What kind of primer is needed for liquid wallpaper

Popular wall finishing choice liquid wallpaper is renowned for its easy application and distinctive texture. However, the primer that you choose is very important to make sure it adheres correctly and lasts for many years. The choice of primer can mean the difference between a surface that peels or cracks over time and a smooth, long-lasting finish.

Primers are intended to get your walls ready by laying down a level, sturdy foundation for liquid wallpaper. They aid in surface sealing, improve adhesion, and keep the wallpaper from absorbing excessive moisture. This prolongs the wall’s lifespan in addition to improving its appearance.

Different primers might be needed for different kinds of walls. The type of liquid wallpaper being used, its current state, and the wall’s material composition all affect the primer selection. Knowing these elements will enable you to choose wisely and guarantee a perfect, long-lasting finish.

Surface Type Recommended Primer
Drywall Acrylic primer for a smooth, even base
Concrete or Plaster Deep-penetrating primer to seal pores
Painted Walls Adhesion-promoting primer to enhance grip
Old Wallpaper Residue Stain-blocking primer to prevent discoloration

Purpose of the primer

There are two main problems to be solved when applying plaster masses or adhesive to the wall surface:

  • protect the wall material;
  • obtain strong adhesion to it of the applied building solutions.

The following tasks are completed along the way:

  • combining two dissimilar materials (base and solution);
  • strengthening the surface of the wall material;
  • protecting the solution from dehydration.

The objectives can only be met with primer compositions that produce a protective film layer that separates and connects the base and finish. See our articles to learn about all the details involved in applying liquid wallpaper.

A liquid solution called primer solidifies into a film when exposed to air.

The mass’s composition consists of:

  • binding components (base);
  • fillers;
  • pigments (optional);
  • various additives, for example, antifungal and antibacterial substances, drying accelerators;
  • solvent (in most cases, this is water).

A base can be made of either natural or artificial film-forming materials, such as bitumen, drying oils, adhesives, or different types of resins. In other words, the product’s base could be made of mineral, alkyd, acrylic, or another material. Stone flour or tiny quartz sand grains can be used as filler.

It is not by accident that primers come in such a wide range of varieties, as walls can be constructed from a variety of materials, each with unique characteristics. Different compositions are required for the processing of brick, plasterboard, metal, and wood. In a similar vein, different coatings require different primers.

In cases where the base’s surface layer is loose, dusty, or porous, the primer acts as a surface strengthener by encasing dust particles, piercing tiny pores and cracks, and gluing micro-delaminations. Consequently, a homogeneous surface is achieved. A rough film is created when filler, such as quartz sand, is added, which makes plaster or liquid wallpaper stick to the surface more firmly. When removing an inappropriate coating, these (binding) films frequently stop the wall surface from being destroyed.

Primers shield metal from corrosion and prevent wood from getting wet, which could destroy the structure. The film stops the base material from sucking out the liquid components it needs for crystallization or polymerization to happen by clogging the pores. Consequently, during curing, the solution acquires the required strength.

What kind of primer is needed for liquid wallpaper?

You must comprehend the various primer compositions, their innate qualities, and application features in order to select the best primer for walls beneath liquid wallpaper. the most widely used distinction between regular and special formulations.

Particular primers consist of:

  • deep penetration materials (more often used for mineral bases);
  • impregnations for wood (contain an antiseptic, extend the life of the wood);
  • compositions for coating metals (protect against corrosion, increase adhesion);
  • moisture insulators and modifiers (the latter consist of alkali-resistant substances);
  • primer-putty (better known, for example, betonkontakt or beta-kontakt, betonkontakt – different names for the same material).

Primers come in a variety of formats:

  • in the form of a dry concentrate (powder), diluted in water before use;
  • as a liquid concentrate (the product is diluted with water before priming);
  • in the form of a ready-made composition.

Specialty primers are typically offered for sale as concentrates. There is a dilution sequence and proportion chart included on the packaging for each concentrate composition. The primer resembles thick milk in consistency after dilution. The viscosity of products meant for deep impregnation is lower.

