What is the best primer for concrete?

How to choose a concrete floor primer

For a concrete base, you need to choose a composition that is designed specifically for this type of floor.

Before deciding how to prime the concrete floor, you need to consider all the options available.

Selection of primer by type of exposure:

• Deep penetration - for porous floors, the composition increases the adhesion of the surface, guaranteeing good adhesion of different materials.
• Reinforcing compounds are ideal for worn out old concrete floors, as they bind small parts of the screed into a single monolith. Such primers reduce the risk of further deterioration of the surface, increase the adhesion properties, and significantly extend the life of the decorative finish.
• Adhesive - can cover already treated or untreated surfaces, give the base maximum adhesion values ​​for good adhesion of the surface to the finishing material.

When thinking about what to prime a concrete floor, it is also advisable to remember some features. So, the composition should contain an antiseptic - this will help to avoid dampness, fungus, mold. If the floor is exposed to dirt, water, snow, oil, gasoline, etc. (in an industrial area, for example), it is better to choose a water-resistant or water-repellent primer.

A primer for concrete floors must necessarily be suitable in composition not only for concrete, but also for decorative materials. Usually all data can be found in the instructions. The quality of the primer should be the best - here the savings are inappropriate, so you only need to trust trusted manufacturers, focus on customer reviews, and the seller's quality certificates.

The choice of the mixture for the purpose of the room:

• For residential premises - you need to choose safe compounds (mineral, acrylic, for example).
• Rooms with high humidity - waterproof, water-repellent primers.
• Public premises with high loads on the floor, exposure to chemical, mechanical factors - the emphasis when choosing a mixture is made on water resistance, maximum adhesion and increased strength.
• Warehouses, workshops, hangars - it is advisable to use waterproof hardening primers that are not afraid of aggressive environments and chemical influences.

A high-quality primer for a concrete floor must meet the following criteria: penetrate deep into the structure of the material, lie down evenly and smoothly, form a water-repellent film, and reduce the consumption of materials used for finishing.

Types of primers

The soil for concrete for the floor can be different - depending on what substances are used as a base, there may be different properties, operating conditions, application rules, consumption, drying time and other nuances. Before choosing a particular composition, it is necessary to carefully study its features.

Alkyd

Such soils are used to cover metal and wooden surfaces; the composition will not work for drywall and concrete. Apply the primer before painting the surface, wait 10-15 hours for complete drying. Applying a layer of such a primer gives the wood a certain looseness, thanks to which the material is reliably protected from mold, parasites, decay, and the subsequent layer (of concrete mortar, for example) adheres tightly to the wood.

Acrylic

Acrylic compounds are used very often as the safest and most versatile. The water-based mixture is perfectly diluted (usually with water) and has excellent penetrating properties.It dries quickly (after 3-4 hours it is already possible to work with the surface), does not emit harmful substances and toxins, significantly improves adhesion, protects against fungus and mold.

Such a primer is suitable for the treatment of any living quarters (even children's rooms, kitchens), with the exception of those where there is a high level of humidity.

Epoxy

An epoxy primer for concrete floors makes the surface much more durable, odorless and does not emit any harmful substances, qualitatively protects against any aggressive media, water, high humidity, fuels and lubricants. The composition significantly improves the adhesion of materials, is applied to a slightly damp floor. The only drawback of the mixture is that the layer must be applied quickly, since within 30 minutes the prepared mixture has already set.

Polystyrene

With this type of composition, it is best to prime plastered and wooden surfaces, since the soil is toxic, it should not be used in confined spaces (at least there should be a possibility of high-quality ventilation of the room). It is imperative to follow the safety rules during work. Usually, such compositions are used for the subsequent installation of a self-leveling floor.

Other types of soils

Different types of bases are primed with other compounds. Some of them are suitable for a certain material, others are relevant for use in certain situations, conditions.

