How To Apply Floor Primer

When preparing a floor for tiling, painting, or installing other flooring materials, one step that should never be overlooked is applying a quality floor primer. A floor primer creates a smooth, adhesive surface, enhancing the durability and finish of your final floor layer. In this guide, we’ll walk through the steps of floor primer application, discuss the drying time, and explore the best primers on the market for various surfaces.

Why Use Floor Primer?

What does floor primer do? Essentially, floor primer serves multiple purposes in floor preparation. It:

1. Improves Adhesion: It allows the finish to bond more effectively with the subfloor, reducing the likelihood of peeling or cracking.

2. Seals Porous Surfaces: Especially important for concrete, as it helps to prevent moisture issues that can damage flooring.

3. Acts As A Dust Binder: If renovating a dusty property you’ll want to make sure you've cleaned the area beforehand, but sometimes some excess dust is unavoidable. A floor primer makes it easier to clean up dust and debris, as it clumps the dust together, so once the primer is dried, it is easier to sweep away.

Choosing the Right Floor Primer

Choosing the best floor primer will depend on the specific requirements of your flooring project. Alongside the popular Cembloc Cembond SBR and Kerakoll Active Prime Fix Rapid Universal Adhesion Promoter, here are the primers, split by brand, that are available at Flooring Materials:

Read more:

• Choosing A Flooring Trowel For Your Project

• What Are The Best Knee Pads for Work?

• How To Install Damp-Proof Membrane On Concrete Floor

Do I Need To Prime Floors Before Levelling?

Most subfloors will benefit from the application of a floor primer to reduce the risk of surface imperfections, such as pinholing, and to aid with the flow of the screed. Pinholes are tiny holes that appear on the surface of a self-levelling compound, particularly when applied to absorbent substrates, such as sand and cement screeds as these can draw the moisture from the screed very quickly if not primed prior.

Step-by-Step Guide on How to Apply Floor Primer

Before you start, ensure you have all the necessary materials and a well-ventilated workspace. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to apply floor primer for a seamless finish:

1. Clean the Surface

• Sweep or vacuum the floor to remove all dust, dirt, and debris.

• If necessary, mop with a mild cleaner to ensure the surface is completely clean.

• Let the floor dry completely before applying the primer.

• Read more: How To Use A Floor Scraper

2. Check for Porosity

• Some floors, especially concrete, may require a specific floor primer based on porosity. Test the porosity by sprinkling water on the floor; if it absorbs quickly, a penetrating primer is recommended.

• You may also want to use a moisture meter or hygrometer to give you precise moisture levels within various surfaces before you begin. Options include the Wolff V1-D4 Professional Hygrometer and the Wolff GM-200 Moisture Meter, which provide quick and convenient measurements.

3. Choose the Right Primer

• Explore the table above for floor primer options, and if you need any help with deciding on the best floor primer for your project, our team of flooring experts is always on hand to offer advice and guidance, contact us today.

  Shop Floor Primers

4. Application of Primer

• Mixing: Some primers come pre-mixed, while others need mixing with water. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions closely, and shop our range of paddle mixers and mixing stations.

• Application Tool: Use a roller or brush to apply the primer. Rollers provide a smooth, even coat, while brushes are useful for edges and corners.

• Apply Evenly: Apply a thin, even layer, avoiding puddles or thick patches. Ensure consistent coverage for maximum adhesion.

5. Drying Time

• The drying time varies by primer and environment. For best results, avoid walking on the surface until it is completely dry.

6. Apply a Second Coat (if needed)

• Some primers, such as the UltraFloor Suppress IT, is a two-coat rapid drying moisture suppressant primer, so be sure the check application instructions. Further, for porous surfaces, a second coat of primer may be required. If so, apply it once the first coat has fully dried. 

Applying floor primer might seem like an extra step, but it’s crucial for a successful flooring installation. Whether you're after concrete floor primer, latex floor primer, acrylic floor primer or primer for tiling, we've got you covered. If you can't find what you're looking for on the website please do not hesitate to get in touch with our team on 0330 3201223 or email your queries to [email protected], and we can help you with all of your flooring needs.