5 types of polyurethane primers and technical characteristics, how to apply them
Surface priming is considered an important preparatory stage for subsequent finishing work. In order to properly prepare the base, special attention should be paid to the choice of soil. There are many effective substances on the market today. For application on different types of surfaces, it is permissible to use polyurethane primers.
Technical characteristics of the polyurethane primer
Polyurethane primer has many advantages. Its technical characteristics allow the mixture to be used for different types of coatings.
Composition and form of release
This type of primer contains polyurethane, solvents and special substances. Depending on the variety, they may have different purposes.
Most often, such primer mixes are produced in the form of a ready-to-use solution. In this case, it is sometimes necessary to introduce various diluents into the composition. Also, the substances are produced in dry form.They usually need to be mixed with water.
Scope and properties of the primer
Polyurethane primer can be used on interior and exterior surfaces. It is used to treat floors, walls and ceilings. The compositions are on sale in finished form and in the form of a dry powder.
The main technical parameters of the means are as follows:
- density - 1.6 grams per cubic centimeter;
- drying time - 3-5 hours;
- content of dry components - 70%.
Such substances can be used for various bases - concrete, wood, plaster. They are also often applied to metal surfaces, MDF panels, painted coatings. Primers with such a composition are allowed to process a car before painting.
Substances differ in density. They can be used at different stages of leveling and surface treatment. There are varieties that can be used before laying rubber tiles.
Safety when working with equipment
It is necessary to work with the material in special clothes, gloves and glasses. When using the substance indoors, good ventilation is recommended. Equipment should be kept clean. It is forbidden to eat or smoke in the work area. Also, do not use an open fire or faulty electrical equipment.
If the mixture gets into the eyes, rinse them with plenty of water for a quarter of an hour. Then you should see a doctor. If the mixture comes into contact with the skin, it is recommended to remove contaminated clothing and wash the affected area. If the primer is inhaled, it is necessary to take the victim to fresh air and consult a doctor.
Storage Features
Polyurethane primer should be stored in a dry and cool place at temperatures from -15 to +40 degrees.
The shelf life of the substance in a sealed factory container is six months.
Advantages and disadvantages of use in construction
It is not without reason that polyurethane primer is very popular today. The main advantages of such a composition are as follows:
- Possibility of applying on surfaces that have not been cleaned before. This effect is due to the ability to bind dust particles and strengthen the base.
- Wide range of applications. The substance can be used for different surfaces.
- Can be applied to floor surfaces where heating elements are used. Other substances cannot be used for this.
- Versatility. These primers can be used for both external and internal work.
- Economic consumption. Standard primer mixtures are consumed at the rate of 800 milliliters per square meter, polyurethane costs do not exceed 200-500 milliliters.
- Long-lasting result.
At the same time, the material has some drawbacks, which should also be taken into account. The main disadvantages are:
- The inability to use a spray gun. You will need to apply the polyurethane primer by hand using a brush or roller.
- Relatively long curing period. It's 3-5 o'clock. At the same time, many other substances dry in just a few hours.
- High price. At the same time, the floor is considered very durable and has excellent operational properties. Therefore, it pays off pretty quickly.
Varieties of polyurethane primer
There are many effective polyurethane formulations on the market today. They differ in purpose and type of surface.Therefore, when choosing a specific substance, it is worth considering the main characteristics.
Monocomponent
This type of primer contains a thinner in addition to the polyurethane base. It should be selected for indoor surface treatment. Such a substance can be used for concrete floors and surfaces made of other types of materials. Most often, the composition is used to increase the adhesion of the base, strengthen the surface and level it.
The main advantages of the material are:
- the possibility of using for different types of surfaces;
- increased grip;
- surface reinforcement.
At the same time, the material is distinguished by some drawbacks:
- the presence of harmful components;
- the need for strict adherence to instructions.
Bi-component
This type of soil is sold in 2 containers. One container contains a polyurethane compound, the second contains a hardener. Before starting the priming work, the substances must be mixed. They are characterized by high strength and less fluidity. Also, the substances protect the metal from corrosion.
Two-component primers are used for exterior use. They are also applied to floors that will be exposed to high loads. To obtain an anti-corrosion layer, it is recommended to use a substance with a zinc component.
The advantages of a polyurethane primer are:
- high strength of the coating;
- slight fluidity of the mixture;
- protection of metal against corrosion.
At the same time, the compositions also have disadvantages:
- the need to mix the components before use;
- high price.
alkyd
The advantages of the material are:
- wood fiber reinforcement;
- protection of the surface from the negative effects of ultraviolet radiation.
In this case, the substance also has disadvantages:
- the presence of toxic components in the composition;
- high price.
