Primer for metal: types and subtleties of choice

Before painting any metal structures or surfaces, they must first be prepared and primed. This is the only way to properly prepare the work surface and be sure of the high quality of the final result. A primer for metal, the types and subtleties of the choice of which will be discussed below, is an important and irreplaceable composition for the treatment of all metal structures. She needs to process both metal products inside the room and structures outside.

The need to use a primer for metal is explained by its important features:

• The production of high-quality compounds is regulated by GOST. It is in it that the mandatory need to use a primer is indicated.
• Its use allows you to strengthen and improve the protective qualities of the paint itself, as well as to increase the adhesion between the metal and the coloring composition.
• It is the primer mixture that reduces the porosity of metal structures, which makes it possible to reduce paint consumption and to fix it more firmly on the metal surface.
• The primer allows to increase the useful life of all metal structures.
• This mixture improves protection against rust and corrosion.
• It gives the structure a more aesthetic look.

The primer for metal has no disadvantages, but its features are at the same time its advantages. It is the advantages of this composition that make it not only popular, but also a truly important and necessary tool for additional metal processing.

The range of primers for metal today is unusually wide. It is sometimes difficult for an ignorant person to navigate in such an abundance and make the right choice.

In order not to make a mistake when buying, you must familiarize yourself in advance with all the available varieties of this composition.

• Insulating compounds are made on the basis of epoxides and alkyds. It is a unique primer with improved waterproofing properties. Initially it was intended for priming only ferrous metals, now it is also used for processing non-ferrous alloys. An additional ingredient is special beryl, which have a zinc base. Therefore, this mixture is also suitable for use on galvanized metal. This fast drying primer is not suitable for applications where the metal must be subsequently painted.

• Mixture converter for painting does not require preliminary cleaning of the surface. It can be applied directly to rust, and the active substances of the mixture dissolve the corrosion particles. Such an anti-corrosion mixture requires the mandatory additional use of special passivating compounds that are applied over the primer. Sometimes experts call such a primer a three-in-one tool.

• Phosphating compounds are made from two ingredients: a special diluent and orthophosphoric acids. This primer can be used on any type of metal. Its main advantage is considered to increase the adhesion of the metal several times. It is a heat resistant primer.

• Inhibitory primer is considered universal, it not only prevents corrosion, increases adhesion, but also reliably protects the metal surface from mechanical damage of any type.In fact, it is a full-fledged frost-resistant enamel-primer with a wide range of applications.

• Alkyd primer is the best option for metal processing before further painting with alkyd paints. It has not only water protection, but also an anti-corrosion effect. Simultaneously applies to both inhibiting and passivating mixtures.

• Tread compounds recognized as one of the best in corrosion protection. They are made from a mixture of special powders, the mass fraction of which in the composition can be up to 90%. An acidic primer can be used on any type of metal other than galvanized metal.

All varieties of such primers are subdivided into three more large groups, depending on the main substance in their composition:

• aqueous mixtures;
• mixed primers;
• oil formulations.

It is necessary to select a primer based on the type of metal and its condition, as well as the conditions for its priming and further operation. Only the simultaneous consideration of all these requirements will make it possible to choose the most suitable primer composition.

Until recently, metal primer was only produced as a thick filler in buckets of various capacities. But this form of release is not always convenient and in some cases it is simply impossible to use the mixture in this form. Therefore, today you can find primer in spray cans on store shelves. This aerosol makes it easy to prime the most difficult-to-reach surfaces. In addition, the mixture in this form of release is easier and easier to apply and more evenly distributed over the surface.

The primer spray is currently produced only by leading manufacturers. and, despite its many advantages, it requires a certain skill in its use. However, according to experts, it is this primer that is considered the most effective.

The palette of shades of this tool is currently quite extensive. At the very beginning of its production, the primer was only black and white. But today, many brands have significantly expanded its color range. There is a good reason for this - the use of a tinted mixture allows you to further reduce paint consumption and at the same time achieve a more juicy and uniform color.

The primer is now available in the following colors:

• blue, light blue, ultramarine;
• red, crimson, burgundy;
• yellow orange;
• green of various shades;
• brown and various shades of gray.

The choice of a primer for metal should be approached with special responsibility. Not only the appearance of the metal structure will depend on the correct purchase, but also the level of its protection from all negative influences.

It is imperative to consider the type of metal structure. So, for ferrous metals, you should choose a primer with increased anti-corrosion properties. Such compositions not only reliably protect against rust, but also improve adhesion several times. For aluminum and other non-ferrous metals, you can choose the simplest primer. Here it is used only to increase adhesion. For galvanized metals, solvent-based mixtures are required.

The primer for steel structures should be selected based on its intended use: for indoor or outdoor use. It is very important to take into account the climatic conditions if it is necessary to prime the metal outside the buildings.If the mixture is to be used indoors, then the temperature conditions should also be taken into account. If the temperature in the room is up to 100 degrees, then you can use a standard mixture; when it rises by a couple of tens of degrees, you must already choose a heat-resistant primer.

Such mixtures go on sale both in a ready-to-use form and in need of additional dilution. Therefore, it is necessary to immediately read the information from the manufacturer and, if necessary, purchase the necessary thinners and solvents of the same brand. When choosing an aerosol primer, it is necessary to clarify the possibility of its use under certain conditions of temperature and humidity. Primers with the lowest level of toxicity should be preferred, especially if they are to be used indoors.

Efficiency of consumption is not the last selection criterion. The fact is that a high-quality primer mixture is not cheap, and in combination with a high consumption, priming can be very expensive.

