Which primer to choose for concrete surfaces?

Concrete is a popular building material that can be used to build durable and reliable buildings. Some people think that this material is already too strong, so it does not need additional protection, however, during drying, pores form in the concrete, into which water gets into. It negatively affects the surface of the material. To prevent this, experienced professionals recommend applying a primer to concrete floors and walls.

To understand how important a primer is for concrete surfaces, you need to know all its features. First of all, it serves to protect against mechanical and chemical influences.

Surface treatment is necessary due to the following factors:

• The structure of concrete is porous, which is why it absorbs moisture, which destroys the material. The primer thoroughly clogs the pores, significantly reducing the absorbency of the substrate. This extends the life of the structure.
• The concrete surface does not adhere well to some materials. The primer improves adhesion and increases the strength of the coating.

• The top layer of cheap concrete is brittle and the primer will strengthen it. Therefore, material processing is mandatory in rooms with high climatic or mechanical stress.
• Almost all formulations have antiseptic properties. This prevents mold and mildew from growing on the surface.

The primer guarantees good sealing of walls and floors, retains strength and improves performance. That is why it can be used not only before finishing the floor, but also as a topcoat.

It is not worth starting construction work without priming or impregnating concrete. Materials for these processes are made from polymer binders, and their basis is water. Concrete primers differ in composition and characteristics. There are the following types:

• Polystyrene. It is not recommended to use this material in residential premises, since it contains a solvent, which is a toxic substance. This primer is used in industrial premises or for facades.

• Polyvinyl acetate. This material dries up in just 40 minutes, after which PVA glue is applied to the surface. After these procedures, you can start finishing the walls or floor. The primer guarantees good adhesion.

• Based on epoxy resin. The best choice for self-leveling floors. This primer extends the life of the base material. For residential buildings, it can be used only if there are no pets or houseplants, flowers, since the primer contains a caustic solvent.

• Alkyd. A great option for both indoor and outdoor decoration. The disadvantage is that this primer dries in about 17 hours.

• Acrylic paintable. Most popular. The primer is made from acrylic substances, so it does not have a pungent odor. It also protects the surface from negative environmental influences, absorbs quickly, dries up in a maximum of 5 hours. It is a safe material that saves money.

• Primer-enamel. A material that consists of paint and a primer mixture. It boasts excellent performance and good adhesion.

• Deep penetration primer. It is used for concrete and aerated concrete from different manufacturers, with different densities. It has proven itself to be excellent when working with porous surfaces. This primer penetrates 5-9 mm deep. The material contains latex particles. Once inside, they are converted into glue, which maximally compacts the concrete structure.

• Mixture with quartz sand. Has good adhesion, makes the surface stronger.

Whichever type of primer you choose, remember that a mixture with an antiseptic is best for concrete, especially in a damp room.

Choosing a primer is not as difficult as it sounds. The main attention should be paid to the material that was used to make the rough sub-floor. So, for example, for interior work on walls or floors made of concrete or aerated concrete, choose an epoxy or acrylic type of material.

Opaque materials are intended for painted surfaces. Buy a special primer for laying tiles. This is necessary so that it does not draw water from the adhesive solutions used.

Priming is an obligatory stage of wall finishing before plastering. It is this step that will ensure good adhesion of the materials. Also, the primer is a good antiseptic, preventing the appearance of fungus and mold on the surface.

A quality primer should have the following features:

• deep penetration;
• even application;
• the formation of a water-repellent film after application of the material;
• reducing the cost of other materials;
• high level of waterproofing.

When choosing a primer, pay attention to the application conditions. If the work will be carried out in the cold, then the use of polyurethane soil is appropriate. If a strong odor is unacceptable, then an epoxy primer is the best choice. Also, do not forget about the level of vibration loads on the floor and the period for which the object must be handed over.

In the following video, you can learn how to properly primer walls.

The modern market offers deep penetration acrylic mixtures that are suitable for treating any surface. A mixture for Ceresit concrete is in demand. It is produced by the world-famous Henkel company in “summer” and “winter” versions.

Also worth noting is the Optimist primer, which received a huge number of positive reviews. It increases the strength of the surface and is a good antiseptic.

• Ceresit CT 17 penetrates deep into concrete, has excellent adhesive properties. Such a primer can be safely applied under wallpaper, plaster, panels. It forms a protective film, therefore it is recommended to use it for processing surfaces for tiles or kermogranite.

• "Optimist" - composition from a domestic manufacturer. The indisputable advantage of the primer is ease of use. Also worth noting is the fast drying speed. A durable, slightly glossy surface is formed.

• "Prospectors" - budget material for deep penetration.Suitable for additional reinforcement of concrete floors. Also improves the adhesion of the substrate.

• Knauf tiefengrund - a primer that is suitable for any subsequent finishing of concrete.

• Vetonit - a manufacturer of powdered building mixtures. The company's products are popular due to the ideal ratio of high quality and affordable cost.

When choosing a material, be sure to read the instructions, which indicate the field of application and the required technical characteristics of the surfaces to be treated.

The primer is applied to the walls with a roller or brush, as well as with a spray gun, spray or spray gun. So, if you plan on priming a small area, it is best to use a roller. For tough jobs, use a spray gun that will save you time and energy.

Applying a primer is not such a difficult process if you follow the instructions and take into account the advice of experts:

• the walls must be cleaned of dust and dirt before applying the primer;
• if the primer gets on the floor or clothes, wash off the marks as soon as possible or wipe them with a damp cloth;
• work carefully: make sure that there are no drips on the walls, and puddles of the mixture do not form on the floor;
• Wear work clothes, not forgetting glasses and gloves.

The use of a primer provides a better finish and a longer lasting result. The main thing is to choose the right material, taking into account subsequent work and operating conditions. Do not forget that it is better to overpay, but get a high-quality result. Before choosing, carefully study the range of several well-known manufacturers.