What Primer To Choose For Covering A Concrete Floor

2023 Author: Philip Bishop | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-08-25 07:54

• Need
• Application features
• Classification
• Material selection
• Application procedure
• Self-cooking

The finishing coat applied to the floor surface is intended not only to give it a better appearance, but also to increase its durability. But for adhesion to be at the highest level, a concrete floor primer should be used. It should be understood that there are a large number of its types and it is necessary to choose the best option correctly.

Need

It is impossible to do without priming the base of the floor when carrying out repair work. In this case, finishing materials last a little longer than usual, and besides, they are completely protected from the appearance of fungus or mold. The adhesion is also improved.

It should be noted that it is practically impossible to remove all the dust from the concrete floor. This is due to the peculiarity of the surface. It is the dust that will contribute to the poor-quality adhesion of the material to the base. To avoid this, a floor screed primer is used. Most often, a liquid form of material is presented in a store for sale. For use, it will have to be diluted with water in certain proportions. In addition, there are two main types of concrete floor primers:

1. Special application. It is applied exclusively in one direction - inside or outside the room.
2. Universal. It can be used both indoors and outdoors.

Moreover, they have their own characteristics in terms of technical characteristics, as well as the presence of properties and functions. They can have a different degree of protection for the floor, resist various influences.

Application features

When it comes to monolithic concrete, then you can't do without a primer. This is due to the very smooth surface, which will be very difficult for subsequent layers to catch. But the primer itself must contain quartz sand. The adhesion level will increase significantly due to this. As mentioned earlier, this also allows you to get rid of the existing dust, which will negatively affect the quality of adhesion.

When applied to the floor with a layer of polymer coating for concrete floor, it covers the existing dust with a thin layer. Here it does not affect the adhesion level in any way. A vacuum cleaner and a broom taken together are not able to show their qualities in this form.

When buying, it is worth taking materials from one manufacturer for work. This is due to the fact that there may be cases of incompatibility. Only high-quality products will contribute to a high-quality finish, as well as the preservation of all layers.

The consumption of the primer mixture will depend on the material. The average is 100-300 grams. In this case, you should pay attention to the dryness of the surface and the level of moisture. Only the minimum indicator of the latter is allowed.

Classification

Construction technologies do not stand still and you can constantly find all different technologies and materials for work. The same applies to the types of primers. They are not only intended to prepare the base for subsequent finishing, but also to strengthen the surface. Each such material has its own formula. This is what indicates the purpose of the primer for a particular type of work. It is worth highlighting the following types, which are mainly found in the construction network:

1. Regulating porosity.
2. Created to strengthen the foundation.
3. Penetrating.
4. Increasing the level of adhesion.

5. Creates a smooth and even surface.

   

But there is another classification that is focused on composition indicators:

• Acrylic. It is also called emulsion. Suitable for preparatory work regardless of the substrate. In addition to the concrete floor, they are applied to wood, fiberboard or chipboard, brick, cement, etc. In no case should dark-colored iron be processed with this composition. Here, in a mandatory case, rust will appear on the surface. This should be taken into account when reinforcing elements appear on the concrete floor. For work, it is enough to dilute the composition with a certain amount of water. The primer dries up within 2-4 hours after application. Estimated cost is $ 0.6 per liter of mixture.

  

• Alkyd. It is used for the subsequent application of a layer of paint.
• Polyurethane. Suitable for concrete floors if enamel is to be applied later. It is also called epoxy. It is considered a deep penetration primer. In addition to covering the concrete floor, this mixture is intended for the subsequent pouring of self-leveling compounds. All pores in concrete are clogged by the smallest particles in the primer. To put it simply, they seem to glue together two layers - a concrete floor and a finish.

• Polyvinyl acetate. When using it, in the future, you should purchase polyvinyl acetate paints for work. After application, the surface dries up within 10-15 minutes.

  

Building codes dictate that a primer should be applied prior to the waterproofing layer of the floor screed without any interruption. The layer should be solid.

We must not forget about concrete contact. It is created from quartz sand and acrylic. The surface is slightly rough, which significantly increases the adhesion level of the subsequent layer. He has a certain set of advantages, which include:

1. Fast drying. The next stage of repair can be started 2-3 hours after application to the concrete floor surface.
2. Protection against moisture ingress. After drying, a film is obtained on the base, which can additionally perform the function of waterproofing.
3. Long service life. It can be fully used for 80 years. But a lot will depend on the manufacturer and the quality of the primer.

It is possible to use concrete contact only 4-5 hours after the cement screed is laid. This is stipulated in building codes and regulations. Only in this case the quality of the material will be at a high level.

Material selection

Before you start buying a primer for a concrete floor, you should pay attention to the floor itself, its condition. If it is a humid room, then it is best to purchase acrylic compounds. There are also special components that protect the surface from the appearance of fungal deposits and mold. Such compositions are also applicable for basements where there is no sunlight.

Deep penetration primer is necessary for surfaces with a large number of defects and destruction. If this is not done, then it is unlikely that a high-quality floor screed will turn out.

Polystyrene concentrates have a slightly different purpose - to protect the subfloor from high levels of moisture, as well as non-conduction.

This suggests that the purchase should be dealt with carefully, choosing exactly the material that is required for a particular room. Otherwise, it will be just a waste of time and money. It is important to know how to treat a concrete floor.

Application procedure

When the concrete floor impregnation has been selected, you can proceed to the next stage - applying the primer. There are certain rules that cannot be deviated from under any circumstances. The floor surface is carefully prepared for application. The best option is to use a construction vacuum cleaner, which will get rid of debris and dust to the maximum. You can also use a regular vacuum cleaner along with a broom. It all depends on the possibilities.

To facilitate the work, a special container for the primer is purchased. Its cost is low, but it creates ease of use. A brush or roller is suitable for application. The scope of work will have an impact on this. In the process, you should defend yourself, armed with protective equipment for the body, hands, eyes. Some formulations are toxic and can corrode the skin. In addition, the formulations are usually sticky and eaten very well into the skin, which causes severe irritation.

Looking at the manufacturer's instructions to dilute the floor screed primer. The proportions must be kept exactly. After that, the prepared mixture is applied evenly over the entire surface of the room. This will be the first layer to dry completely. Drying time will depend on the type of material, and everything is written on the packaging from the manufacturer. Next, a second layer is applied, and, if necessary, a third (for better strengthening of the loose surface). It will not be difficult even for a novice builder or repairman to prime a concrete floor. The main thing is to comply with the minimum requirements at each stage.

Self-cooking

DIYers come up with various ways to reduce financial costs. For this purpose, they even come up with primers that you can prepare yourself at home. PVA glue acts as the main material for work. Surface adhesion is greatly increased.

There is a sequence of priming for floor screed on your own:

1. PVA glue with a volume of about 250 ml is poured into the prepared container.
2. Half a liter of water is also added there. This is due to the optimal proportions of the components 1 to 2.
3. After mixing the components of the home primer, you should get a homogeneous mass in liquid form. The adhesive mass must be completely diluted with water. For this, everything is done energetically and as quickly as possible.

After application, a white trace remains on the surface.

At the same time, there are features in the ease of work. In addition to the concrete floor, such a prepared mixture is perfect for tiling or laying linoleum.

To improve the quality and strength of a self-prepared primer, an additional component is used - crushed chalk. A small amount of it is enough to get the desired result.

The considered options for a primer for a concrete floor can be purchased on the construction market. But you should pay attention to the fact that the best option is to buy materials for repairs in the premises of one manufacturer. This will eliminate the likelihood of misalignment of individual compositions with each other. The application process does not take much time, which allows you to quickly bring the room into proper form.

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