Many people, when making renovations in their apartment for the first time and reaching the stage of finishing the ceiling, stop due to a lack of understanding of further work. This is especially common already at the priming stage, because if many have heard about painting and whitewashing surfaces, and some have even done it, then priming walls is already considered the domain of professionals. However, this is a wrong opinion. You can apply the primer to the ceiling yourself; you just need to follow the instructions presented in this article.
The first step is to figure out why a primer is needed at all and whether it is possible to do without it when finishing the ceiling and walls.
To immediately answer the second question - it is almost impossible to do without a primer and get a high-quality result. The walls will deteriorate faster, and soon the repairs will have to be done again.
Why do you need a primer:
- First of all, the primer strengthens the material of the walls and ceiling, thereby increasing their durability;
- The primer improves the adhesion of the ceiling and the materials applied with the next layer (plaster, wallpaper, paint and others).
What happens if you neglect the primer and immediately apply it to concrete wall, for example, paint? Many have already encountered the consequences of such neglect of the primer when builders painted the walls in their entrance. As a rule, they prefer to save on the primer layer. Because of this, residents end up with shabby walls after three years.
If you do not want to get the same result on the ceiling in your apartment, prime it first, and only then apply a decorative layer.
Also, don’t forget to wipe off any dust from the surface before applying primer to it. Many people forget about this little detail, and as a result they end up with a poor-quality primer layer that begins to fall apart after just a year.
Types of primers for ceilings
The main thing to remember when choosing a primer in a store is its compatibility with the material of your ceiling.
As a rule, ceilings in most cases are made of concrete and much less often of wood. Therefore, when choosing a paint, look at the composition to see if it suits your ceiling. But if you have a concrete ceiling, then there will be no problems with choosing a primer - they are very common and are available in every hardware store.
List of ceiling primers:
- Strengthening primer;
- Primer deep penetration;
- Primer general purpose;
- Primer-impregnation.
The first two types are for concrete surfaces, the next two are for wooden surfaces, respectively.
You can choose a strengthening primer only in cases where the concrete is already beginning to deteriorate, cracks are visible on it, or it is beginning to crumble. The fact is that such a primer is intended, as the name suggests, to strengthen the main layers of ceilings that are already beginning to deteriorate. But this type of primer is not suitable for entire products - its consistency will not allow it to be absorbed well, and you will only ruin the walls.
Deep penetration primer is more universal and is suitable for initially strong walls. This primer is applied just before applying the facing layer to the wall, and its composition promotes stronger adhesion between the materials. If you have crumbling walls, it is still better to choose a strengthening primer - it contains an adhesive substance, and the walls will become stronger.
A general purpose primer improves the properties of wood, making it less susceptible to moisture and smoother. If your ceiling is made of wood, then this primer will be the most optimal for you.
Primer-impregnation is in less demand when repair work in residential areas. Main Features Such a primer is able to protect the material from termites and other insects, as well as the process of rotting.
There is also a separate type of primer, the composition of which promotes even greater adhesion. It is used for priming glass, tiles and plastic, but ceilings and walls, as a rule, are not made from these materials.
How to apply primer to the ceiling
Most often, the primer is applied with a regular roller, which can be purchased at any hardware store.
A less common option is to apply the primer with a brush. A construction brush is used in cases where applying a primer layer with a roller is inconvenient or not possible at all. For example, in narrow and hard to reach places Oh. But it is already problematic to prime large spaces with a brush, since the consistency of the primer does not apply well to the brush.
There is a third device for applying primer - a sprayer. It is used even less often, and, unlike a brush, on the contrary, over too large areas. For example, in barracks and warehouses.
If you are priming the ceiling, then even on large areas it is preferable to use a roller.
Ceiling primer roller
A roller is the optimal means for applying primer to the ceiling. If you don’t have hard-to-reach places that only a brush can handle, then you won’t need anything else except one roller.
The roller consists of three parts:
- Plastic handle;
- Metal rod;
- Rotating bobbin;
- Foam cylinder for reel.
If you have high ceiling, then buy a roller with an extended handle.
Ceiling primer materials
Try not to neglect the quality of the primer solution, as this can affect the quality of the final work.
Materials you will need to prime the ceiling and walls:
- The primer itself;
- Roller;
- Plastic bath;
- Latex gloves.
The latter are necessary to protect your hands from getting primer. And although its composition is harmless to the skin, it can be problematic to wash it off in the future.
Don't forget to check whether the primer you choose is suitable for your ceiling material.
Correct ceiling primer
You can properly prime the ceiling and walls with your own hands. To do this, you just need to follow the instructions provided.
Instructions for applying primer:
- Pour some of the primer into the prepared plastic tray;
- Dip the roller into the solution, lift it up, and then shake it lightly to remove any excess. Otherwise, this excess will drip onto the floor while working.
- Carefully apply the primer to the wall;
- You will likely need to apply at least two coats. To do this, you need to wait until the first layer is completely dry (several hours), and only then apply the next one.