Different types of primers:

• Mineral - may include cement, film-forming substances, glue, antiseptics, adsorbent and water-repellent components. Such a primer is suitable for a concrete base, dries quickly, is absolutely safe, but does not withstand interaction with aggressive substances poorly.
• Liquid glass - used to make concrete resistant to moisture and water. The composition is usually based on sand, soda, silicates. This primer is applied to the concrete floor and creates an ideal waterproof surface. It grabs quickly, but does not last long.
• Glyphthal Primers - Typically used for metal finishing, making the substrate more durable. Relevant exclusively for interior work, dry out within 24 hours.
• Perchlorovinyl compounds - suitable for brick, plastered surfaces (outdoor work). Can be processed outdoors. The primer dries quickly - within one hour.
• Polyvinyl acetate - used when it is planned to cover the base with polyvinyl acetate paint. Suitable for all types of floors, dry for 15 minutes, allow to reduce the consumption of paints and varnishes in subsequent processing.

Main types

The construction market is rich in various types of deep penetration primers. To understand which of the options is best used for preparing a concrete surface, it is necessary to familiarize yourself with the properties of each individual composition.

The first and one of the most common types is the universal primer. Most often, the composition is used for internal work. Often, the versatile penetrating options are used for exterior facing renovation processes.

As for the cost of universal options, it is relatively low. In addition, the consumption of the primer during operation is low, which is one of the significant advantages. It is recommended to store universal options at temperatures from 5 to 35 degrees.

After treatment with a penetrating primer, the concrete surface must be left for 4-5 hours so that it is completely dry.

According to the manufacturers themselves, universal formulations belong to environmentally friendly groups of construction products. After processing, the surface will be well hardened and prepared for further manipulations. Often, a universal primer is used on a heated screed.

The next type is acrylic compounds. This option can be used to process any substrate, from wood to concrete. Many experts classify acrylic primer as a universal type. The main feature of the composition is deep penetration into the base, which greatly simplifies the entire repair process in the future.

Often, manufacturers supplement the base of the primer with various additives, which increases its performance. Most often, the composition is combined with antiseptic components, so that the impregnation can be used to prepare surfaces in the bathroom.

Antifungal compounds are a separate type. This penetrating primer is suitable for a wide range of surfaces, including concrete. A distinctive feature of this species is the presence of fungicides in the base - components that can quickly destroy fungal spores. In addition, the impregnation prevents the development of harmful microflora in the room.

Antifungal primers can have a different basis, which is their main advantage. For the preparation of concrete surfaces, different types of compositions are used. It should be noted that the use of such impregnations is recommended for the treatment of those surfaces that have already been affected by mold.

Please also note that antifungal compounds are used exclusively to prepare the base for wallpaper. In addition, the impregnation has a rather pungent odor.

Another type is an antiseptic penetrating primer. Unlike the previous version, these compositions are used to prevent the development of harmful microflora. The primer is used to treat unaffected surfaces.

Most often, antiseptic compounds are used to prepare the walls and floors in the toilet and bathroom. A primer is applied before laying the floor material. At the heart of high-quality antiseptic impregnation, fungicides are always present. The advantage of primers is that they perform a strengthening function when working with loose substrates.

To eliminate imperfections on the surface, deep penetration latex impregnations are used. They are based on water and polymers, which provide decent technical properties for this type. These compounds are indispensable for processing metal, concrete and wood. Often this type of primer is combined with alkyd options.

The versatility of the compositions lies in the fact that they can be used for indoor and outdoor work. Latex primer strengthens well the bases, which strongly absorb various substances.

Facade impregnations are a separate type. Silicone and silicate compounds are ideal for outdoor use. These options can be used to treat cracks prior to filling.

Processing rules

First, it is recommended to clean the surface from dirt and degrease with an organic solvent (acetone). After waiting for complete drying, you can start processing.

If the primer is purchased dry, it must be prepared according to the manufacturer's instructions.

Further actions:

1. Dip a paint brush into the solution, squeeze out and cover the edges of surfaces, hard-to-reach places.
2. Moisten the velor roller in a primer solution and apply to the rest of the object. A spray gun can be used to treat a large area.
3. Wait for the first layer to dry and reapply to ensure a long-lasting result.

Note!
It is recommended to apply the priming solution in an even layer, excluding gaps. The second layer should cover the first in a perpendicular direction, which will prevent bald spots

Movement during application should be rubbing. This will ensure deep penetration of the antibacterial agent.

