Building Primer and Its Applications

If you’ve freshly constructed or are repairing the walls of your home with concrete, using building primer before painting is essential for both residential painting and commercial painting projects. Learn the necessary techniques for applying primer, especially on plaster surfaces, in this article where we delve into the topic of building primer and its applications.

We also aim to cover topics such as building primer, the benefits of building primer, types of building primers, types of paint primers, when to use primer, when not to use primer, using acrylic primer, combining primer and wood glue, industrial primer, types of industrial primers, prices of building primers and concrete primers in detail in this article. For more, follow “Top Painters” to continue reading.

Building Primer

In the previous paragraph, we discussed what building primer is and its applications. In this paragraph, we’ll focus on which paints require building primer. For example, architectural paints like oil-based and acrylic paints often require primer. However, there are times when primer application is unnecessary, such as when the surface has already been primed before. Therefore, if your home’s walls have been previously primed, there’s no need to reapply.

But that’s not all; building primer should be applied to newly plastered walls. Applying primer reduces the amount of paint absorbed by the wall surface. However, architectural paints like plastic paints do not require primer, as they are water-based and not suitable for high-traffic surfaces. Plastic paints are primarily used on building ceilings.

On the other hand, oil-based, acrylic, and even industrial paints like polyurethane and epoxy require primer application. Primer is a highly useful product; without it, excessive paint consumption and increased painting costs may occur. Therefore, to prevent unnecessary expenses, use building primer.

Types of Paint Primers

Paint primers are produced in various types, depending on the type of paint or surface you intend to use. If your wall has oil-based paint on it, you should use an oil-based primer. The main drawback of oil-based primers is their slow drying time, although they offer high durability and longevity.

Another type of building primer is shellac primer, which also prevents unpleasant odors from the paint. Its mechanism prevents stains and scratches from occurring.

Other types of building primers include:

Oil-based paint primer
Shellac paint primer
Acrylic paint primer
Polyurethane paint primer
Cement and concrete primer
Building paint primer

You may not have considered that sometimes savings can be achieved instead of excessive paint consumption. Savings here don’t mean compromising on paint coverage but rather using products to reduce paint consumption. However, which product is helpful in reducing paint consumption? Building primer is one such product.

Building primer or building paint primer is among the useful products for reducing paint consumption. The primer application process depends on your paint type. You should determine your paint type and choose the appropriate primer accordingly. We will continue to explain which type of primer is used for architectural paints. Just remember, always use building primer before painting.

Building Primer: What Is It?

Building primer is a type of initial coating applied to various surfaces before painting. This product not only reduces paint consumption during painting but also prepares the surface for better paint adhesion after application. Building primer not only protects the wall surface before painting but is also recognized as a crucial factor for better paint adhesion.

Primer creates ideal conditions for achieving a smooth paint finish on different surfaces. In addition to ensuring more uniform paint distribution on the wall surface, building primer enables better adhesion and durability of the paint.

Always use primer for painting new walls. Additionally, if your home walls need repairs or patching with putty, you can apply primer to these patched areas.

Benefits of Building Primer

Provides excellent coverage and adhesion
Excellent flexibility
Resistant to water and moisture
Resistant to acids
Resistant to heat and fire
Quick drying time
Fills surface pores deeply and effectively

Types of Building Primers

1- Oil-Based Primer:

Oil-based primers come in a variety because they can be used with oil-based paints and applied to various surfaces. They can repair damaged surfaces and wood pores.
Oil-based primers can prepare damaged surfaces for painting. It works well on metal surfaces like steel.
Its texture prevents stains from appearing on surfaces during painting.
It takes a long time to dry.
It cannot stay with chemicals for a long time.

2- Shellac Primer:

Shellac primer is not as versatile as oil-based primers.
This primer is made from denatured alcohol.
It effectively prevents surfaces from staining and eliminates unpleasant odors during painting.
It is suitable for damaged surfaces like those affected by smoke or severe water damage that require sealing and odor or stain removal.
Shellac primer works on surfaces such as wood, plaster, plastic, and metal.
Shellac primers dry faster than oil-based primers.
They are also the only primers that can be used in freezing temperatures.
Due to its tendency to soften in high temperatures, shellac primer should only be applied to small sections of surfaces known as spot priming.