If you want to see how primer is applied in practice, you can watch the corresponding video.
Keep in mind that some manufacturers' primers must be diluted with water. Companies write such information on the label of raw materials.
How long does it take for primer to dry on a ceiling?
Read the label of the can for the exact drying time of the primer. But, as a rule, the complete drying time is about two hours, after which you can apply the next layers or begin applying the facing material.
Once you are finished and the primer has dried, wash the roller thoroughly. Otherwise, after it dries, it will be problematic to do this.
Do-it-yourself ceiling primer (video)
The main thing is to prevent the primer from getting on the floor, walls and furniture. If a few drops do fall, you should immediately wipe them off with a cloth. Also, always wear a hat and gloves. As you can see, the process of priming the ceiling is very simple, and sometimes it is not at all necessary to resort to the help of specialists.
Adhesion of the finish to the ceiling, evenness of the surface, and protection from fungus will be ensured 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 characteristics of the type of finishing coating and familiarize yourself with the rules of application.
Purpose of ceiling primer
In addition to the fact that primer impregnation ensures adhesion of the finish and reduces the consumption of paint, plaster, and glue, it also performs a number of the following functions:
- Smoothes out defects and uneven surfaces;
- Protects the surface from fungus, mold, corrosion;
- Increases the service life and moisture resistance of finishing materials;
- Prevents stains on the finish coat;
- Strengthens the treated surface;
- Reduces the odor of paints and varnishes.
Types of primers for ceilings
First of all, primer mixtures are divided into groups depending on their composition. On this basis they distinguish:
- Alkyd. These impregnations are especially durable. They are used for processing metal and wood surfaces, as well as glass and tiles. Price - about 200 rubles per kilogram.
- Shellac. They prevent resin release, and therefore are used for priming ceilings made of coniferous wood. In addition, they protect wooden surface from the appearance of dark spots in places 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 processing wood, concrete and plastered surfaces. Price - from 150 rubles per kilogram.
- Acrylic. These universal compounds are capable of penetrating to a depth of 10 cm. Used for priming ceilings made of plasterboard, brick and concrete. Cost - from 150 rubles per kilogram.
- Aluminum. Isolate wood covering from moisture, preventing the spread of fungus and mold in it. The price starts from 750 rubles per liter.
- Silicate. Consist of alkalis different types, and therefore provide effective protection from the penetration of microorganisms. These compositions are suitable for external use because they are weather resistant. They are used to treat concrete, brick and plastered surfaces. Price - from 250 rubles per kilogram.
- Mineral. These impregnations are mainly used for priming concrete ceiling. They consist of gypsum, lime, cement. The cost is about 300 rubles per kilogram.
- Epoxy. Used for processing concrete and metal surfaces. They protect against corrosion and waterproof the coating. Price - from 350 rubles per kilogram.
Ceilings in enclosed residential areas are primed with alkyd, acrylic and mineral compounds. The remaining types are characterized by relatively low adhesion.
Depending on the type of finishing material, there are also several types of primers:
- Under enamel. Contains pigments, varnish or resinous (pentaphthalic, glyphthalic) fillers. To dilute this impregnation, xylene, solvent and solvent No. 646 are used.
- Under water-based paint . The composition includes 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, puttying, or wallpapering. It reduces the consumption of funds for finishing and strengthens the coating.
- Special. This type includes emulsion (based on waterproofing silicone modified acrylic-vinyl copolymer), latex (for treating porous coatings), strengthening (used in conjunction with sand-cement mortar for further installation of tiles on the ceiling).
Preparing a primer for the ceiling at home
To make a primer solution yourself, you will need dry glue, laundry soap, chalk and drying oil.
Prepare in the following order:
- 250 grams of chips laundry soap dilute in a liter of warm water.
- Separately dilute the glue in two liters of hot water.
- Thoroughly mix the two solutions in one container and strain through double gauze.
- Add 3 kg of chalk and 30 ml of drying oil to the composition.
- Delete if necessary rust spots or mold, add another 150 grams of copper sulfate.
If you still 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 priming work correctly, you need not only to decide on the type of impregnation. It is also important to prepare 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, you need to dilute it if necessary. Please note that adding more solvent than recommended in the instructions is not advisable. This will make it worse technical properties composition.
You also need to choose the right tool. You can use a brush, roller or spray to apply the primer to the ceiling. Most often, these devices need to be combined. For example, a brush is convenient for processing joints and corners; a spray gun is useful for coating large areas, and the roller does not leave marks during secondary processing (unlike a brush).
Before processing it is necessary to prepare the surface. To do this, it is degreased, cleaned of dust, and wooden ceiling sand with coarse paper. The coating must be clean and dry.
Please note that before application you must wear work clothes, safety glasses, a respirator and rubber gloves.
Instructions for applying primer to a concrete ceiling
In order for the surface to be processed evenly, you need to adhere to the following sequence during the process:
- We prime 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.
- Prime the coating with a second layer and leave until completely dry.
- We putty the ceiling to completely level it.
- After drying, prime with a third layer and leave for impregnation.
