Selecting the appropriate primer is an essential step in plastering preparation that can significantly impact the outcome. Strong, long-lasting finishes are produced by plaster that adheres to the surface well thanks to a well-applied primer. But with so many different kinds of primers on the market, it’s critical to understand which one is appropriate for the particular wall material you have.
To get the greatest results, different types of primers are needed for different surfaces, such as wood, drywall, and concrete. Plastering will go more smoothly and evenly if you choose the appropriate product and apply it correctly, which requires an understanding of the particular requirements of each surface.
This post will discuss the many kinds of primers that are out there, their salient characteristics, and how to use them on various surfaces. Whether you’re building a new project or remodeling an existing one, this guide will assist you in making wise choices and producing results that look polished.
| Surface Type | Recommended Primer and Application Tips |
| Drywall | Use a water-based primer for drywall. Apply a thin, even coat and allow it to dry completely before painting. |
| Concrete | Choose a penetrating primer for concrete. Apply with a roller, ensuring it fills the pores for better adhesion. |
| Wood | Opt for an oil-based primer for wood surfaces. Apply with a brush, following the grain, and sand lightly between coats. |
| Plaster | Use a bonding primer for plaster. Apply in a single coat and wait for it to dry thoroughly before the next layer. |
| Metal | Select a rust-inhibiting primer for metal. Apply with a spray or brush, ensuring even coverage to prevent corrosion. |
It’s important to take the type of surface into account when selecting a primer for walls because different materials, such as concrete, wood, or drywall, require different primers to ensure proper adhesion and durability. Your plastering projects will turn out smoother and last longer if you know the special qualities of each primer and how they work with different surfaces.
- What is it
- What types are there
- Acrylic deep penetration
- Adhesive quartz soil of the “concrete contact” type
- Primer against mold and mildew
- Alkyd (glyphten)
- Silicate
- Video on the topic
- INSTRUCTIONS FOR APPLYING PRIMER UNDER WALLPAPER
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What is it
A primer is a unique wall treatment that enhances the base’s qualities and gets it ready for any kind of finishing.
Why are primers used?
- Elimination of minor defects of walls, floors, ceilings and improving the adhesion of these surfaces with other types of finishing materials (paint, plaster, glue).
- Antibacterial and antifungal protection. The appearance of fungus and mold is inevitable in rooms with high humidity.
- Reducing water absorption, or complete hydrophobization.
- Aligning the color of the walls.
- Strengthening the surface, reducing the consumption of finishing materials (plaster, paint).
Depending on their intended use, priming solutions can include latex, liquid glass, different bitumens, quartz filler, etc.
What types are there
The choice of primer depends on the wall, the intended use, and the type of finishing that will come after. Let’s take a closer look at each type.
Acrylic deep penetration
One of the wall primer types that is most commonly used. Dust is removed from the surface, loose and old plasters are strengthened, adhesion is improved, and wall and ceiling water absorption is slightly decreased by a penetrating universal composition based on acrylic, which prevents moisture from escaping the applied plasters.
The porosity of the walls, which ranges from 100 to 200 g per square meter on average, greatly influences consumption.
Made of acrylic polymers and water. There may also be antifungal and antibacterial ingredients. The amount of dry residue in the acrylic solution is something that needs to be closely monitored. This number should be less than 10% for quality wall primers and 15% for floor materials.
Solution dries in two to three hours.
Remark: For decorative plaster, acrylic primer is frequently used as a glaze varnish and in homemade wax.
Manufacturers: Bolars, Lakra, Prospectors, Unis, Optimist, Ceresit CT 17, etc.
Adhesive quartz soil of the “concrete contact” type
The wall and finishing material adhesion is greatly enhanced by concrete contact. The primer’s dye aids in regulating the application’s homogeneity.
Before applying gypsum or decorative plaster, Betonokontakt is a great way to increase the adhesion of concrete and any sheet material, including drywall, fiberboard, chipboard, and OSB boards.
Acrylic dispersion (higher concentration than in the universal primer), dyes, and quartz sand make up the primer composition.
Sand is applied, and once the concrete contact dries, the wall or ceiling gets rough. Because of this, ceramic tiles can be used to finish or plaster even smooth surfaces, such as painted walls.
Use: 200–300 g per square meter when using a roller.
Manufacturers include Farbe, Tex, KNAUF Betokontakt, Ceresit CT 19, and Alpina Expert Quartz-primer.
Primer against mold and mildew
Protects wood against fungi and bacteria and is useful for treating walls in basements and wet areas.
Universal acrylic is the base for antifungal primers, and an antiseptic is added. As a result, their technical attributes—consumption and drying time—are identical.
Manufacturers include, among others, ECOTERRA, Gunstig, Lakra, Areal, and Alpina Expert Bio-Stop.
Alkyd (glyphten)
It is primarily used to stop wood from decaying and metal from rusting. As an intermediate layer before painting, GF-primer is also applied to surfaces composed of plastic, chipboard, fiberboard, glass, or fiberglass.
Alkyd compounds can be sprayed on, brushed on, or roller-applied in whatever convenient manner. White spirit can be used to dilute the solution.
Utilization: 100 g/m^2. It takes 24 hours to dry.
Crucial! This kind of primer material poses a risk of fire and toxicity. When working, wear gloves, a respirator, and open the window.
Manufacturers include TURY, Otex, Lakra, and Tex GF-021.
Silicate
The foundation of this substance is liquid potassium glass. Primers are used in facade and interior decoration projects to fortify surfaces, shield them from weather and harsh conditions, and get them ready for silicate paint application.
Ideal for processing lime plaster, cement-sand, concrete, and sand-lime brick.
When applied in a single layer, consumption ranges from 200 to 250 g/m2.
Manufacturers: Ceresit CT 15, Derufa Silicate Grunt, and Caparol Sylitol-Minera.
Selecting the appropriate primer is crucial to guarantee a flawless and durable coating on your walls. Selecting the right primer for a given surface requires careful consideration of the type of wall covering you have.
Knowing the unique requirements of each surface—be it wood, drywall, or concrete—will help you get the best results. The proper application of primer is just as important as choosing the right one because it primes the surface to allow the plaster to adhere correctly and last longer.
You’ll be laying the groundwork for a successful plastering project and ultimately saving time and effort if you take the time to select and apply the right primer. Better results come from careful planning, so your walls will continue to look great for many years to come.