3- Acrylic Primer:

Acrylic primer is water-based.
This type of primer can penetrate various building surfaces effectively.
It allows for saving on paint during painting.
It is easy to apply acrylic primer.
It dries quickly.
It is odorless.
It is cost-effective.

4- Polyurethane Primer:

It is solvent-based.
It has high penetration ability on various surfaces to prevent paint penetration.
It provides strong adhesion.
It is used on concrete, wood, and metal surfaces.

5- Cement Primer:

It is based on solvent and water.
Concrete or cement surfaces, due to their high porosity, require cement primer.
It provides excellent coverage.
It has desirable penetration.
It is used on cement and concrete surfaces.

6- Concrete Primer:

It is water-based.
It dries quickly.
It has high adhesion.
It is non-flammable.
It has high flexibility.
It is used in humid, high-heat, and chemical-exposed areas.
It is applied on concrete wall and ceiling surfaces.
It is used for cement and metal pipes.

Cement Wall Primer

If your wall is cement and you intend to paint it, you must use a building primer before painting. Building primers specifically designed for cement and concrete walls are known as cement primers. Therefore, before painting a cement wall, use a specialized cement primer. Cement primer dries quickly and has high adhesion. It is non-flammable and flexible, making it suitable for cement and concrete surfaces.

Industrial Primer:

When we talk about industrial primer, we mean a product used for industrial paints. Paints such as epoxy, polyurethane, and shellac require specific primers. For instance, polyurethane primer is a notable example. This type of primer offers high adhesion and penetration, drying quickly. Its primary application is on concrete, wood, and metal surfaces.

When to Use Primer?

Use primer when you intend to paint a dark-colored wall or surface with a lighter color. Using primer in this situation helps you achieve your desired new color without worrying about the previous paint color.
When you plan to use water-based paint over an oil-based paint, primer helps the new paint adhere well to the previous layer, ensuring better surface coverage.
If you’re painting wallpaper, primer prepares the surface properly and to standard for painting.
For metal or plastic surfaces, using primer helps prevent rusting and provides a suitable foundation for painting.

Types of Paint Primers

Primarily, a paint primer is used to prepare various surfaces before applying paint, ensuring better coverage and reducing paint consumption. The application of paint primer varies depending on the surface type. It’s important to note that paints are categorized into two main types: residential and industrial, each requiring different types of primers.

For instance, the primer used on plaster walls differs from that used on a metal car surface. While there are overlaps between industrial and residential paint primers, some are specifically formulated for their intended use.

As mentioned earlier, common types of residential paint primers include oil-based primer, shellac primer, acrylic primer, polyurethane primer, cement primer, and concrete primer. Meanwhile, industrial paints may use epoxy primers, acrylic primers, and various specialty coatings.

When Not to Use Primer?

You don’t need to use primer when the wall or surface you’re painting is free from stains and discolorations. If the new paint closely matches the existing color and shows good compatibility, primer may not be necessary. Some modern paints already contain a small amount of primer in their formulation. If your chosen paint falls into this category, you may not need a separate primer.

Combining Primer and Wood Glue

Does wood glue stick to primer? No, especially if the primer is oil-based. It prevents wood glue from penetrating the wood, which is essential for creating a strong bond.

Method of Using Acrylic Primer

First, clean the surface thoroughly from moisture, grease, and dust. If your wall is newly constructed, no cleaning is needed, and acrylic primer can be applied directly.
If there is moisture on the wall, isolate the damp areas using a putty knife.
Begin patching the isolated damp spots on the wall.
Allow the putty to dry.
Apply the primer to the desired surface.
After 2 hours, you can apply your preferred paint color.

For more information on using different types of primers, read the article “Tutorial on Using Paint Primer and Reasons for Using It” on “Top Painters“.

What is Industrial Primer?

Industrial primers serve as protective base coatings for various steel and industrial surfaces. These primers are applied to prevent rust and address many other issues, ensuring that paint securely adheres to structures used across different industries. Essentially, industrial primers conceal scratches, rust, old paint residues, and other surface imperfections, creating a uniform canvas for paint application.

What is the Difference Between Paint and Industrial Primer? Paint is typically made from pigment and resin binders, whereas primers are themselves resins. The primary function of industrial primer is to create a protective barrier between the paint and the intended surface. The resins within primers seal porous metal or other surfaces to provide a durable protective coating.

Key features of industrial primers include low gloss, fast drying time, resistance to corrosion, low VOC emissions, and chemical resistance.