In order to be sure of the quality of the purchased product, it is necessary to give preference to the products of proven and well-known brands. Immediately before payment, inspect the contents of the container to make sure it is uniform. The container itself with the primer should not have any damage. All information must be clear and easy to read. Be sure to check the expiration dates.

Today, a large number of different brands are engaged in the manufacture and sale of primers for metal. The most famous and reliable of them will be discussed below:

• Tikkurila Is a world-renowned manufacturer. Its assortment includes several varieties of this product. All primers of this brand are of high quality and economical consumption. It dries quickly, has a high level of fire safety and practically does not have an unpleasant odor. It is this manufacturer that produces a primer for both indoor and outdoor use and for all types of metals. Customer reviews fully confirm the high quality and effectiveness of the primer mixture for metal of this brand. People believe that this is where price and quality are best combined, and a large palette of shades is a nice bonus when buying.

• Company "Rainbow" launches on sale a special acrylic primer with an increased anti-corrosion effect. It is characterized by an affordable cost, economical consumption, high drying speed and a wide range of colors. Its buyers are especially positive about its high quality, high drying speed, and also emphasize the long-term preservation of the effect obtained during priming.

• "Emlak" offers its customers a special primer mixture, which is a rust converter. It allows not only to protect metal structures from further corrosion, but also removes all rust on the surface. Customers especially appreciate these products for their high efficiency, affordable cost and long-term preservation of the obtained effect.

• Brand name "Prestige" is engaged in the manufacture and sale of a unique primer-enamel 3 in 1. This mixture is not only suitable for increasing the adhesion of metal, but also protects it and levels the surface. According to people who have already used such a tool, it really has high effectiveness.Its use allows maintaining high performance characteristics of structures for a long time, and the price is pleasing. In addition, it is this universal remedy that is sold almost everywhere.

• "Novbytkhim" also sells a universal 3 in 1 primer. It dries quickly, reliably protects metal structures from all types of corrosion, and has excellent waterproofing properties. Suitable for both brushing and spraying. This primer is widely used not only in household but also in industrial use. Buyers confirm its high technical characteristics, and the cost, according to buyers, is quite affordable and fully corresponds to the high quality of this composition.

• Alpina Is a German brand that is considered one of the best in its country. The primer of its production is considered to be enamel, it forms a glossy even coating on all types of metal, suitable for processing metal products outside and inside. Its main advantages, according to buyers, are the highest quality, reliable protection against corrosion, as well as the ability to apply directly to the rust itself. For many people, the quick drying of this mixture, as well as the low level of its toxicity, turned out to be very important.

• Brand name "Tender" launches on the market a primer for metal, suitable for outdoor use. It has excellent waterproofing and anti-corrosion properties. In general, buyers speak quite positively about this product, considering it affordable, quite coping with the problems stated by the manufacturer. In this case, the price is lower than the quality itself.

• "Lacra" Is a manufacturer of anti-corrosion primers that are used both indoors and outdoors. Differs in economical consumption, high drying speed, affordable cost. Buyers of such a product confirm its high efficiency and ease of use.

• Hammerite Is another world renowned manufacturer of rust primers. The products of this brand are available in various colors, are distinguished by high anti-corrosion properties and a high drying rate. It should be especially noted that the demand for this mixture is the highest. Buyers of such a product especially note its high quality and long-term protection, as well as a wide range. If we talk about cost, then most people believe that it is more than affordable.

Going to the store for a primer for metal, first of all, you need to pay attention to the products of these brands. They have been on the market for many years and during this time they were able to understand exactly what customers want to see and offer them the most suitable products. In addition, the primers of these brands are made from high-quality and safe raw materials, therefore they are considered one of the best, and customer reviews only confirm this information.

But for a high-quality performance of work, it is not enough just to purchase a high-quality primer for metal from a reliable manufacturer, you also need to use it correctly.

Algorithm of work for its application.

• It is necessary to prepare the work surface. All dirt, remnants of the previous paintwork should be removed from it, as well as strong rust spots should be removed.
• Grinding the metal will improve the absorbency of the primer and prepare the work surface more thoroughly. But do not confuse grinding with polishing. When polishing, the surface is completely flat, and sanding makes it slightly rough. It is the roughness that improves the adhesion of the primer mixture to the metal surface.
• Do not apply too thick primer immediately. If multi-layer application is necessary, each subsequent application is best applied three hours after the previous one.
• After working with the primer, it is imperative to wash the entire tool, the container with the product should be tightly closed and sent for storage to a place that fully complies with the requirements and recommendations of the manufacturer.
• Do not use a primer intended for outdoor use during interior work and vice versa. In this case, the mixture will not be able to fully fulfill its protective functions, and its service life will be significantly reduced.

Correct use of primer mixes is 50% of the successful completion of all work. Deviation from the specified recommendations or from the manufacturer's instructions can lead to the appearance of serious problems both directly during work and after their completion.

Priming of metal structures of any type is necessary not only to improve their appearance, but also to increase their service life. At the same time, some varieties of such compositions allow not only to improve the adhesion of the metal, protect it from the negative effects of moisture and rust, but also increase the strength of the structures themselves and make their color brighter and more saturated.

But it should be understood that a single use of a primer is not a panacea for all ills. It is certainly necessary and important, but the period of its positive effect on the metal has a limited time. On average, a conventional single-phase primer protects structures inside a building for up to 15 years, and outside for 7-10 years. If we are talking about universal 3-in-1 primers, then the duration of their protective functions does not exceed 5-7 years.

For information on which primer to choose for metal, see the next video.