and the coating. The primer helps to prevent the formation of mold, increase the hydrophobicity of the part and improve its antiseptic characteristics. The basis of any type of soil is considered to be substances that form a kind of film. It has the desired properties.

Primers used in bathrooms have the following advantages:

• Surface reinforcement. The ground acts as a connecting link. It penetrates tightly into the pores of the floor or walls, making the basic structure more durable. Thanks to the use of the ground, the surface becomes less dependent on dynamic and static loads.
• Reduction of bacterial settling.Modern primers include antiseptics and disinfectants. They are also useful if the surface has already been affected by fungus or mold. In addition, these substances have prophylactic properties.
• Reduced material consumption. Glue is applied to the primed surfaces, which holds the tiles. By filling the pores of the primer layer, adhesive consumption is significantly reduced. In addition, the glue will not fall off the primed surface.
• Improved adhesion. The adhesive layer bonds immediately and almost permanently to the primed surface. The risk of the adhesive falling off the wall primed with the tiles is almost nil. In addition, the process of laying the coating will be of higher quality, since the tile adheres perfectly.

Types of bathroom primer

Bathroom primers differ in their composition, method of application and properties. In this case, it is important to use a moisture-resistant substance.

Adhesive

This solution improves the adhesion of the surface to the finishing materials. In addition, an adhesive primer achieves the following results:

• protect metallic coatings from corrosion;
• prevent the formation of mold and mildew;
• increase the strength of porous and cracked surfaces;
• reduce the level of moisture absorption.

Acrylic

This substance is ideal for home use. The composition of acrylic primers contains safe polymers that do not have a specific smell. Separately, it is worth noting that they can be used for all types of surfaces. Quick drying is considered an indisputable advantage of the substance.

Key benefits of acrylic primers include:

• effective masking of small cracks and irregularities;
• increase in the service life of the decorative coating;
• the ability to mix with water;
• reduce the consumption of glue and paint.

A few hours after applying the primer will be enough to move on to the next works. It dries quite quickly.

Antifungal

It is an affordable material that protects the surface from the negative effects of dangerous microorganisms. The substance must be applied before finishing. Antifungal primer should be used in high humidity conditions.

Deep penetration

In appearance, the composition resembles milk and has an unexpressed neutral odor. After application and drying of the coating, the primer forms a resistant film. This helps strengthen and dust off the layer. It is recommended to apply a deep penetrating primer to loose surfaces. This strengthens them and reduces the consumption of dyes.

Insulating

This tool has leveling properties. With its help, it is possible to even out the shades of the finish. Additionally, the composition helps maintain color saturation longer during use.

Mineral

A primer with mineral ingredients is used for the primer treatment of coatings. It differs in leveling properties. Mineral primer is recommended for application on concrete, brick and plaster surfaces. It is also suitable for expanded clay concrete and gas silicate blocks. The binder in such situations is cement.

Universal

Universal deep penetrating agent provides reliable adhesion. It is allowed to apply the composition before painting or plastering the walls. It is also allowed to use it before gluing wallpaper. In addition, the substance is used to treat the soil.

Selection recommendations

To choose a quality composition, it is recommended to take into account a number of properties and characteristics.

On the treated surface

The main criterion to follow when choosing a floor is the type of surface:

• Concrete - a good quality primer should provide a high level of adhesion to this material. This is of great importance for the further use of putty or plaster.
• Brick - Many people find it acceptable to paint or plaster brick surfaces without first applying a primer. However, professional craftsmen still advise priming such surfaces. The fact is that not all building mixtures contain primer components. As a result, there is a high probability of cracking and destruction of the entire coating layer.
• Wood - this material also needs to be primed. The fact is that the primer has antiseptic properties and helps protect the wood from the negative influence of external factors.
• Gypsum - this material is characterized by increased absorbent properties. Therefore, it is so important to treat it with special primers.

By composition and properties

In hardware stores there are many hydrophobic primers with different composition. When buying a substance, it is important to focus on the material from which the surface is made. The most common water-repellent floors are:

• Acrylic is considered versatile. This substance is suitable for all types of surfaces. The deep penetrating agent penetrates the coating structure by 10 centimeters. After drying, a dense transparent film appears on the surface, which increases the adhesion of the coated material.
• Silicone - forms a waterproof film on the walls.Most often, the composition is used to protect decorative plaster from the influence of external factors.
• Aluminum - This type of primer is intended for use on metallic and porous surfaces. It provides complete insulation against moisture and helps prevent corrosion.
• Epoxy - has a moisture resistant composition and is intended for application on concrete and metal coatings. The substance provides a high degree of adhesion of paint and varnish and the surface, and also protects it from moisture and corrosion. A primer applied to a dark surface, after complete drying, allows the application of a lighter enamel.

