Primer for concrete - types, classification. technology use

On any hard surfaces, including concrete, there are necessarily pores of various sizes, microcracks and a certain percentage of dust. In addition, concrete in most cases has a smooth surface. On such a surface, finishing materials can hardly catch on. But with the help of good soil, you can solve this and not only this problem.

Why use a primer

This procedure can pursue several goals at once.

First of all, to increase the holding properties of concrete, in the language of professionals this is called an increase in adhesion.

• Concrete is strong enough in itself, but it also requires some protection.. Moisture can penetrate the pores and break the surface at low temperatures. Together with moisture, chemically active substances can penetrate, which are also capable of destroying the structure of concrete.
• Another important factor is the protection of the surface from pests.. Of course, rodents and insects to concrete are not terrible, but the mold or fungus can settle on the surface and cause serious inconvenience.
• Finally, simple construction dust.. Any instruction prescribes to thoroughly clean the surface before finishing. For some facing materials, this is not critical. But, for example, the paint can not be applied on a dusty surface. The primer binds the dust particles completely and turns them into a piece of monolith.

Important: A well-primed surface can significantly reduce the consumption of veneer material. This is especially true for paints and varnishes, the price of which is far from democratic.

Types of soil and subtleties of use

Currently on the market there is a fairly wide range of priming compositions intended for concrete processing. But before buying, it will be useful to decide for what specific purpose you need a primer. After that, it will be easier to find the right composition.

Types of formulations

Concrete refers to the mineral surfaces, respectively, and the composition must be selected for mineral surfaces.

There are several of them on the market.

• Acrylic primers - have excellent vapor permeability, applied before painting with acrylic varnishes and paints. Can be used in the closed internal rooms, practically have no smell, dry within 1 - 3 hours.
• Polystyrene soils - also belong to the quick-drying, but have in their composition solvents with a strong odor, so they are recommended for external or well-ventilated internal surfaces. Can be applied both on concrete, and on the plastered surface.
• Polyvinyl acetate soils - dry within half an hour. Used exclusively for interior work. Apply under PVA containing paint or wallpapering.

• Polyurethane primers - this composition can be used both as a base layer for polyurethane paints, and as an independent coating. Oil or gasoline stains are not terrible for such a coating; it easily withstands exposure to detergents. But to dry this soil will be at least 12 hours, only after that it can be painted.
• Epoxy two-component primer - is used as a preparatory layer for epoxy paints and varnishes, but more often it is used as an independent coating. The main advantages here are absolute water resistance, increased resistance to chemically active substances and, most importantly, this composition is least subject to mechanical stress, thanks to which it is widely used in the construction of production workshops.

Classification by purpose

• Impregnating compounds - this type of compound is used to strengthen loose or unstable surfaces. With their help, can be primed concrete and plastered surfaces. These types of soil are able to penetrate deep into the monolith to a depth of 50 mm. They securely bind and strengthen the upper layer. These compounds are widely used for restoration work or to strengthen the base, which for some reason can not be dismantled.
• Deep penetrating compounds - primer deep penetration of concrete, in contrast to the impregnating, is used to process a solid monolithic surface. It penetrates to a depth of 5 - 7 mm. In its composition it has latex microparticles, so that a continuous covering film is formed on the surface.
• Adhesive compositions - these types of soil form a strong impermeable film on the concrete surface. In such soils there are microparticles that provide enhanced adhesion. For example, after coating with a composition containing particles of quartz, the concrete becomes rough to the touch and a plaster layer is easily fixed on it. Moreover, such compositions can be applied not only to clean concrete, but also to painted surfaces.

Important: if the reinforced concrete is cut with diamond circles or in some cases, diamond drilling of holes in the concrete, then any priming work is carried out after capital.

Technology use

Performing this kind of work does not require any qualifications. Apply the soil with his own hands will be able to any person who knows how to use a paint brush.

The sequence is elementary simple and accessible.

1. Traditionally, any surface before treatment should be well cleaned. Even before applying the impregnating compositions should remove large debris. Experts advise not to remove the strongly eaten paint. It is enough to lightly treat it with sandpaper. If you do not have an industrial vacuum cleaner, you can simply wipe it with a damp cloth.
2. Large potholes and cracks, as a rule, are filled with gypsum mortar.
3. It is worth paying attention to the moisture level of the coated surface. Most formulations are applied exclusively on a dry surface with a plus temperature of +5? WITH.
4. The direction of application is not of fundamental importance. But, as a rule, both the primer and the paint are applied from top to bottom.
5. The tool you are going to work with is also selected depending on your personal preferences, it can be a foam roller, a paint brush, a wide spatula or an airbrush.

The video in this article shows the subtleties of applying the soil.

Conclusion

It should also be noted that there is a common misconception that reinforcing soil when added to a concrete mortar makes it stronger. Professionals say that this technique can be used to make some types of plaster. When added to a concrete solution, it will be wasted money in vain. (See also the article Impregnation for a concrete floor: features.)