Primer for outdoor use: selection criteria

When finishing the facades of buildings, special attention must be paid to preparing the surface for further manipulations. It is recommended to prime the base before applying the topcoat. This will protect the outside from the effects of various negative factors associated with weather conditions. Most often, an outdoor primer is used to treat the base.

To begin with, it is worth understanding what a primer for outdoor work is. Such compounds are used in order to strengthen the base and at the same time protect it from various atmospheric influences. In addition, the outdoor primer extends the life of the façade over a long period.

Base treatment compounds allow for a stronger fixing of finishing materials.

Impregnations for external work are distinguished by the following features:

• compositions for facades perform an insulating function;
• the properties of the outer base do not change;
• some types of primers are used in the final stages of surface finishing.

It is worth paying attention to the fact that these building mixtures have a penetrating effect. Primers are embedded in small pores and thus completely fill various voids and cracks, even the smallest ones on the surface. These materials contain fillers and certain pigments that provide an insulating function. In addition, the foundation is being strengthened.

As the pores are filled after the application of the primer, the absorbency of the outer surface is reduced. Thanks to this, the work does not have to consume a large amount of finishing material. When using a primer in surface treatment, the latter normalizes the hygroscopicity index over the entire area, which then allows the paint to be distributed evenly, without the formation of defects.

Today, manufacturers produce different types of primers that can be used for outdoor use. Choosing a suitable option, you need to decide in advance on the composition. The difference between the primers used for outdoor work is the bonding component. The most popular are acrylic and alkyd impregnations.

Both of these options are fully compliant with established standards. However, it should be said that each of the types is used to treat certain surfaces. An alkyd penetrating primer for wood. Acrylic compounds will be the ideal choice for aerated concrete and plaster.

Particular attention must be paid to the components that form the basis of the mixtures. A colloidal solution of a polymer resin is included in acrylic impregnations. Another major component of the primer is water. In order for the composition to have the necessary performance properties, the impregnation is supplemented with plant components. Acrylic primers contain sand, abrasive particles and various dyes.

Often, concrete contact is used to prepare the surface for finishing. Such mixtures are not distinguished by high consumption, moreover, they prevent the absorption of moisture by the surface.To level the base, auxiliary components are added to such compositions - cement and sand.

Typically, the deep penetration primer is applied in several layers. This happens most often when working with uneven surfaces. When treating an exterior wall, adhesion and other performance can be improved.

When deciding on a suitable primer for outdoor use, be sure to consider the type of surface. As noted above, alkyd compounds are used for wood. In addition, primers can be used on metal, concrete and galvanized steel. This is due to the fact that these compositions are versatile.

When using alkyd impregnations for metal structures and industrial structures, the material can be protected from rust for a long time. After treatment with the composition, an alkyd paint is applied to the surface. Thanks to this combination of materials, metal structures have good corrosion resistance.

Alkyd primers are most often applied before plaster or paint is applied. If a wooden surface is treated with impregnation, you can create a protective layer using liquid wallpaper. This combination of materials ensures the durability of the base.

With regard to the acrylic primer, we can say that it is also versatile. It is used for processing wood, stone and concrete. But unlike the previous version, the consumption of the mixture during operation is somewhat less, which can be noted as an advantage.

It is worth paying attention to the fact that working with acrylic impregnations must take place under certain conditions. External walls must be processed at a temperature of at least -15 degrees.

The composition is allowed to be used not only for concrete or brick. Acrylic primers are excellent for chipboard and aerated concrete.

When choosing a primer for facade work, special attention should be paid to the manufacturer of the building mixture. One of the most popular options among modern buyers is the "Profi" impregnation. Acrylic mixtures are notable for their low cost and low consumption during work, which many consumers have already noted. In addition, the manufacturer presents high-quality deep penetration primers that are suitable for strengthening various surfaces.

Acrylic compounds level the absorbency of the substrate. Impregnations work especially well on mineral coatings. After processing, adhesion is significantly improved, the finishing materials are securely fixed to the facade and do not deform for a rather long period.

As for the consumption, the average is about 100-200 g per m². It takes 2 hours to dry the surface. It should be noted that the primer is applied in only one layer.

Products from the Glims brand are also in high demand among buyers. Facade primer is used as an intermediate layer during finishing work. In addition, the compositions increase the properties of cement and gypsum solutions, which is important. The advantage of this brand of primer is that it can be used on a variety of surfaces. It can be concrete, drywall and even tiles.

Another good option for the job is the Tiefengrund Penetrating Primer. The advantage of this composition is that it dries quickly. In addition, the primer does not contain solvents, which is important for high-quality surface treatment. Such impregnation strengthens the surface and has a positive effect on the durability of the finishing material.

If you plan to purchase a primer for finishing work, you must first decide on a few important points. The first and most important factor is the material from which the surface to be treated is made. Manufacturers produce mixtures based on the characteristics of the bases.

Concrete and brick surfaces are highly durable compared to many options. Based on this, we can conclude that these grounds do not require additional strengthening. It should not be forgotten that concrete and brick have a dense surface that is smooth, and this factor affects the adhesion to the finish. This suggests that it is best to give preference to a composition with high adhesive qualities.

As for the metal, these surfaces are more susceptible to corrosion than others. In this case, it is best to choose compositions in which quartz sand is present. Experts recommend giving preference to primers with anti-corrosion additives. This will provide the surface with a rough texture and improve adhesion to finishing materials.

Wooden buildings are especially prone to rotting. In addition, the material is often susceptible to damage by various insect pests. Do not forget that wood is easily and quickly ignited. Therefore, experts recommend giving preference to formulations that include fire retardants and antiseptics. Primers containing resins reduce the absorbency of the material.

Working with facade primers is not difficult, but it is best to read the step-by-step instructions.

• Before applying the composition, the base should be cleaned of contamination. Often, dust from surfaces is removed with a pressure jet of water, which greatly facilitates work with a large area. After cleaning, you need to wait until the base is completely dry.
• The next step is to dilute the primer in accordance with the indicated proportions. To do this, you need to prepare a container and pour the concentrate into it. After the mixture is supplemented with the required amount of water, referring to the manufacturer's instructions.

• The mixture is stirred and applied. It is recommended to use a wide brush or roller for this. Regarding the second option, it should be said that a tool with a long pile is chosen for working with a primer.
• The prepared building mixture is carefully distributed over the outer wall, leaving no streaks or marks. Most often, one layer is enough for complete processing. But if the surface is highly absorbent, it is best to repeat the procedure several times to achieve the best possible result.

• The surface should be left for several hours. Basically, the drying period is indicated by the manufacturer on the packaging. Then you can apply the finishing material to the facade. Make sure that no dust gets onto the surface during drying. It is also recommended to refrain from cleaning the area. If dust gets in, the primer loses its performance.

For the selection criteria for a primer for outdoor use, see the following video.