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Primer is a solution applied to a wall’s surface to prepare it for the addition of render or paint. Many rendering professionals recommend applying primer before render or paint is applied to the surface. Primer results in a better-looking, more functional rendered surface.

Continue reading to learn more about the benefits of using primer before applying the render.

What is Primer?

Used primarily in construction and renovation, primer is a substance applied to walls to prepare them for layers of render and/or paint. Primers can be used on various materials, including brick, wood, concrete and metal. They have several functional and aesthetic purposes and are applied using a paintbrush or a paint roller.

What Are the Different Types of Primers?

The different types of primers that can be used to prepare the wall for render include:

Topcoat Primer

A topcoat primer works exceptionally well with silicone renders. It helps the basecoat bond to the render layer and limits its absorption, allowing the render to cure properly.

Substrate Primer

Specially formulated for materials like concrete or masonry (dusty or porous surfaces). This primer helps to create a strong bond between the render and the wall and prevents any moisture loss from the render.

Mineral and Acrylic Primer

Mineral and acrylic primers are specially designed to prepare the basecoat before an acrylic render is applied. The primer helps strengthen the surface and increase the render’s breathability.

Silicone (Silicate) Primer

A silicone (silicate) primer is used to prepare a surface for silicone render. It enhances the water-resistance of silicone render and can also be dyed to match the coloured render, resulting in a clean, smooth finish.

Epoxy Primers

Epoxy primers are very protective sealants that work exceptionally well on painted surfaces, fibreglass, metal and aluminium. It provides protection against rust, corrosion, and the elements.

Stabilising Primers

A stabilising primer is a unique primer that strengthens dusty or powdery surfaces. It works by being absorbed into the surface, solidifying it so that the render or paint bonds more effectively and becomes more durable.

Universal Primer

A universal primer works well on most surfaces and with the majority of render types. It is a reliable and effective bonding agent.

The Benefits of Using a Primer Before Render

The benefits of using a primer before applying the render include:

Strengthened Bond Between Surface and Render

The primary function of a primer is to strengthen the bond between a basecoat and the layers of render, so that the render lasts longer and won’t need to be reapplied as often.

Smooth, Aesthetically Pleasing Finish

The primer results in a smooth and aesthetically pleasing rendered surface. Let’s be honest, nobody is going to be drawn to the look of a messy and unevenly rendered surface. It will turn potential homeowners away and lower a home’s overall property value.

Aiding in Water-Resistant Properties

Some base coats may have pores, allowing water to enter the structure and moisture to build up, leading to cracks in the render and structural damage. Adding a primer to the surface can help seal these pores and prevent water from entering the walls, minimising the risk of cracks, damage, and an unsightly finish.

Increases Durability

By strengthening the adhesion and bond between render and the surface and creating a stable base coat, primers can extend the lifespan of a rendered surface. Primers can allow the render to withstand the elements, including rain, temperature fluctuations and sun (UV) exposure.

Lower Risk of Staining

Stains on rendered surfaces can be caused by multiple factors, including fungi growth, mould, moss, exposure to the elements, pollution, and efflorescence (salts that travel to the surface of a structure and cause white stains on the render).

Primers seal any pores, increasing the render’s water and weather resistance and preventing the risk of fungal or mould growth. It also helps block salts from travelling through to the surface and creating efforescence.

Reducing the risk of stains can prolong the life and quality of your render.

Colour Consistency

Primers can prevent older, underlying surface colours from bleeding through. It ensures that all your colours look consistent, bright and fresh.

Things to Consider

Some important things to consider when choosing a primer include:

  • The type of surface: What kind of substrate or surface you are rendering?
  • The type of render: What kind of render are you using (cement, silicone, acrylic, etc)? Some primers work better with some renders than others.
  • Prepare the surface: Always make sure you prepare the surface by cleaning it and repairing any holes or cracks. The primer or render will not set properly without proper preparation beforehand.
  • Professionals do the best job: Although it may be tempting to save money and apply the primer and render yourself, the professionals will always do a high-quality job, and may even save you money in the long run, as you won’t have to worry about repairing or reapplying the render for years to come.

If you want to find out more about the benefits of applying primer before layers of render, give Sydney Cement Rendering a call! We take pride in being Sydney’s trusted rendering experts and providing our customers with the highest-quality rendering services. Contact us at 0402 704 984 or visit our website: https://sydneycementrendering.com/ to find out more about what we offer!