Industrial primers have diverse applications, including automotive manufacturing, coastal structures, industrial and public warehouses, bridges, steel structures, outdoor facilities and equipment, sports and gaming equipment, automobiles, boats and aircraft, related accessories, transportation equipment, tools and machinery, construction and agricultural equipment, safety and security equipment, storage tanks, industrial machinery, railings, and many other uses.

Types of Industrial Primers

There are five main types of industrial primers: polyurethane primers, epoxy coatings, oil-based primers, zinc-rich coatings, and acrylic primers. While water-based primers should not be applied to metal surfaces, other options like rust-resistant primers, galvanized primers, and iron oxide primers are more suitable choices in this regard.

Applying primer immediately after surface preparation can help prevent rust or dust accumulation. Proper coatings ensure longer durability and a better appearance for manufactured products. The variety of coated surfaces is extensive, including metal, wood, plastic and composite materials, rubber, glass, leather, and more, where industrial primers are applied.

Polyurethane Primer

Manufacturers use polyurethane primers across a wide range of environments, often formulated as a protective final coating over other industrial primers. Polyurethanes are resistant to abrasion, enhancing durability against wear and tear.

These primers preserve industrial paint and can provide an attractive, glossy appearance if desired. Polyurethane primers have good durability against UV rays and weathering, making them a suitable choice for outdoor applications.

They also demonstrate sufficient resistance in humid or underwater conditions. However, these products may fade when exposed to UV light. Besides outdoor environments, these coatings can perform well in indoor settings too.

Epoxy Primer

Epoxy coatings adhere well to various surfaces and exhibit high resistance to weather and abrasion. Compared to other coating primers, epoxy coatings tolerate higher temperatures. When properly formulated, epoxy can withstand high heat.

Epoxy primers are often applied in two or three-part systems. As a base layer, users may incorporate them into a three-part system consisting of a primer base, an epoxy binder, and a topcoat, where a polyurethane topcoat may be chosen for enhanced aesthetics and superior performance.

Alkyd Primer

Alkyd coatings withstand various environmental impacts. They can be custom formulated to effectively perform in indoor, outdoor, underwater, and underground environments. Alkyd coatings may take longer to dry compared to other coatings because they are permeable to oxygen. Therefore, heat is often used to expedite the chemical reaction process.

Zinc-Rich Coatings

These high-performance coatings use zinc dust as a pigment to prevent rust and corrosion. Zinc-rich coatings are often formulated with epoxy or polyurethane resins. They are particularly effective when applied to steel, offering corrosion protection through galvanic and barrier mechanisms. These durable coatings are resistant to abrasion and provide lasting protection against wear.

Acrylic Primer

Acrylic primers offer many advantages, including quick drying time and high gloss. These products provide strong adhesion to various surfaces. Acrylic primers often require less material and can enhance the corrosion resistance of the coated product.

Prices of Building Primers and Concrete Primer

The price of building primers is determined by various factors. For instance, one important factor is the coverage per square meter. Additionally, the type of primer and its applications play a crucial role in pricing. However, water-based primers, including those made from plastic and acrylic, tend to be more affordable compared to other types of primers.

The price of concrete primer is higher compared to other types due to its specific use in areas susceptible to corrosion, heat, and chemicals. Concrete primers offer advantages such as quick drying and being non-flammable.

Summary

In this article, we’ve covered the topic of building primers and their applications. Primers are materials that not only prepare the desired surface for painting but also prevent paint penetration into the wall and excessive consumption during painting.

Types of building primers include oil-based primers, water-based primers, and shellac primers. This article discusses topics such as building primers, the benefits of building primers, types of primers, when to use primers, when not to use primers, using acrylic primers, combining primer and wood glue, prices of building primers and concrete primer. If you need advice on purchasing different types of building primers, contact our specialized experts at “top painters“.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should a primer be applied before painting different surfaces?

Yes, absolutely. A primer prepares various surfaces by sealing their pores and enhancing paint adhesion.

What is primer paint used for?

Primer paint is applied before painting different surfaces to provide a solid base for the paint.

Is primer paint waterproof?

Yes. Primers are not only waterproof and high-quality but also enhance the structural integrity between the wall and the paint.

When should primer be used?

When painting a newly constructed wall.
When repairing patched areas on your wall.
When your wall is wallpapered.