Fully equipping a new living room or performing ordinary repair work, many developers, when searching for useful information, often wonder about why such a finishing material as a primer is needed, and whether it is possible to do without it. Of course, nothing prevents to neglect the application of this mixture, but the final result of all further manipulations with the processing of a particular surface of the room may be far from ideal. This is due primarily to the fact that this solution plays an important role in the finishing process. Therefore, it is necessary to consider its properties and types in more detail, and also pay attention to how much the primer dries, since failure to observe certain time frames can significantly spoil the seemingly perfect repair.
The need to use a primer
In the event that the surface is treated with the desired mixture, such finishing materials as paint, mastic, decorative plaster, etc., will fall on it much better. In addition, almost every primer is enriched with special antifungal components that have an antiseptic effect and prevent mold. The choice of a particular solution is influenced by the type of premises to be equipped, as well as the features of the treated surface.
In the event that the primer is chosen incorrectly, there is not only an immediate threat to the quality of the repair, but also a health hazard, since those compounds that are not intended for application in a residential area can be very toxic.
Outwardly, any primer, the characteristics of which, however, may vary, is a liquid mixture enriched with polymers and other useful substances. Its main purpose is the basis for other coatings. Due to the absence of any decorative properties, such solutions are never used for the purpose of facial decoration, which, however, does not at all reduce the need for their use.
Categories of primers
If earlier it was customary to apply the same primer to carry out various repairs, today, thanks to the development of production technologies and a wide selection, you can use any solution suitable for one or another purpose.
As mentioned above, the application of a certain type of primer depends on what the treated surface is, as well as on the climatic conditions in the room, in particular this applies to humidity.
As a rule, the main components of each mixture are resin, bitumen, various types of glue and oil, as well as special reagents. It is on the basis of what special additives are used, and there is a division of the product in question into the following categories:
- composition based on acrylic (it is well applied and suitable for almost any surface);
- alkyd mixture (can be used for surfaces that are difficult in texture like PVC, tile or steel);
- aqueous solution (colorless material, suitable only for interior decoration);
- primer, the main components of which are minerals (consists of cement and can be used exclusively for working with concrete or brick, and also serves to level the desired area);
- highly specialized formulations.
Of course, each mixture needs to be selected individually, but it is worth highlighting, perhaps, such a solution as an acrylic primer, the universal system of use of which makes it truly irreplaceable.
How long should the primer dry
There are several reasons to know the time it takes for this solution to dry completely. So, only at the end of the polymerization can the next stage of finishing work begin. Detailed information will help you plan your time wisely and spend it as rationally as possible. The reviews noted that this is especially important when performing a major overhaul, when literally every minute counts.
To find out how much the primer dries, it is necessary to study the factors affecting this process, as well as deal with the peculiarities of the polymerization of a particular solution.
Factors affecting the drying of primers
To understand how long it takes for the solution to fully harden, you can do this as follows: by defining the criteria that affect this period. Among them are the following:
- The main components of the composition . In the event that the evaporation time of the solvent used in the mixture is small and there are many solids, the primer will dry quickly. It should be noted that in accordance with this factor, water-based solutions are less advantageous, since in such compositions the solvents evaporate very quickly.
- Structural integrity of the base. Everything is absolutely logical here: the deeper the mixture penetrates inside, the longer the evaporation process will take. Answering the question about how much the primer dries on the walls of one or another material, it should be noted that the surface compositions are leaders, since in some cases it is possible to treat the required area on top of the solution within an hour after its application.
- Climatic conditions in the room. It is most correct to use a primer in a room in which the temperature is in the range from +15 to + 30 ° C, and the humidity does not exceed 80%. If the indicators are different, then the polymerization will take much longer, and in some cases the substance may simply never be able to dry completely.
Do not forget that too fast hardening will also not benefit the mixture, since if the normal mode is violated, the adhesive properties weaken significantly, and the base is able to deform.
The polymerization time of the compounds
According to the type of material used and the polymerization time, the following types of primers are distinguished:
- Quick-drying mixes. These include, first of all, alkyd solutions. Such substances have a high level of toxicity, however, you can apply paint on top of them after a very short period of time. When working with them, it is extremely important to use a respirator, goggles and gloves.
- Normally drying solutions . Often, in order to find out how much the primer dries, you need to read the instructions supplied by the manufacturer. As a rule, such mixtures must be left for a period of 4 to 6 hours.
- Compounds drying slowly. Such materials include oil-based substances. Typically, a surface treated by such a mixture is allowed to dry for at least a day.
How to apply a primer
As a rule, such questions arise for those who decide to finish the premises on their own, that is, without resorting to the help of professionals. To understand how much the primer dries on the walls, you need to remember a certain application technique.
The algorithm of the whole work is as follows:
- It is extremely important to follow the recommendations and advice of the manufacturer. This is especially true of the process of diluting the mixture to the desired consistency, since, for example, a too thick solution can dry for a very long time, in addition, improper preparation of the composition often causes the loss of all its adhesive properties.
- When treating the surface with a primer, it is important to avoid streaks and drops, and the material itself is best applied with a thin layer using a roller and brush.
- The use of a penetrating mixture on a porous base requires laying the solution in several levels. It is important not to forget that the surface should be covered a second time shortly before the final drying of the first layer.
Suitable conditions for drying the composition
Specialists in interior decoration recommend taking into account some recommendations so that the primer, the universal side of which is undeniable, dries faster and better.
If wallpaper glue was the basis during work , then you can fix the wallpaper on a surface that is not completely dry.
In the event that a contact solution was used, which costs a little more, but has higher technical characteristics, it is best to leave the treated area for about 4 hours.
The best advice for those who are interested in how much the primer dries before pasting the wallpaper is the following: apply the composition in the afternoon, and proceed to the further decoration the next morning, that is, leave the material for at least 8 hours. With this method, as noted in the reviews, the composition will definitely dry out well, and any flaws will not appear on its surface.
Observance of rules during drying of a primer
When working with such mixtures, it is extremely important to strictly follow these rules:
- It is not recommended to allow any temperature differences in the equipped room;
- it is very important to avoid any, even the most insignificant drafts, otherwise the primer layer may dry unevenly;
- it is harmful for the material to accelerate the process of its polymerization by heating surfaces with a hairdryer or other device that releases warm air (this will not reduce the waiting time, but only worsen the adhesion of the mixture to the base).
All of the above tips will help answer the question of how much the primer dries, and compliance with the rules of work will be the key to a high-quality and durable finish.