Primer putties are made primarily of acrylic with a matte pink, yellowish, or white base that is filled with up to 30% sand and quartz grains along with cement. Following the drying process, a rough film resembling coarse-grained sandpaper forms on the surface. The primary goal of betakontakt is to promote adhesion. It is used on surfaces like concrete, worn-out face tiles, thick oil, and oleoflen coatings that have low rates of moisture absorption. Silk plaster works best with betonokontakt, which creates a "sandy" surface; silk plaster rolls off smooth surfaces and does not lay well on them.

The foundation of liquid wallpaper is adhesives. The substance itself is typically well-adhered to and lightweight. Nevertheless, "hydrophobia" is one of the drawbacks of silk plaster, another term for liquid wallpaper. Given this, a mechanism for "locking" the flow of moisture from the walls to them must be included. It is particularly "unpleasant" if efflorescence forms and salts leak out of the walls with the water.

In essence, producers of liquid wallpaper offer to use proprietary primers on an acrylic substrate.

Selecting the appropriate primer is crucial to guarantee that liquid wallpaper adheres correctly and looks its best. The best choice is a water-based acrylic primer because it produces a uniform, smooth surface that draws attention to the texture and color of the wallpaper. In addition to sealing the wall, this primer makes sure that the liquid wallpaper dries evenly and doesn’t peel or crack over time.

Tools

The primer can be applied with two primary tools. These are rollers and brushes (ordinary paintbrushes). To make applying the primer to the coat easier, you also need a tray in addition to the roller.

Brushes are useful for cleaning surfaces near door frames, sockets, corners, and other difficult-to-reach places. Applying concrete contact with a brush is better because it makes it easier to pick up the quartz grains. Foam rubber or pile rollers are also available. They can process big areas more quickly.

It is possible to apply the primer mechanically. Cartridge guns with compressor power are used for this. The machinery expedites and eases labor-intensive tasks.

Apart from the priming instruments, you’ll require:

  • a container for diluting the concentrate;
  • measuring utensils (for dosing the concentrate and thinner);
  • a stand for a brush or roller during a break;
  • extension for the handle (allows you to process the ceiling from the floor).

Preparing the base

Walls or ceilings need to be prepped before priming. The goal of preparation is to achieve a spotless, dry, and clean surface. De-energize the wiring first, remove the furniture, and cover everything with film that you don’t want debris or wallpaper to get on.

  1. Preparation begins with removing unusable old finishing – peeling paint, whitewash, old wallpaper.
  2. After removing the finishing, check the existing leveling plaster for strength, cracks, chips and other defects (by tapping and visually). If the condition of the plaster does not allow it to be used as a base for liquid wallpaper, remove the plaster (all or locally).
  3. Repair potholes and cracks, expand joints.
  4. Clean the base from stains.
  5. Remove dust and foreign hardware from the surface (insulate the remaining ones).
  6. Dry.

Technology of applying primer to various surfaces

A liquid wallpaper primer is the next step. When applying, it’s crucial to keep up with technology in this case as well. However, selecting an appropriate composition is just as crucial to the outcome. Every material used for the ceiling and walls needs to be primed.

It would appear that covering the walls with the roller after it has been dipped will ensure a satisfactory outcome. Like anything, there are nuances in practice. This includes the quantity of layers, the application angle, and the room’s temperature during the primer application and drying processes.

Primers are applied in multiple passes on bases with loose, dusty materials and strong water absorption. For instance, three steps will be required for priming cellular concrete, which actively absorbs liquids through all of its pores. It won’t stop allowing moisture through the surface until the pores are firmly sealed.

Applying the composition vertically from the bottom up prevents all of the liquid primer underneath the liquid wallpaper from spilling onto the ground.

Every primer layer that is applied needs to dry (naturally). Take breaks in between layers of application, but don’t cut them any shorter than what the packaging says. This time typically depends on the base and the thinner/solvent combination. Generally, a day’s notice is sufficient. When the thermometer reads at least +5 oC, ideally -20 oC, but not more than 25 oC, prime the walls.