According to the technical specifications, the antiseptic primer prevents biological corrosion of the surface. With the help of the product, walls with an already existing fungus can be treated.

If the wood is affected by fungus or mold.

When there is already fungus on the treated surface, the strategy changes. A priori, you need to determine the cause of biological corrosion and eliminate it:

• identify the source of high humidity in the room;
• adjust the ventilation system;
• insulate the room if necessary.

The surface affected by microorganisms must be treated in order to completely destroy the spores and bodies of fungi. This can be done in the following way:

Thoroughly wash the stains of the colonies of fungi with a rag abundantly moistened with a detergent sanitizing solution (chlorine-containing can be used). Throw away or burn the rag. Carry out work with the use of personal protective equipment! The cleaned surface must be dried with a heater or ventilation. Remove the layer of wood contaminated with fungal spores with sandpaper, which can then be destroyed

Using a gas torch or blowtorch flame, carefully treat the cleaned surface for decontamination and drying. Be extremely careful! Remove dust and carbon deposits with a brush

Apply a special anti-fungal solution to the prepared surface. Wait at least 4 hours. Finishing material can be applied to the surface.

If the cause of the wetting of the walls or ceilings is eliminated, then the new finishing layer will not be covered with mold again.

How to make a primer with your own hands

Often, when wallpapering, a primer is not used at all, and if they remember about it, they do not buy it, but cook it at home, for example, from PVA glue.

Expert opinion
Sergey Shablovsky
Plasterer

I recommend that you only dilute primers yourself with professional materials such as a concentrated acrylic solution. It will be cheaper than buying a universal primer, and more reliable than the "old-fashioned" methods.

From concentrate soil

To be sure of the quality of the material used, and most importantly, in compliance with the technology of work, you need to know how much polymer is contained in the primer.

Expert opinion
Sergey Shablovsky
Plasterer

As mentioned above, the dry residue of acrylic / latex in the solution should be at least 7-10% for deep processing of walls and ceilings, and 12-15% for priming the floor before pouring leveling self-leveling mixtures. But manufacturers of universal primers almost always hide this information, i.e. sell highly diluted material.

It is easy to make a deep penetration primer from the concentrated one.

The way out of this situation is simple - to prepare the soil with your own hands from the concentrate. For example, a Weber MD 16 solution has a dry residue of 50% acrylic. Diluting it with water, you can be sure of the quality of the resulting product.

Proportions 50% concentrate - water:

• for processing the floor under the levelers - 1: 3;
• for walls and ceilings before plastering, painting, wallpapering - 1: 5.

PVA glue

Perhaps this is the most famous recipe for homemade wall primer. It is used both under wallpaper and under tiles.

Recipe:

• PVA construction glue - 1 part.
• Water - 10 parts.
• Cement - 1 part, added to the solution if there is a priming under the tiles.

All components are mixed in a bucket, applied to the wall, soaking abundantly, but leaving no smudges, otherwise a film will form.

From wallpaper glue

Before gluing the wallpaper, the walls need to be prepared, but if there is no primer, it can be replaced with wallpaper glue. Prepare a weak solution as follows.

A pack of any dry glue (250 g) is diluted in 6 liters of cold water. Stir with a mixer, leave to swell for 5 minutes.

The glue primer is applied with a fur roller or a paint brush over the entire surface of the wall.After drying (after 4 hours), you can glue the wallpaper.

Consumption is 200 g / m2.

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Signs and causes of fungus formation

Impregnation against mold and mildew for concrete is used at the stage of repair and construction work. Nevertheless, for high-quality protection of premises, it is necessary to study the causes of the appearance of the fungus and the "symptoms" of infection, which will help to avoid the problem in the future and take into account all the nuances.

