Primer for concrete - types, features, rules of application

Before proceeding to the finishing of the internal and external surfaces of buildings made of concrete, it is necessary to prime them, for which purpose different types of primer are used. Their task is to strengthen the upper layer of the base, to protect it from negative atmospheric influences. The price of the material is low, but the work it does is very necessary.

Priming material has the following advantages:

• surface properties are fully preserved;
• base life increases;
• promotes better adhesion of finishing materials and foundation during repairs;
• plays the role of an insulator, not allowing contact to incompatible materials.

Tip: some types of primers can be used as a material for finishing surfaces.

Foundation preparation

The surface, made of concrete of good quality, has a fine monolithic structure, that is, it is almost smooth (for example, concrete floor slabs and panel houses).

On such a basis, adhesives and putties are bad, they have nothing to cling to:

• the wallpaper pasted on it peels off;
• putty flakes;
• the plaster cracks.

Tip: if you need to dismantle structures made of concrete when preparing the premises, there is a service - cutting reinforced concrete with diamond circles using special tools.

If the finishing of the premises is performed by experienced craftsmen, even before the start of the repair, they determine the properties of the surfaces on the walls that have not been redone.

A lot of damage to the old finish indicates that the walls have not been processed, preparatory work has not been carried out, including cleaning and priming surfaces.

1. Before applying the primer to the concrete base of the wall must be thoroughly cleaned with your own hands from the old coating, dirt, dust.
2. Surface defects (cracks, chips, irregularities) are eliminated.
3. Then they are treated with a deep penetration primer - it will strengthen the damaged areas.
4. After that the base is leveled.

If walls are to be painted, they must also be prepared with a primer before.

Tip: to protect surfaces from various microorganisms, use a primer with an antiseptic concrete surfaces. It is used to treat external walls of buildings and in rooms with high levels of humidity.

Primer application

For the application of material using a roller or brush.

At the same time it is necessary to follow the recommendations on the consumption of funds indicated on the packaging:

• due to its properties, the surface does not absorb a more designated amount of primer, its surplus will simply dry out without bringing any benefit;
• applied in smaller quantities will also be useless, it will not be able to penetrate into the base and will not strengthen it.

Tip: Complete all work on the base and walls, including diamond drilling holes in concrete, before applying the ground.

Types of primer

Primers are designed for the treatment of external and internal surfaces of buildings. Material for external work is used indoors. But, due to the fact that such compounds contain components dangerous for breathing, when working with them the room must be carefully aired.

There are the following types of primers:

• firming, deep penetrating;
• textured (they contain fillers). Used for subsequent work with surfaces (for example, acrylic primers);
• insulating (the name may indicate that it is impregnated). Protect from the negative effects of the environment, chemicals, mechanical abrasion (these include polyurethane, silicone and epoxy);

  

• with antiseptic: protect from mold and mildew.

Depending on the type of surface primer is divided into:

• material for a smooth surface (perform waterproofing function, used for painting or plaster);

• for cellular concrete (have increased viscosity, contain silicate fillers that fill the pores). They are absorbed by concrete well, but practically do not strengthen it;
• concrete contact (enhances the adhesion of surfaces, which absorb poorly moisture).

Usually, the instruction on the packaging of the primer indicates which surface it is for.

Recommendations of specialists

When choosing a soil:

1. Decide what the composition is for (for waterproofing, for preparing the surface for painting or plastering).
2. It is necessary to know from which material the base is made (concrete fresh or old, cellular or dense), based on this, choose a primer with appropriate characteristics.
3. Calculate the consumption of primer material.

Tip: Remember that the composition does not strengthen the concrete as a whole, so it does not need to be added to the mortar.

It penetrates a maximum of 70 mm (this is an indicator for the most expensive imported soil) into concrete, creating a surface protective layer. This material, like the bumper of a car, takes a hit, protecting the base.

The concrete basis processed by a primer will remain longer and better. By analogy: the paint for special purposes protects the metal from corrosion, but for this, when boiling the metal, it is not added to its composition, chemical processes are different. The same with the primer: because it is added to the concrete solution, it will not become more plastic and stronger, for this purpose special additives are used.

Tip: Rough use of soil in the composition of concrete can reduce its strength properties.

Only having special construction or engineering education behind our shoulders, it is possible to introduce special concentrates into the concrete solution, enhancing its strength.

Conclusion

Priming of concrete surfaces makes it possible to use them for further finishing works, and also allows them to be strengthened and protected from fungus. Before you buy the necessary material, find out the structure of your base, so you can prepare it in the best way. The video in this article will help you find additional information on this topic.