So that the surface of the base was ready for subsequent finishing work, it is primed with special compounds. This technology allows for good adhesion of the tile and the surface of the wall or floor. This allows the tile to hold firmly to the base. The finish in this case is durable and aesthetic.
The primer before laying the tiles is applied without fail. Skipping this step is not recommended. Today, many different tools are on sale that allow you to perform work quickly and efficiently. How to choose and apply a primer, it is necessary to learn in detail before repair.
General characteristics of the primer
Studying what primer to treat the walls before laying the tiles , you should consider its general characteristics. Such solutions have a special composition. It is applied to the walls, floor before various finishing works. The primer improves adhesion between the tile and the base.
On sale are products that are distinguished by good water-repellent characteristics, and also prevent the formation of fungus and pathogens.
The components of the primer are characterized by film-forming properties. The composition may include resins, drying oil, as well as other substances. Their type and ratio vary depending on the manufacturer and the scope of application of the primer. In the production of such compositions, new scientific developments are applied, which ensures high reliability of the funds presented.
Do I need to prime the base?
Many real estate owners who carry out repairs themselves are interested in whether a primer is needed before laying the tiles. For professional builders, this question does not arise. Regardless of the characteristics of the base, it must be primed. This is especially necessary for loose, soft or crumbling surfaces. If they are not pre-processed, the tile simply crumbles after a while.
Even a solid foundation of concrete blocks is recommended to be primed before finishing work. This will allow to saturate the pores of the material. The tenacity of the solution when finishing the surface of tiles increases significantly.
The primer saves on the amount of tile adhesive. Its consumption when applying tile to the treated base is significantly reduced. In this case, the appearance of the finish will be better. The tile can be installed more evenly.
Types of Primers
High-quality primer, the price of which will correspond to the capabilities of the buyer, today is represented by various manufacturers. However, it should be understood that there are two main varieties of them.
The first category includes a primer for absorbent surfaces. It, for example, can be a brick, hard putty or concrete. Such solutions penetrate deep into the base. They are available as concentrated liquids.
The second group includes a primer for water-repellent surfaces. It, for example, can be porcelain tile, metal surfaces. In this case, the application of the solution will improve the adhesion of the tile adhesive to the surface. A smooth surface will become more rough. This primer has the appearance of a paste. When choosing the required composition, it is necessary to evaluate the type of surface on which the tile will be glued.
Structure
There are a large number of varieties of primers that differ in composition. When choosing, the properties of such solutions should be taken into account. One of the most popular is an acrylic primer. It has universal characteristics. This wall primer is white. It is most often used in modern construction. Such a product is not suitable only for metal surfaces.
Another popular variety recognized alkyd primer. It has increased strength. It is used for non-absorbent surfaces. But for drywall or plaster, it is not suitable.
Primers that include gypsum, cement or lime are also popular. They are designed for concrete, brick, plasterboard surfaces.
There are other varieties of primers. However, they are used much less frequently. Before buying, you must study the features of the product.
Manufacturer's choice
Today , a primer is available on the building materials market , the price of which can vary significantly. The most popular manufacturers of such products are Ceresit, Knauf, Kaparol, as well as the domestic brand Prospectors.
Primer "Ceresite" is very diverse. Today its production is carried out in Russia. This allows you to reduce the cost (10 liters costs about 570 rubles) without loss of quality. This is one of the best options.
The German manufacturer Knauf also offers a high quality primer. On sale universal and special compounds. The cost of such products is acceptable. A 10 liter canister will cost about 600 rubles.
The cost of the Kaparol primer differs depending on its purpose. There are regular and special formulations. It is also a well-known, quality product.
Domestic producer "Prospectors" is one of the largest such industries in our country. The product range is diverse. The cost of such a primer will be less. For 10 liters of solution you will need to pay only about 400 rubles.
Preparatory work
The primer is applied before laying the tiles in the bathroom using a special technology. First, the surface of the base must be properly prepared. Walls or floors must be thoroughly cleaned of debris, dirt and dust. You will also need to completely remove the remnants of the old coating. For example, if the surfaces were originally coated with oil paint, it will need to be removed with a spatula.
If there are obvious defects on the surface, potholes, they need to be coated with special solutions.
After preparing the surface, you need to pay attention to the tools. In a specialized store you need to purchase a roller and a fly brush. You also need to prepare a special container for the primer. In such a bath it will be convenient to prepare a solution.
Absorbent surface application
Having prepared a brush, a bath and a roller for applying a primer , it is necessary to familiarize yourself with the technology of this process. It is necessary to purchase a concentrated product. It is diluted with water in the correct proportion immediately before application. This is convenient to do in a prepared container.
Ready-made solutions are also on sale. They do not need to be diluted with water. Just pour the product into the bath and get to work.
The roller should be dipped in a primer. The product is carefully applied to the base of the wall or floor. In hard to reach places, the surface can be smeared with a brush. Next, you need to wait until the surface dries completely. The roller and tray should be washed. They can be used again.
Application on non-absorbent surface
Primer tools on a non-absorbent surface will be identical to the previous process. As mentioned above, for such surfaces, the primer has a paste consistency. Before its use, the solution must be thoroughly mixed. It is necessary that all components are evenly distributed in the primer.
The composition is convenient to apply to the surface even with a brush. The work is simple and quick. How much the primer dries before laying the tiles , you should look at the packaging. The manufacturer must indicate this information.
Tools must be washed with water. Such a primer is most often sold in large packages. It is used in the repair or construction of a house, a large object. Otherwise, a lot of unused primer remains.
Cooking
The primer before laying the tiles requires proper preparation, if this is suggested by the manufacturer. When buying a concentrate, you must carefully study the instructions.
In order for the product to penetrate deep into the base material, it is required to apply two layers in a row. Moreover, it is very important that after the first application the film does not dry completely.
If you plan to apply the primer in two layers, for the first of them you should prepare a solution in a concentration of 1:16. It is applied to the walls or floor, and then immediately prepare a second portion of the product.
For the second layer, the concentration of water and primer should be 1:12. If the first layer has time to completely dry, a second time does not need to be applied. In this case, the primer will not be able to absorb well into the substrate.
Primer cleaning
If for some reason the primer gets on the tile, it should be washed off immediately. Until the solution has dried, it is well removed from the surface with a damp cloth. However, in some cases, time is lost.
The primer before laying the tiles must be applied in accordance with the above technology. Do not apply it on the walls if the flooring is not protected from the ingress of mortar. If the tile is already laid, it should be covered with a film. Only then do they start processing the walls.
If the primer had time to harden on the surface of the tile, it should be tried to wipe first with water. You can cover the stains with damp rags and leave them for several hours. After this, it is likely that the primer will be washed off the coating. If this does not help, you will have to use a foam cleaner. The product is applied to contamination and left for a certain time (written in the instructions). Then, using a scraper, the hardened primer is removed from the tile.
Also, for such purposes, any alcohol-based solvents that are at hand are suitable. Acetone, turpentine, etc. are suitable. The faster the contamination with the primer is detected, the easier it will be to wash it off the tile.
Having considered how to apply the primer before laying the tiles , everyone will be able to perform a similar job on their own.