The main signs of the spread of microorganisms:

1. The appearance of dark gray or black, dark green spots and dots on the ceiling, walls, floor

2. Distinctly noticeable raw musty aroma

3. Destruction of the exterior finish - the wallpaper peels off, the plaster layer falls off, the wooden panels move away from the base, the tile joints darken

4. Deterioration of general well-being against the background of the absence of any diseases - fatigue, poor sleep, headaches, decreased immunity, impairment of attention and memory

The main causes of mold are:

• Poor protection of the base from moisture and cold, ignoring the need to lay thermal insulation, waterproofing
• Poor processing of interpanel joints, as a result of which they freeze
• Poor roof condition, freezing of the attic
• Incorrect installation of window units, absence or poor operation of the ventilation system
• Unprofessional performance of thermal insulation, as a result of which there is no normal vapor permeability
• Unsatisfactory condition of plumbing - pipes are leaking, taps are leaking, water is splashing when bathing, stagnant in cracks

Bases of wall fences

A different type of primer is applied to each base. By their structure, vertical fences are divided into mineral, wooden, metal, hydrophobic and absorption bases:

Mineral

These structures include concrete, brick and plasterboard walls. They are impregnated with universal means. Deep penetration fluids are applied to loose crumbling substrates.

Do I need to prime the wall in front of a plaster with a dense surface? This must be done without fail, because a fragile layer of material may appear under the top layer. The deep penetration agent penetrates the base several centimeters deep. This applies especially to concrete and brick fences.

Deep penetration impregnations should not be used on dense substrates. Due to the impossibility of penetrating into the depth, the product forms a polymer film on the surface, which can contribute to the detachment of the plaster.

For concrete bases, a solution called Betonkontakt is used. The component made of finely dispersed quartz sand in the Concretecontact composition significantly increases the adhesion of concrete.

Wooden

Wooden bases include not only wood, but also surfaces made of chipboard, fiberboard, OSB. For such bases, impregnations with fire retardant and fungicidal additives are used. These components increase fire resistance and prevent mold and mildew growth in the wood structure under the plaster.

Metallic

If it is required to plaster metal fences, special-purpose coatings are used. These tools include a rust converter, which is used for metal, as a primer for plaster. In addition to cleaning rust stains, the liquid provides high metal adhesion. The universal coating of metal structures includes this substance.

Hydrophobic

Glass, laminate and ceramic tiles are of the same quality as hydrophobicity. For walls of such a structure, it is best to use special coatings based on polymer resins.They are often used as a preparatory layer for decorative plaster or before textured painting.

Types of primers

Today, the following types of material can be found on sale.

Acrylic primer

The polymer composition provides high adhesion, strengthens well, protects the base from water and chlorine-containing compounds. It is applied to ordinary concrete covered with plaster or paint. The finished layer is able to successfully withstand external negative influences, has a stable shade, and has antiseptic properties.

It dries quickly - up to 5 hours, so it can be used with a tight deadline for work. Easy to apply, improves adhesion. As a result, the pores are reliably sealed, there is no concrete dust, steam and air freely circulate through the finished layer. Safe for health. It is undesirable to use it for processing the facade parts of buildings.

Firming primer

Refers to the type of soil intended for surfaces with low absorbency. The composition contains quartz sand. As a result, the surface is slightly rough, which ensures the best application of a decorative coating or arrangement of a self-leveling floor.

Forms a waterproof layer with waterproofing properties. Quickly penetrates into walls, ceilings, floors, closing small pores, strengthening, dust-free concrete surface, increasing the quality of adhesion to decorative materials.

For outdoor work

Deep penetration frost-resistant compounds do not form cracks and do not contribute to the delamination of finishing materials at low temperatures. Usually they are made on the basis of silicate or acrylic and are intended for mineral surfaces.

Primers penetrate the interior of the substrate, reliably seal the pores, preventing the penetration and absorption of moisture. So even with a sharp onset of cold weather, ice does not form in the thickness of the walls, which means that destruction does not occur.

Depending on the type of surface to be treated, the following concrete primer for outdoor use is offered:

Trading networks offer compounds for creating smooth surfaces well protected from moisture for finishing work: laying ceramic tiles, painting, plastering. There are soils with silicate filler for processing foam concrete, cinder blocks with a cellular structure. The mixture penetrates deeply into the smallest pores and closes them.

Verified brands: Reesa Tiefgrund, Weber, Tikkurila, Caparol.

