A successful project when working with concrete depends on making sure the surfaces are firmly bonded together. A concrete primer is one of the most important tools for accomplishing this. This unique kind of primer helps improve the overall durability and finish of your project by priming concrete surfaces so that coatings or paints will adhere to them more readily.
There are several formulations of concrete primers, and each is appropriate for a particular set of circumstances and uses. Choosing and applying the proper primer can have a big impact on your results, whether you’re working on a new pour or preparing an old surface for a new layer.
This article will explain concrete primer, explain its importance, and show you how to use it properly. At the conclusion, you’ll know more about how to improve the functionality and durability of your concrete surfaces.
| Type | Description |
| Epoxy Primer | Provides a strong bond and is ideal for high-traffic areas. |
| Acrylic Primer | Offers good adhesion and flexibility, suitable for various concrete surfaces. |
| Silane-Siloxane Primer | Waterproofs and protects concrete from moisture damage. |
| Polyurethane Primer | Enhances durability and is often used for heavy-duty applications. |
Classification of primers for concrete
Manufacturers and retail chains offer to treat concrete with different primer compounds based on five main factors, and these are categorized based on the final goal. To ensure lucidity and comprehension, we shall create the following classification table:
| Classification factor | Type of primer |
| Basis of composition | acrylic primer for concrete, mineral, phosphate, polystyrene, glyphthalic, quartz, alkyd and epoxy primer for concrete. |
| Degree of penetration into the thickness of the surface | Standard and deeper concrete primer. |
| Purpose | Universal, for plastering, installation of finishing materials. |
| Base type | For outdoor work, for indoor work, universal. |
| Problem to be solved | Moisture-proof, antifungal, anticorrosive, fire-resistant, antiseptic. |
Characteristics of popular primers for concrete
- Polystyrene primer. Due to the presence of highly toxic components in the composition, polystyrene primer is used as a protective primer for outdoor concrete. Polystyrene primer is also used as a material for improving the adhesion of ceramic tiles, porcelain stoneware and paint to the plastered surface in industrial buildings. Popular brands: "Primer PU-2K", "Elakor-PU", "PU-555".
- Acrylic primer for indoor work. The most common universal type, allowing use in rooms of any purpose, including bedrooms and children"s rooms. The material is characterized by the absence of a pungent odor, good penetrating ability, compatibility with all types of finishing materials and a short drying period of no more than 3-4 hours after application. Not suitable for outdoor work. Popular brands: "Akvopol-grunt", "Proakril-grunt", "Facade primer "Akrial".
- Polyurethane primer for concrete. Refers to protective materials. After application to the surface, it performs the function of waterproofing from capillary moisture and protects against residual moisture in the floor screed. It is allowed to use indoors and in the "under the canopy" format outside buildings. Before applying paint or whitewash, the surface treated with polyurethane material must be thoroughly dried. Popular brands: "Polybetol-grunt", "PS-grunt", "Elakor-PU Grunt".
- Deep penetration primer for concrete. It is a water-soluble composition based on latex mixtures and acrylic paint with the addition of a small amount of solid particles. Primers of this type have a high level of penetration into the thickness of the base (to a depth of 5 to 10 mm), and accordingly provide long-term protection from moisture, mold and other harmful natural factors. In this regard, this is the most universal antiseptic primer for concrete, increasing the strength and water-repellent ability of the surface. Popular brands: "Marshall facade primer", "Dulux Bindo Base", "Ceresit CT 17 Super".
- Primer Beton Kontakt. This is a special composition that ensures reliable adhesion of finishing materials to a perfectly smooth concrete surface. For this, quartz sand (particle fraction from 0.3 to 0.6 mm) or marble chips are added to the composition of primers of this type, as in the material of the water-dispersion primer Birss Kontakt, significantly increasing the adhesion of finishing materials to the concrete surface. Popular brands: "BetonContact", "Neomid Beton-kontakt", "Aquaprime-023".
- Polyvinyl acetate compositions. Dries within 30 minutes and is used for very fast finishing of premises. Popular brands: "Primer Bostik 6000", "Sader Unidur 10", "Primer" Start ".
- Epoxy primer. According to the name, it is prepared on the basis of epoxy resin, which is characterized by high mechanical strength and high resistance to abrasion. The main area of application is the treatment of self-leveling floors to increase wear resistance and for painting. Popular brands: "Topping-Grunt", "Epolast-Grunt", "Sikafloor-156 (A)".
- Alkyd-based primers. Usually applied to a concrete floor for painting. Alkyd primer has good penetrating ability and reliably protects the surface of the structure from moisture. Popular brands: "Acrylic universal primer "YAROSLAVSKY KOLORIT", "Acrylic universal anti-corrosion primer GF-021 "YAROSLAVSKY KOLORIT", "Acrylic deep penetration primer "NORMA".
Primer consumption
In summary, it is worthwhile to draw attention to a crucial consumer factor: concrete primer consumption. The primer packaging shows the amount of material used per unit of surface.
As a result, the following numbers serve as a guide for buyers before they make a specific kind of purchase: Alkyd primers from 70 to 130 g / m2, acrylic from 120 to 150 g / m2, deep penetration primer from 80 to 160 g / m2, and beton-kontakt from 200 to 400 g / m2.
Selecting the appropriate primer for concrete is crucial to guaranteeing a robust and long-lasting coating. It helps avoid problems like peeling and cracking over time in addition to enhancing adhesion. You can improve the overall functionality and durability of your concrete surfaces by choosing a primer that is appropriate for the demands of your particular project.
When choosing a primer, don’t forget to take into account elements like the kind of concrete, the surrounding circumstances, and the surface’s intended use. To get the best results, follow the manufacturer’s instructions for proper application, which is equally important. You can finish your concrete projects with a smooth, durable finish by following these steps.
A premium primer is an investment that will pay off in the long run, whether you’re working on a new construction project or repairing an existing surface. This minor action can have a significant impact on the longevity and caliber of your concrete project.
To ensure a solid bond between your concrete surface and any ensuing layers or coatings, use a concrete primer. It improves adhesion, lowers peeling potential, and contributes to a glossy, long-lasting finish. You can improve outcomes and increase the lifespan of your concrete projects by appropriately priming the surface with the appropriate primer.
