> >

Using the correct sealer and primer

Cost: Difficulty:

Sealers and primers

Apart from cleaning and restoring walls if necessary, it is essential to use the correct sealers and primers to guarantee the best finish.

Most surfaces, both interior and exterior require sealing or priming before applying the paint. New surfaces also require the use of correct sealers and primers to take care of the surface.

Alkali resistant primers are used to prevent alkali content present in some materials from attacking oil paints. They take approximately 4 hours to dry. Leave for 16 hours before applying a second coat.

Suitable for: Absorbent fibre boards, Asbestos cement, Brick, Cement rendering, Concrete, Plaster, Plasterboard, Stone

Aluminium sealer spirit based primers and sealers are used to prevent materials leaking into subsequent coverings. They contain fine scales of aluminium and provide a barrier to seal the surface. They are very fast drying - taking approximately 15 minutes to dry. A second coat can be applied after 1 hour.

Suitable for: Bituminous paints, Creosoted timber

Aluminium wood primers are used to seal oily hardwoods. They take 6 hours to dry and if another coat is required, wait 16 hours before applying it.

Suitable for: Chipboard, Creosoted timber, Hardboard, Hardwood, Plywood, Softwood

Calcium plumbate is used to prime metal surfaces, which helps prevent corrosion. It takes approximately 8 hours to dry and a second coat can be applied after 24 hours.

Suitable for: Hardwood, Ferrous metals (outside only)

Chromate primer is used to prime metal surfaces, which helps prevent corrosion. It takes approximately 10 hours to dry and a second coat can be applied after 24 hours.

Suitable for: Aluminium

General purpose primers speak for themselves. They are suitable for sealing all porous surfaces, including internal walls and ceilings. They take approximately 4 hours to dry and the second coat should be applied after 16 hours.

Suitable for: Asbestos cement, Brick Cement rendering, Chipboard, Concrete, Hardboard, Plaster, Plasterboard, Plywood, Softwood, Stone

Knotting is used on resinous areas, especially knots in wood. It is high in shellac and prevents resinous areas in wood from leaking and discolouring subsequent layers of paint. It takes approximately 3 hours to dry.

Suitable for: Wood

PVA bonding agent is used for sealing many building materials. It is a general purpose liquid adhesive and takes approximately 3 hours to dry and a second coat can be applied after 16 hours.

Suitable for: Asbestos cement, Bituminous paints, Brick, Cement rendering, Concrete, Plaster, Stone

Red lead is used to prime metal surfaces, which helps prevent corrosion. It takes approximately 10 hours to dry and a second coat can be applied after 24 hours.

Suitable for: Chipboard, Ferrous metals (outside only), Hardboard, Hardwood, Plywood, Softwood

Red Oxide is used to prime metal surfaces, which helps prevent corrosion. It takes approximately 4 hours to dry and a second coat can be applied after 16 hours.

Suitable for: Ferrous metals (inside only)

Stabilising primers are clear or white liquids, which take approximately 3 hours to dry. A second coat should be applied, if necessary, after 16 hours. They are used on surfaces which appear flaky or powdery.

Suitable for: Absorbent fibre boards, Asbestos cement, Brick, Cement paint, Cement rendering, Concrete, Distemper, Limewash, Plaster, Plasterboard, Stone

Water repellent primers and sealers speak for themselves. They dry colourless and seal masonry against penetrating water. They are fast and take only 1 hour to dry. Leave for 12 hours before applying a second coat.

Suitable for: Brick, Cement rendering, Concrete, Stone

Wood primers seal the surface and prevent further coats of paint soaking into the surface. They take approximately 6 hours to dry. A second coat should be applied, if required, after 16 hours.

Suitable for: Chipboard, Hardboard, Plywood, Softwood

Zinc phosphate is used to prime metal surfaces, which helps prevent corrosion and rust. It takes approximately 4 hours to dry and a second coat can be applied after 10 hours.

Suitable for: Aluminium, Ferrous metals, Galvanised metal, New iron, New steel

Need help or supplies?

Further help required?

Our forum is the perfect place to ask questions and get help. Join us, post your question/comment now!