For interior work

Such soil is usually odorless. For work, a latex, alkyd or universal acrylic variety is suitable. If you plan to decorate rooms with high humidity, then it is worth purchasing special formulations with antiseptic characteristics. A primer for absorbent surfaces increases the adhesion of the surface to mortar, glue, paint.

For concrete floor

A deep penetration primer is the best option for such a floor. It is absorbed into the concrete base, making it durable, while leaving the structure of the building material porous. A one-component polyurethane primer mix for concrete helps to reduce the looseness of the surface.

Today, two types of floor primers are produced, differing in the method of application: universal and specialized, which in turn are divided into mixtures for external or internal use. The former are in high demand, but are inferior in their properties and quality to the latter.

Some special solutions provide an increased degree of protection against stress, mechanical stress and aggressive external environment.

Types of solutions for purpose and requirements for future coverage:

• strengthening;
• acrylic;
• polyurethane;
• epoxy.

If there is looseness or damage on the surface of the concrete base, the mixture should be applied until it stops absorbing. The resulting film will indicate that the problem concrete area is well saturated.

Types of primers for mineral materials

For the processing of these materials, acrylic primers are used. They dry for 2-3 hours and do not have a pungent odor. Polyvinyl acetate solutions dry for half an hour and can be used for interior work. Then a PVA composition is applied to the surface.

For finishing plastered external surfaces, polystyrene compounds containing toxic solvents can be used.

The primer penetrates deeply into the concrete structure and strengthens porous materials, but is not suitable for loose surfaces. Adhesion is enhanced by the small latex segments included.

What types of primers are

Wall primers are specially designed for vertical surfaces, interior and exterior. They can be different in characteristics, method of application, on the basis, the level of protection against negative factors.

Acrylic

This remedy is one of the best options for home use. This is due to the fact that acrylic primers contain harmless polymers devoid of a specific odor. Additionally, you can highlight the fact that they are suitable for any type of surface and dry quickly after application.

Among the main advantages are the following:

• Hides small cracks and irregularities;
• Prolongs the life of the decorative coating;
• In case of excessive thickness, the composition is easily diluted with water;
• Allows to reduce the consumption of glue and paint.

It is noteworthy that a few hours after the application of the primer is enough to start further finishing the wall.

Deep penetration before plastering

The first class of primers is a deep penetration primer.

Visually resembles milk with a faint neutral odor. After application and drying, it leaves a resistant film on the surface, thereby strengthening and dedusting the layer.

The deep penetration primer is suitable for the treatment of loose surfaces, which helps to strengthen the wall and reduce paint consumption.

It works best for creating a reliable base for heavy types of wallpaper.

Mineral

A primer based on mineral components is used for the initial treatment of surfaces for the purpose of leveling.

The primer works on the basis of mineral components, respectively, with surfaces made of specialized mineral materials: concrete, brick, plaster, as well as gas silicate and expanded clay concrete blocks.

In such cases, cement is used as a binder.

Adhesive

Adhesive primer is a special solution, the purpose of which is to improve the adhesion of the treated surface with the finishing material. In addition to improving adhesion between materials, such a primer also performs other functions:

• protection of metal surfaces from corrosion;
• prevention of mold and mildew;
• increasing the strength of cracked or porous surfaces;
• decrease in the level of moisture absorption.

Antifungal penetrating primer

Antifungal primer is an affordable and simple solution for protecting surfaces from the harmful effects of harmful microorganisms.

Such a primer is applied at the final stage immediately before finishing.

The actual issue of the use of antifungal treatment is for external walls that are under the influence of precipitation.

Insulating for color equalization

Such a substance makes it possible to align the colors of the final paint. In addition, during operation, it will allow you to maintain the brightness and saturation of the applied color for a longer time.It is used for both internal and external surfaces exposed to painting or plastering.

Universal for plastering and painting

The universal deep penetrating primer is intended for indoor and outdoor use, as well as in places where a strong adhesion effect is expected. A universal option is used for walls before painting or plastering, as well as gluing wallpaper. Additionally, it can be used for processing facades and floors.