What Is Primer?
Primer refers to a paint used as a primer for painting. Both water-based and oil-based sealers exist and are used depending on the application. In addition to the difference between water-based and oil-based types, there are various types of Primer, so it is important to select the one with the appropriate effect for the type of object to be painted.
Uses of Primer
In general, painting is done in separate stages, such as “primer coat,” “middle coat,” and “top coat,” and sealers are used in the “primer coat,” which is the first stage. The water-based type is mainly used for interior paints because it has little odor, while the oil-based type has a strong odor but high permeability and excellent reinforcement effect, so it is mainly used for heavily deteriorated painted surfaces such as exterior walls. Primer priming improves the finish of the final coated surface and reinforces the substrate itself, so Primer is not just for a clean finish, but also as a measure against deterioration.
Principle of Primer
Primer priming has the following effects
- Improvement of Adhesion Between the Painted Surface and the Paint
Primer acts as an adhesive and improves the adhesion between the painted surface and the paint, thereby preventing deterioration such as peeling of the paint film. - Prevention of Paint Absorption During Painting
Primer can be applied at the beginning of the painting process to prevent the paint from being absorbed by the middle and top coats that are applied later. - Reinforces the Substrate of the Painted Surface
Primer can reinforce the deteriorated substrate by penetrating into the substrate.
In addition to the difference between “oil-based” and “water-based” Primer, there are also differences depending on the application, as shown below.
- Primer for Fire Retardant
Mainly used on interior walls and ceilings, this sealer can control cigarette smoke and rain stains. - Cationic Primer
Primer that can be used on both exterior and interior walls. It has excellent “permeability,” “adhesion,” and “economic efficiency,” and has a wide range of applications, but it does not allow the use of strong solvent paints for the top coat. - Primer for Reinforcing Concrete
This product is ideal for use on concrete and mortar because of its excellent durability and prevention of dust and dirt. It is characterized by its ability to harden the surface, reduce paint absorption, and reinforce the surface.