The adhesion of the finish to the ceiling, the evenness of the surface, protection from fungus will be provided by priming the surface before finishing work. The work can be done independently. The main thing is to choose the right composition, taking into account the peculiarities of the type of finishing coating and familiarize yourself with the application rules. One of the main stages in preparing the ceiling for finishing is a primer. This product is used before whitewashing, painting and other finishing methods. It helps to level the coating for better bonding with finishing materials.
Intended use of a ceiling primer
In addition to the fact that the primer impregnation provides adhesion of the finish and reduces the consumption of paint, plaster, glue, it also performs a number of the following functions:
- Smoothes out defects and irregularities in the coating;
- Protects the surface from fungus, mold, corrosion;
- Increases the service life and moisture resistance of the finishing material;
- Prevents the appearance of stains on the topcoat;
- Strengthens the treated surface;
- Reduces the smell of paints and varnishes.
In some cases, a special primer can protect the finishing coat from rust stains, nicotine, soot, and grease.
Varieties of primers for the ceiling
First of all, primers are divided into groups depending on the composition. On this basis, there are:
- Alkyd … These impregnations are particularly durable. They are used for the treatment of metal and wood surfaces, as well as glass and tiles. The price is about 200 rubles per kilogram.
- Shellac … They prevent resin production, and therefore are used for priming coniferous ceilings. In addition, they protect the wood surface from the appearance of dark spots in the areas of knots or chips. Cost - from 300 rubles per kilogram.
- Polyvinyl acetate … These mixtures are used in conjunction with special paints and are suitable for the treatment of wood, concrete and plastered surfaces. Price - from 150 rubles per kilogram.
- Acrylic … These versatile formulations are capable of penetrating up to 10 cm depth. Used for priming plasterboard, brick and concrete ceilings. Cost - from 150 rubles per kilogram.
- Aluminum … They isolate the wooden covering from moisture, preventing the spread of fungus and mold in it. The price starts from 750 rubles per liter.
- Silicate … They consist of different types of alkalis, and therefore provide effective protection against the penetration of microorganisms. These formulations are suitable for external use as they are weather resistant. They are used for processing concrete, brick and plastered surfaces. Price - from 250 rubles per kilogram.
- Mineral … These impregnations are mainly used for priming concrete ceilings. They consist of gypsum, lime, cement. The cost is about 300 rubles per kilogram.
- Epoxy … Used for the treatment of concrete and metal surfaces. They protect against corrosion and waterproof the coating. Price - from 350 rubles per kilogram.
Ceilings in closed living quarters are primed with alkyd, acrylic and mineral compounds. The rest of the types are characterized by relatively low adhesion. Depending on the type of finishing material, several types of primers are also distinguished:
- Enamel … Contains pigments, varnish or resinous (pentaphthalic, glyphthalic) fillers. To dilute this impregnation, xylene, solvent and solvent no. 646 are used.
- For water-based paint … It contains a mixture of latex, synthetic dispersion and additives. It must be applied in several layers, which, after drying, will create a dense structure.
- Universal … With the help of such impregnations, the ceiling is primed before painting, putty, wallpapering. It reduces the consumption of the finishing agent and hardens the finish.
- Special … This type includes emulsion (based on waterproofing silicone modified acrylic-vinyl copolymer), latex (for processing porous coatings), strengthening (used in conjunction with a sand-cement mortar for further laying tiles on the ceiling).
In addition to production mixtures, there are also some methods of preparing a primer at home.
Preparing a primer for a ceiling at home
To make a primer solution yourself, you will need dry glue, laundry soap, chalk and drying oil.
Cooking in the following sequence:
- We dilute 250 grams of shavings of laundry soap in a liter of warm water.
- We dilute the glue separately in two liters of hot water.
- Thoroughly mix two solutions in one container and filter through double gauze.
- Add 3 kg of chalk and 30 ml of drying oil to the composition.
- If it is necessary to remove rusty spots or mold, add another 150 grams of copper sulfate.
If you do decide to purchase a primer, then choose reliable suppliers. It is desirable that it be from the same manufacturer as the planned finishing material for a good combination.
Ceiling primer technology
To carry out the priming work correctly, you need not only to determine the type of impregnation. It is also important to prepare a suitable tool, surface and understand the nuances and techniques of applying the composition.
Preparatory work before priming the ceiling
Before applying the primer to the ceiling, thin it if necessary. Please note that it is undesirable to add more solvent than recommended in the instructions. This will worsen the technical properties of the composition.
You also need to choose the right tool. Ceiling primer can be applied with a brush, roller or spray. Most often, these devices need to be combined. For example, it is convenient to brush joints and corners with a brush, a spray gun is useful for covering large areas, and a roller does not leave marks during secondary processing (unlike a brush).
Prepare the surface before processing. To do this, it is degreased, cleaned of dust, and the wooden ceiling is sanded with coarse-grained paper. The coating must be clean and dry.
Please note that work clothes, safety goggles, respirator and rubber gloves must be worn prior to application.
Instructions for applying a primer to a concrete ceiling
In order for the surface to be processed evenly, you need to adhere to the following sequence in the process:
- Primer the joints and corners with a brush.
- Apply the first layer of the composition perpendicular to the direction of light.
- After complete drying, plaster the surface and let it dry.
- We prime the coating with a second layer and leave it to dry completely.
- We putty the ceiling for full alignment.
- After drying, we prime it with a third layer and leave it for impregnation.
When the last coat of primer is dry, you can proceed with further finishing. It is important to proceed to the next stage of work only after the previous layer has dried. Otherwise, the effectiveness of the coating will decrease.
Features of the primer of wooden ceilings
For this process, it is advisable to use a roller with a soft natural bristle. The foam device will form bubbles, and lint may remain from the brush.
We work in the following sequence:
- Dip the roller in the solution and press lightly to remove residues.
- Apply to the surface at an angle of 90 degrees to the direction of the light.
- After the first layer has dried, cover it with the second in the perpendicular direction.
- We start finishing after the primer is completely dry.
For convenience, the handle of the roller is extended with a special bar. Then the primer of the ceiling with your own hands can be carried out without a stepladder.
The average drying time of the primer layer at a temperature of +25 degrees and humidity below 75% is about five hours. How to prime the ceiling - watch the video:
Leveling the surface, improving adhesion, preventing the appearance of mold and mildew - this is not all that a ceiling primer is needed for. By using impregnation, you will significantly reduce the cost of applying the topcoat and extend its service life. All work is easy to carry out on your own, even without special skills.