By color

It is recommended to choose the shade of the primer taking into account the coating that is planned to be applied in the subsequent stages. White composition is considered the most versatile. It is he who is used most often. Experienced craftsmen also skillfully change the color of the primer to match the shades of the paint, wallpaper or other type of topcoat.

Ranking of the best brands

The best groundbaits include:

• "Iceberg" VD-AK-013 - is a universal substance that can be used to make the surface hydrophobic. The substance can be used alone or mixed with mortars. For example, 0.5-2 liters of a substance per 50 kilograms of cement will give it hydrophobic characteristics. The drying time of the material is 1 hour. In this case, the land consumption differs depending on the processing area and can be 300-600 grams per square meter.
• Glims Fobos Primer is a silicone resin with hydrophobic properties. The advantage of the composition is considered economical consumption. It does not exceed 250 grams per square meter. Also, the substance provides a high degree of adhesion.
• Ceresit CT-13 - has vapor and air permeability properties. At the same time, the material also differs in its hydrophobic characteristics, which appear after 4 hours, accumulate in 1 month and last for 10 years. Consumption is influenced by the surface to which the primer is applied. When processing concrete, it is worth using 200 grams per square meter, when applied to plastered surfaces - 700. Silicone is used as the basis of the primer.

How to use the material correctly

To obtain a uniform and reliable coating, it is important to properly prepare the surface and observe the rules for applying the primer.

Soil consumption and features of the preparation of the solution

Primer consumption depends on the characteristics of the product and the characteristics of the surface to be treated. Average parameters are usually indicated on the package. For 1 square meter, 200-700 grams of the mixture may be needed.

Mix well before use. If necessary, water or a solvent can be added to the composition. Most primers are sold ready to use and can therefore be used immediately. In the case of a two-component primer, a special hardener should be added to the composition.

Tools required

To perform the work, you need to prepare everything you need. To do this, use the following:

• different types of brushes - thin and wide;
• long-handled roller;
• container for primer;
• cloth.

Surface preparation

Before processing walls, floors and facades with waterproof material, it is recommended to properly carry out preparatory work. The end result will depend on it. In this case, you must do the following:

• Clean the surface of various types of dirt. These include dust, debris, grease stains.
• Clean off any protruding parts of the old plaster.
• Sand the surface. To do this, you need to use sandpaper.
• Cover cracks and chips with plaster. If necessary, level the surface. For this, it is recommended to use a starting cement composition.
• Sand the surface with sandpaper. This must be done after it is completely dry.
• Remove the dust. It is recommended to use a damp cloth for this.

Priming technique

The room in which the renovation work is carried out must be well ventilated and dry. In this case, the minimum ambient temperature should be +10 degrees. It is important to read the instructions on the package before applying the primer.

To use the substance, the solution must be poured into a tray and started to work. The water repellent coating should be applied to the surface with a roller or brush. It is recommended to do this with a thin layer. If it is necessary to apply the composition over a large area, it is better to use a spray bottle. If you plan to prime only the walls or ceiling, it is recommended to lay a protective film on the floor.

The solution should be applied in a thin layer, avoiding the appearance of streaks. It is important to make sure that no dry spots remain. You should also avoid burrs. It is recommended to handle corners and difficult places with a brush. After the first layer has completely dried, the appearance of the surface should be carefully examined.

Coat drying time

If the surface is well coated and not sticky, it is not necessary to apply a second coat. Already after 12 hours, the substance will begin to show its water-repellent characteristics.The exact drying time depends on the temperature and the composition of the mixture. Usually this information is indicated on the packaging.

Continuation of work

Further finishing work, including laying the tiles, is only allowed after the primer has completely dried. If the walls are putty, the primer can be reapplied. If you plan to lay tiles, it is not necessary to apply mastic.

Recommendations from the masters

When choosing a hydrophobic floor, the following material properties should be considered:

• ease of application;
• deep penetration into plaster;
• strengthen the surface;
• water-repellent properties;
• the appearance of a thin film after drying.

To prevent the formation of mold, the composition should be applied in 2-3 layers. After laying the tiles, craftsmen are advised to apply a primer to the seam area. This is done with a thin brush.

Bathroom primer differs in its properties and composition.This makes it possible to choose the best option depending on the operating conditions.