When last layer Once the primer has dried, you can begin further finishing. It is important to move on to the next stage of work only after the previous layer has dried. Otherwise, the effectiveness of the coating will decrease.
Features of primer for wooden ceilings
For this process, it is advisable to use a roller with soft natural bristles. The foam tool will form bubbles, and the brush may leave lint.
We work in the following sequence:
- Dip the roller into the solution and press lightly to remove any residue.
- Apply to the surface at an angle of 90 degrees relative to the direction of light.
- After the first layer has dried, cover with the second in a perpendicular direction.
- We begin finishing after the primer has completely dried.
The average drying time for the primer layer at a temperature of +25 degrees and humidity below 75% is about five hours.
How to prime a 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. Using impregnation, you will significantly reduce the cost of applying the topcoat and extend its service life. All work can be easily done independently, even without special skills.
Is it necessary to prime the ceiling before painting? This question interests everyone before starting this work. Then we think about whether to prime ceiling skirting boards, how to properly prime the ceiling, these are all the questions we will consider today.
All work is completely done by hand. And therefore the price is not particularly scary.
Before starting work, it is best to look at photos and videos and draw up a plan for completing the work. Let's look at all these questions in detail.
The primer is intended for preparing the ceiling or other surface for finishing works– painting, puttying, applying liquid wallpaper.
This necessary construction operation performs a protective function:
- Makes the surface more durable by impregnating and gluing its layers.
- In addition, due to the primer, the surfaces become more moisture resistant, while still “breathing”.
- The consumption of paint or other decorative and finishing material is significantly reduced on a primed surface.
Can I use liquid paint instead of primer?
In some cases during construction work Instead of a primer, use paint diluted to the maximum liquid state. How practical is this?
At first glance, liquid paint impregnates and compacts the surface no worse than specially designed primers. But this is only what can be seen with the naked eye.
In fact, liquid paint contains a considerable amount of large particles of solvents and fillers that are part of its composition. Therefore, the paint only interacts with top layer surface, practically sealing its micropores and not penetrating inside.
Why primer is better
A primer is a tiny suspension of polymer resins:
- A deep penetration primer penetrates ten centimeters into the treated material, polymerizes and glues its layers together.
- Its microparticles are almost ten times smaller than paint particles, and its permeability is even higher than that of drinking water.
Often, many beginners, when decorating a room on their own, forget that the priming process is as important as its finishing. Do-it-yourself ceiling primer provides much better and more reliable adhesion for all types of finishes, from plaster to paint.
How to prime shelves: types of primer
If primer mixture applied to a concrete surface, the types of primer are as follows:
- With deep penetration . As a rule, many ceilings that have concrete as a base are treated with a layer of plaster or putty before finishing. In order for the finishing mixtures to adhere more firmly to the ceiling surface, the surface should first be impregnated with a deep penetration primer. In addition, a large number of primers of this type may also contain antibacterial additives that prevent the spread of fungus indoors.
- Strengthening . This should strengthen surfaces that may crumble, since it contains a large amount of adhesive. It not only penetrates the crumbling surface, but also glues it together. It must be borne in mind that such a mixture cannot be used on flat surfaces, since if excess is formed, it will create a film on the surface that will worsen the adhesion strength.
- General purpose . Such mixtures are used during final finishing. Since they make it possible to strengthen the adhesion of the decorative finishing layer, as well as to minimize the consumption of any coating material, be it glue or paint.
As for cases where wood acts as the base floor, there are only two types of primers:
- General purpose . Provides more smooth surface wood, and also minimizes absorption, which improves adhesion strength and reduces consumption building materials. Moreover, such a primer will prevent rotting of the wooden surface.
- Special impregnating agents . They also allow you to protect the surface from the process of rotting, as well as from harm from various insects.
Taking into account all of the above, we can conclude that knowing how to properly prime a ceiling is very important. This will provide a beautiful appearance ceiling, both outside and in photos and videos. When applying a finish to a concrete surface, it is necessary to use both a deep penetration primer and a general purpose primer. The latter is applied after puttying.
It is also necessary to pay attention not to the fact that even if you choose suspended structure, you should still not forget about the primer, since such mixtures will prevent the appearance of fungus on both surfaces.
How to prime a ceiling: preliminary steps
Before starting the priming process, you must first remove ceiling surface from the previous finish (paint, whitewash, peeling plaster). And also rinse thoroughly and let dry.
It is important that before priming it is worth cleaning the room in which the process itself will be carried out. If cleaning is carried out with a primed ceiling, it cannot be guaranteed that rising dust particles will not attach to the layer that has not yet dried, which will negate all efforts.
The preparatory steps are as follows:
- When purchasing already ready mixture just pour it into a special container and prepare a roller.
- When purchasing a concentrate, we dilute it according to the method shown on the packaging.
- Alternative option The primer can be a mixture of plaster diluted in water to the consistency of liquid sour cream. However, this option is very risky, so you should still purchase special mixtures, preferably from the same company as putty products.