Apply the product layer by layer, alternating the directions of tool movement, so that the multi-layer primer film lies uniformly over the entire wall. For instance, the tool should be moved vertically to prime the second layer if the first was applied horizontally. Generally speaking, the final layer should be applied with the direction of the sun’s rays. However, since liquid wallpaper is not paint, this regulation is superfluous. Despite this, horizontal brush application of concrete contact increases adhesion.

Initial application flow:

  1. Prepare a primer solution from the concentrate, the finished – thoroughly stir.
  2. Pour into a roll tray or a small tank for dipping a brush.
  3. “Taking” a small amount of primer on the tool (so that it does not flow down the wall and does not drip from the tool), apply it to the base with an even layer, without gaps. Hard -to -reach places are processed especially carefully. Basic movement in wall covering – from top to bottom. Smooth surfaces that absorb the primer is reluctant, sometimes you have to ride one place several times.
  4. Give the layer to dry.
  5. Apply the second (after drying – the third) layer.
  6. Launder tools, the remaining composition is hermetically closed.
  7. Dried the last layer at least a day.

Painted walls

Paint can be used to paint walls. Usually, the colorful layer is left if it is well-maintained and free of defects. However, different primers are needed for different kinds of paint.

Water-based paint walls are a better fit for acrylic impregnations than other types. Use primer putty for paints that are oil-based. After using sandpaper to "roughen" the surface, beta-contact or Ceresit is applied.

Processing concrete and plastered walls

It is best to use betonkontakt as the material. It is available for purchase in a ready-made version or as a diluted dispersion. applied by hand or using a pneumatic instrument. Depending on the circumstances, the applied layer may take up to 4 hours to dry. The following layer can be applied after this time.

First, cellular concrete and hygroscopic plaster are coated with a deep-penetrating primer. Putty is then used to level the surface. A standard primer can be used for the final priming.

Drywall walls

It is recommended to prime drywall using compounds specifically made for the purpose, such as Paritet Décor. This product does not soak the cardboard "wrapper" of the gypsum core of drywall sheets; instead, it produces the rough texture of a concrete contact. The entire surface, not just the joints, needs to be primed. A separate article about dry plaster contains more information about priming mounted drywall sheets.

Wood walls

Wooden components such as chipboard, plywood, lumber, and lining are frequently used to construct walls and partitions. The material has a major drawback despite all of its benefits. Wood swells and warps when it absorbs water. As a result, moisture must be kept out of wood first. The second drawback is that it is "edible." Wood is susceptible to rot and fungal growth. Third, some types of wood have the capacity to release compounds known as resins.

Applying shellac to wood reduces the possibility of resin leaks. Verify that antibiotics are present in the primer. As was already mentioned, wood treatment requires specialized primers. If you’re unable to purchase it, purchase antibiotic impregnation separately, treat the surface with it, and then apply multiple coats of alkyd primer.

Selecting the appropriate primer is crucial for priming your walls for liquid wallpaper application. It guarantees a smooth, even finish and correct wallpaper adhesion. It can be challenging to fix issues like peeling or uneven application if you skip this step or use the incorrect kind of primer.

A deep-penetrating primer is often advised for liquid wallpaper. This kind of primer strengthens the wall’s surface and lays a firm foundation for the wallpaper by penetrating it. In order to keep the wallpaper from absorbing too much moisture and shrinking or cracking, it also helps to seal any porous areas.

Selecting a white or colorless primer is also crucial to prevent changing the liquid wallpaper’s final color. Whether it’s plaster, concrete, or drywall, make sure the primer works with the materials on your walls. You can create the conditions for a successful and durable liquid wallpaper application by carefully choosing the primer.

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Elena Sokolova

Architect and interior designer with a deep interest in traditional and modern methods of wall finishing. On the site I share tips on choosing materials and techniques that help create a cozy and stylish space.

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