How long does the primer dry? Primer: characteristics, reviews

Completely arranging a new living quarters or performing ordinary repair work, many developers when searching for useful information often wonder about what is needed for such a finishing material as a primer, and whether it is possible to do without it. Of course, nothing prevents from neglecting the application of this mixture, but the final result of all further manipulations with the treatment of a particular room surface may be far from ideal. This is primarily due 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 to focus attention on how much the primer dries, since non-observance of certain time frames can substantially spoil seemingly impeccable repairs.

Necessity to use a primer

In the event that the surface is treated with the right 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, which have an antiseptic effect and prevent the appearance of mold. The choice of a solution is influenced by the type of the room being equipped, as well as the features of the surface to be treated.

In the event that the primer is chosen incorrectly, not only is there a direct threat to the quality of the repairs performed, but also a health hazard, since those compounds that are not intended for application in a residential area can be very toxic.

Externally, any primer, the characteristics of which, however, can vary, is a liquid mixture enriched with polymers and other useful substances. Its main purpose is the basis for other coatings. Due to the lack of any decorative properties such solutions are never used for the purpose of facial decoration, which, however, does not in the least reduce the need for their use.

Categories of primer mixes

If earlier it was decided to apply the same primer for various repair works, today, thanks to the development of production technologies and a wide choice, it is possible to use any solution suitable for various purposes.

As mentioned above, the application of a primer of a certain type depends on what the treated surface is, and also on the climatic conditions in the room, in particular the humidity.

Typically, the main components of each mixture are resin, bitumen, various types of glue and oil, as well as special reagents. It is based on what special additives are used, and there is a division of the product into the following categories:

• Composition based on acrylic (well applied and suitable for almost any surface);
• Alkyd mixture (can be used for surfaces that are difficult to texture like PVC, tile or steel);
• Aqueous solution (colorless material, suitable only for interior decoration);
• Priming, 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 align the desired area);
• Highly specialized compounds.

Undoubtedly, each mixture needs to be selected individually, but it is necessary to allocate, perhaps, such a solution as an acrylic primer, the universal use system of which makes it truly irreplaceable.

How much should the primer dry

It is required to know the time required for this solution to dry completely, for several reasons. So, only after the polymerization is complete can the next stage of finishing work begin. Detailed information will help you to plan time correctly and spend it as rationally as possible. The feedback notes that this is especially important when performing major repairs, when every minute counts on the account.

To find out how much primer dries, it is necessary to study the factors that influence this process, as well as to understand the peculiarities of the polymerization of a solution.

Factors affecting the drying of primer mixes

To understand how long it takes a solution to fully solidify, it is possible in the following way: by determining the criteria that affect this term. 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 formulations the solvents evaporate very rapidly.
• Structural integrity of the foundation. Here everything is absolutely logical: the deeper the mixture gets inside, the longer the evaporation process will take place. Answering the question about how much primer on the walls of this or that material dries, it should be noted that the leaders are surface compositions, since in some cases it is possible to process the required area over the solution within an hour after its application.
• Climatic conditions in the room. The best way is to use a primer in the room, the temperature in which is in the range from +15 to +30 ° C, and the humidity does not exceed 80%. If the indicators are different, the polymerization will take much longer, and in some cases the substance can simply never dry completely.

It should also be remembered that excessive fastening will also not benefit the mixture, because if the normal mode is violated, the adhesion properties are significantly weakened and the base is able to deform.

The polymerization time of the formulations

According to the type of material used and the term of polymerization, the following types of primer are distinguished:

• Quick-drying mixtures. These include, first of all, alkyd solutions. Such substances have a high level of toxicity, however, it is possible to apply the paint on 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 primer dries, read the manufacturer's instructions. Typically, these mixtures should be left for a period of 4 to 6 hours.
• Compositions that dry slowly. These materials include oil-based substances. Typically, the surface treated with such a mixture is left to dry for no less than a day.

How to apply the primer correctly

As a rule, such questions arise for those who decide to finish the premises themselves, that is, without resorting to the help of professionals. To understand how much primer on the walls dries, you need to remember about a certain technique of application.

The algorithm of the whole work is as follows:

• It is extremely important to follow the recommendations and advice of the manufacturer. Especially it concerns the process of diluting the mixture to the required consistency, because, for example, too thick a solution can dry very long, 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 the appearance of streaks and droplets, 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 substrate requires the laying of the solution in several levels. In this case, it is important not to forget that the second time to cover the surface should be shortly before the final drying of the first layer.

Suitable conditions for the drying of the formulation

Interior interior experts recommend taking into account some recommendations that a primer, the universal side of which is undeniable, dries out faster and better.

If the basis for the work protruded wallpaper paste, then fix the wallpaper can and on the surface, dried up not to the end.

In the event that a contact solution was used that costs a little more, but has higher technical characteristics, it will be more appropriate to leave the treated area for about 4 hours.

The optimal advice for those interested in how much the primer dries before wallpapering is the following: apply the compound in the second half of the day, and proceed to the next finish the next morning, that is, leave the material for no less than 8 hours. With this method, as noted in the reviews, the composition will definitely dry out well, and there will be no flaws on its surface.

Compliance with the rules during the drying of the primer

When working with such mixtures it is extremely important to follow these rules:

• It is not recommended to allow any temperature changes in the premises;
• 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 the surfaces by means of a hair dryer or other device that produces warm air (this does not at all shorten the waiting period, but only worsens 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 adherence to the rules of work will guarantee high-quality and durable finish.