Polyurethane primer: types and properties

2024 Author: Howard Calhoun | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 10:16

When carrying out finishing work, it is very important to follow the technology. According to the general rules, a decorative coating is applied to the surface after priming. This stage is very important, since the consumption and quality of laying the finishing material depends on the correctness of its implementation. The best composition for surface preparation is polyurethane primer. Consider its features in detail.

Composition Benefits

Polyurethane primer is considered a universal composition. It can be used to prepare substrates of varying absorbency from a wide variety of materials. Excellent polyurethane primer for concrete, metal, wood, etc.

The composition can be applied to the warm floor. Other primer mixtures will not give the necessary adhesion to such a surface.

Polyurethane primer is equally effective for indoor and outdoor use. At the same time, the consumption of the composition is minimal - within 0.2-0.5 kg per square meter. m. It will depend on the depth of absorption. The consumption of most primers is about 0.8-1 kg per square meter. m.

An important advantage is the durability of the coating. Restoration of the surface with polyurethane primer will not be required soon. Compoundprovides reliable protection.

Flaws

Polyurethane primer has several disadvantages. First of all, the coating dries for a long time, about 3-5 hours. For most primers, this period does not exceed 2 hours.

In addition, the cost of polyurethane composition is quite high. However, experts assure that it is not advisable to save on a primer. The cheaper the composition, the sooner it will need to be updated.

One-component mixtures

The composition of the primer includes polyurethane and various solvents. However, depending on the base material, its location (inside or outside the room), special components may be added to the mixture. Polyurethane primer can be one- or two-component.

The first ones consist of a basic substance and a solvent. Suitable one-component polyurethane primer for MDF, concrete walls, wooden surfaces. They effectively reinforce the substrate, allow it to be leveled and improve adhesion to the finish.

Two-component formulations

They come in 2 bottles. The first contains the polyurethane mixture, the second contains the hardener. The contents of the vials are mixed immediately before application to the surface. This composition is highly durable. However, it is less malleable because it contains a hardener.

One of the most common two-component compositions is the polyurethane primer "Elakor". For concrete thisthe mix is perfect. Especially often it is used for flooring with high traffic.

If there is a zinc-rich component in the mixture, it can be applied to metal surfaces. This composition will provide reliable protection against corrosion.

Two-component polyurethane primer for wood is rarely used.

In some rooms, priming is the only way to paint (for example, when finishing the floor of a workshop or garage). In these cases, it is recommended to use primer-enamel. It will strengthen the foundation and protect it from destruction.

Classification

Primer compositions are:

• Acrylic. They are usually one-piece. Such primers are used primarily for the treatment of MDF and wooden surfaces. Due to their ductility, they penetrate deep into the material, fill the pores and level the base. These properties are especially important when applied to non-laminated MDF. Acrylic solutions are also effective in the treatment of concrete bases indoors. An important advantage of the mixture is non-toxicity.
• Alkyd. These solutions are used for exterior wood, MDF. Such compositions reliably protect the material from destruction. If it is necessary to emphasize the texture of the base, it is more advisable to use primer-enamel. It will also be the finishing coat.
• Epoxy. Such mixtures are used primarily for the treatment of metal surfaces.

Recommendations for selection

Despite the fact that polyurethane compounds are universal and can be used on almost any surface, you must consider:

• The location of the surface. The choice of composition is influenced by the place where the base is located (outside or inside), what factors affect it (rain, wind, etc.), humidity level and temperature.
• Features of the surface material. It should be remembered that mixtures suitable for wood or MDF will not adhere well to a metal base.
• Sustainability. For indoor decoration, it is necessary to purchase non-toxic mixtures. It is recommended to choose compositions of polyurethane with acrylic. These primers are perfect for treating concrete and wood surfaces. It is these materials that are most often used in the construction of walls and floors.

Tools

The technology for treating bases with polyurethane primers is almost the same as that used for other compositions. The difference is that the structure of such compositions is not suitable for application through a spray gun.

You can treat the surface with a polyurethane mixture:

• Rollers of different sizes. This tool allows you to quickly cover a large area.
• Tassel. They are recommended to be used as auxiliary tools. For example, you can not do without brushes when applying soil to hard-to-reach areas. Covering a large area surface will take a long time.

Surface preparation

Primer can beapply to uncleaned substrate. However, for better grip, the surface should be:

• Clean the base from dust and remnants of the previous coating.
• Rinse.
• Dry and degrease.

If there are large cracks on the surface, they should be repaired. Minor imperfections can be left as the mixture will fill them in.

Features of applying the composition

Using a roller, the solution should be evenly distributed over the surface.

The second layer is applied after the first one has completely dried (after 3-5 hours).

It is recommended to work crosswise. This means that if the first layer was applied vertically, then the second time the surface is covered with horizontal movements of the roller. This ensures uniform absorption of the composition into the surface.

The third layer is usually not applied. After the second layer has dried, the finishing work begins.

Polyurethane primer "Elakor"

This composition is available in different types. Some primers use unique ingredients to meet a wide range of finishing needs.

For example, the polyurethane composition "Eco primer" is used for the treatment of surfaces that are constantly in contact with drinking water and food. "Luxe primer" is used for finishing surfaces with transparent coatings. It is non-yellowing and resistant to direct rays.

Elacor primers also differ depending on the required penetration depth. Maximum deepthe composition, for example, is used to treat porous surfaces: polymer cement, magnesia concretes. In this case, the mixture can be applied to a damp (not wet) concrete surface. The base can be processed on the 10-12th day after pouring.

Polyurethane primer roughly doubles surface strength.