Use of epoxy primer allows to prepare the floor basis for the subsequent works qualitatively. The surface processed in such a way turns out especially strong, reliable, durable, capable to resist to influence of harmful factors of the external environment. The efficiency of primer in many respects depends on its correct preparation and application.
General information about epoxy primer
Epoxy primer (other name – primer) is considered one of the best ways of strengthening of the basis made of concrete. Such mix is usually used before drawing final covering. Use of soil on epoxy basis allows to remove defects and roughnesses not only concrete floor, but also to prepare qualitatively for finishing surface finishing from plaster, tree, asphalt concrete and other materials.
Structures for primer of concrete can be one - and two-component. The first type of priming mix is used on various types of surfaces including on those which badly absorb in themselves solutions. Single-component structures come to retail chain stores in look, ready to application, before works they need to be mixed only carefully.
Two-component epoxy primer is applied generally to concrete covering if further on the basis of is going to arrange bulk floors. Before application such primer should be prepared, having mixed hardener with basis.
Two-component epoxy primer which contains the minimum quantity of organic solvent enjoys the greatest popularity.
Primer on the basis of the epoxy resins giving to structure unique working qualities is produced.
Good working properties of epoxy primer are defined by its technical characteristics. Treats them:
- excellent coupling of structures with different types of the basis (concrete, metal, brick, ceramics, wood);
- high protection against moisture;
- fire safety;
- exclusive durability;
- resistance of covering to operational wear;
- the deep penetration capability strengthening the basis from within.
Advantages of epoxy primer
Epoxy priming mixes are considered as optimum for the device of bulk floor from concrete and for forming of sand-cement screeds. Correctly prepared mix removes dust from the basis, fills and liquidates its smallest time. At the expense of the formed film there is additional hardening of the basis.
Primer increases coupling of concrete with the polymeric covering applied on closing stage of processing of floor. Structures on epoxy basis reliably protect the basis from effect of oils, fats, gasoline and other chemicals. It is possible to put primers at any air humidity. If necessary even fresh concrete can be exposed to processing, however it is not recommended to perform works at considerable humidity of the basis nevertheless as the quality of covering in this case will be lower.
Most often primer of this kind is used for preparation of floor in rooms of industrial function (hangars, warehouses, the covered parkings, auto repair shops, garages). In owner-occupied dwellings the processing by such soil is recommended to be carried out for the device of the basis of floors in the bathroom and kitchen rooms.
Use of epoxy primer
For preparation of two-component primer it is necessary to open packing with basis and to mix it with hardener. At the same time it is necessary to maintain carefully the proportions specified by the producer in the special instruction. In case of any choice of proportions there is risk of loss by primer of its useful qualities.
It is recommended to stir structure components mechanically, homogeneous mass will not turn out yet. It is necessary to use freshly cooked structure immediately. Structures on two-component basis grab rather quickly. For this reason there is no sense to prepare solution in very large numbers. After preparation, epoxy primer is required to be applied on surface in 15-20 minutes.
Epoxy primer can be applied on the basis with various tools. It can be the roller, grater, the palette or the special device for dispersion (airbrush). The recommended tool type often is specified in primer application instructions. Usually prepared structure is spilled thin layer on all basis then evenly distribute the chosen tool.
Before works floor is carefully cleaned from former covering, pollution, dust and drips of oil. It is also desirable to wash up basis and to allow it to dry out. The most noticeable cracks, chips, hollows and roughnesses are puttied. Then evenly apply epoxy primer, using brush, the roller or the spray. Now it is necessary to wait when the structure dries out. If necessary soil is applied again. Primer should be applied with care, it is recommended to use individual protective equipment during the work with structure: overalls from dense fabric, glove, points. If works are conducted indoors, it is necessary to provide its sufficient ventilation.
Polymerization of structure happens most quicker at natural air humidity. It is necessary to consider that the heat can adversely affect working properties of epoxy priming mix. Therefore at high temperature of air it is not recommended to carry out primer. If it is impossible to postpone works during heat, it is necessary to train structure only in small amounts, portions on 2-3 kg.
Primer on epoxy basis stiffens approximately day. Before final hardening of structure to go on surface of the floor processed by soil inadmissibly.
It is possible to define need for repeated putting soil by visual examination of surface. At the increased porosity of the basis solution is capable to be absorbed in it completely, without formation of glossy film. In some cases on surface bubbles are formed. With such characteristic signs it is necessary to apply epoxy soil again.
When primer hardens, it becomes absolutely harmless to human health. For concrete the similar structures differ from some other the removing dust impregnating products in the environmental friendliness. Use of epoxy primer gives the chance to receive almost ideally smooth opaque surface of floor.