Epoxy
Such a composition is suitable for application to metal surfaces. It helps to protect the base from the negative influence of external factors. Due to the presence of zinc components, the composition provides protection against rust. At the same time, it is quite difficult to apply it to a decorative surface.
Benefits of the funds include:
- protection of metal against corrosion and rust;
- increase the degree of adhesion.
However, there are also disadvantages:
- difficulties when applied to a decorative coating;
- the need for prior surface preparation.
Acrylic
These materials are suitable for use on MDF panels and wooden surfaces. They are characterized by the property of deep penetration. The acrylic primer perfectly impregnates the wood and has a leveling effect. It can also be applied to concrete floors located indoors. The composition does not have a pungent smell.
The advantages of acrylic primer are:
- application versatility;
- level surfaces;
- lack of toxic components.
The main disadvantages of the material include:
- not too high durability of the coating;
- the need for strict adherence to application instructions.
Soil application
For a primer to be effective, it is important to scrupulously respect the rules of its application.
Surface preparation
It is allowed to apply the primer on an uncleaned surface. However, it is preferable to prepare the coating to improve adhesion. To do this, it is recommended to proceed as follows:
- clean the surface from dust and old finishes;
- washing;
- dry and degrease;
- to close large cracks - minor damage may be left, as the polymer composition will fill them.
Tools required
Different tools can be used to apply the primer. Most often, craftsmen use the following devices:
- Rollers of different sizes - help to quickly paint an impressive area. Such tools ensure even application of the substance.
- Brushes - they should be used as an additional tool for applying in hard-to-reach places. Brushes are not suitable for large rooms. It will take too long to get started with them.
Selection of the required composition and preparation of the solution
For successful priming, it is important to choose the right composition for the procedure. It is recommended to consider the following characteristics:
- Regardless of the type, purpose and ingredients of the substance, it is recommended to choose a floor containing an antiseptic. This substance helps protect surfaces from moisture and mold.
- It is important to take into account the location of the surface to be treated. It can be located inside or outside the room. Humidity and operating conditions are also important. If the base will be subjected to increased loads, it is better to give preference to a two-component composition.
- The composition of the surface to be primed must be taken into account. Materials that can be used for MDF are prohibited for use on metal surfaces.
- It is imperative to take into account the indicators of toxicity. Acrylic polyurethane mortars are suitable for priming interior surfaces. They should be used for wood and concrete.
The soil consumption rate is of great importance.Most often, the composition is applied in 1 layer. For loose and porous surfaces that absorb materials unevenly, the treatment is carried out 2 times. The consumption rate is determined by the type and condition of the base. It is also influenced by the type and quality of the soil.
On average, 100-200 milliliters of polyurethane primer are needed per square meter. For very absorbent substrates, the rate is increased to 400 milliliters. The second layer usually requires less material than the first.
An excessive amount of soil is considered unacceptable. With an increased concentration of primer or a very thick application, there is a high probability of delamination of the primer layer. As a result, the coating may peel off.
Layer Technology
It is necessary to apply the polyurethane compound in the same way as other types of primer. It is important to take into account that such a product cannot be poured into the spray gun.
It is allowed to use rollers for priming concrete and wooden surfaces. They can vary in size. Such tools allow you to quickly paint large areas.
Brushes help where rollers are less effective. They are most often used for difficult places. It is allowed to tint voids with such devices. However, on a large area they will not give the desired effect.
It is allowed to apply the primer on an unprepared surface. However, it is best to do the following first:
- remove the old finish and dust the coating;
- wash and dry the surface;
- fill large cracks.
At the next stage, it is allowed to proceed to the application of the solution. It must be evenly distributed by means of a roller.Once the first coat is dry, which takes an average of 5 hours, the second coat can be applied.
In the first layer, the polyurethane primer should be applied vertically, and in the second - horizontally. This is how the substance is better absorbed into the base. To prepare the surface for the use of decorative finishes, it is allowed to apply the primer twice.
Drying time
The drying period is 3 to 5 hours on average. This figure is considered quite significant, since other types of soil dry out in just 2 hours.
Recommendations from the masters
It is important to follow the rules of application in order to use the primer mix to achieve the desired results. At the same time, experienced craftsmen are advised to follow these recommendations:
- carefully prepare the surface for applying the substance;
- with the vertical arrangement of the first layer, apply the second horizontally;
- after the second layer has completely dried, you can begin to apply decorative finishes;
- the composition of materials contains flammable organic solvents, so smoking or using open fire sources during work is prohibited;
- it is important to avoid getting the mixture in the eyes, mouth and skin;
- if the substance gets into the eyes or on the skin, the affected areas should be rinsed with plenty of water.
Polyurethane primer is an effective mixture that prepares the substrate for the subsequent application of decorative materials. In order for the substance to give the desired result, it is important to apply it as evenly and precisely as possible.