Primer on metal: types and subtleties of choice

Before painting any metal structures or surfaces, they must first be prepared and primed. This is the only way to qualitatively prepare the work surface and be sure of the high quality of the final result. The primer on metal, the types and subtleties of the choice of which will be discussed below, is an important and indispensable composition for processing all metal structures. She needs to handle both metal products indoors and structures outside.

The need to use a primer for metal is due to its important features:

• The production of quality compounds is regulated by GOST.It is in it that the obligatory necessity of using a primer is indicated.
• Its use allows you to enhance and improve the protective properties of the paint itself, as well as to improve the adhesion between the metal and the coloring composition.
• It is the primer mixture that reduces the porosity of metal structures, which allows to reduce paint consumption and more firmly be fixed on the metal surface.
• The primer allows to increase the useful life of all metal constructions.
• This mixture improves rust and corrosion protection.
• It gives the design a more aesthetic look.

There are no flaws in the metal primerbut its features are its advantages at the same time. It is the advantages of this composition that make it not just popular, but also a truly important and necessary tool for additional metal processing.

The range of primers for metal today is unusually wide. It is sometimes difficult for an unknowing person to navigate in such abundance and make the right choice.

In order to avoid a mistake when buying, you must familiarize yourself with all the available varieties of this composition.

• Insulating compounds manufactured on the basis of epoxides and alkyds. This is a unique primer with enhanced waterproofing properties. Originally intended for priming only ferrous metals, currently used in the processing and non-ferrous alloys. An additional ingredient are special beryl, which have a zinc base. Therefore, this mixture is suitable for use on galvanized metal. This quick-drying primer is not suitable for cases where the metal should be painted later.

• Mixture Converter for painting does not require prior cleaning of the surface. It can be applied directly to rust, and the active ingredients of the mixture dissolve particles of corrosion. This anti-corrosion mixture requires the obligatory additional use of special passivating compounds that are applied over the primer. Sometimes experts call this primer a means of three in one.

• Phosphating compounds They are made of two ingredients: a special diluent and phosphoric acids. Such a primer can be used on any type of metal.Its main advantage is to increase the adhesion of the metal several times. This is a heat resistant primer.

• Inhibitory primer It is considered universal, it not only prevents the appearance of corrosion, improves adhesion, but also reliably protects the metal surface from mechanical damage of any type. In fact, it is a complete frost-resistant enamel-primer with a wide range of applications.

• Alkyd Primer is the best option for metal processing before it is further painted with alkyd paints. It has not only water protection, but anti-corrosion effect. At the same time applies to inhibiting and passivating mixtures.

• Protector blends recognized as one of the best as a corrosion protection. They are made from a mixture of special powders, the mass fraction of which in the composition can take up to 90%. Acid primer can be used on metals of any type other than galvanized.

All varieties of such primers further subdivided into three large groups, depending on the main substance in their composition:

• water mixtures;
• mixed primers;
• oil formulations.

It is necessary to select a primer based on the type of metal and its state, as well as the conditions of its priming and further operation. Only a simultaneous consideration of all these requirements will allow you to choose the most suitable primer composition.

Until recently, the primer mixture for metal was produced only in the form of a thick putty in buckets of various capacities. But this form of release is not always convenient and in some cases it is simply impossible to use the mixture in this form. Therefore, today on the shelves of shops you can find a primer in cans. Such an aerosol makes it easy to prime the most difficult to reach surfaces. In addition, the mixture in this form of release is easier and easier to apply and evenly distributed over the surface.

Priming spray today is produced only by leading manufacturers. and, despite a lot of its merits, it requires a certain skill in its use. However, according to experts, just such a primer is considered the most effective.

The palette of shades of this tool is now quite extensive.At the very beginning of its production, the primer was only black and white. But today, many brands have significantly expanded its color gamut. There is a good reason for this - the use of tinted mixture allows you to further reduce paint consumption and at the same time achieve a more juicy and uniform color.

Now the primer goes on sale in the following colors:

• blue, blue, ultramarine;
• red, crimson, burgundy;
• yellow orange;
• green various shades;
• brown and various shades of gray.

The choice of primer for metal should be approached with particular responsibility. Not only the appearance of the metal structure will depend on the correct purchase, but also the level of its protection from all negative impacts.

It is imperative to consider the type of metal construction. So, for ferrous metals should choose a primer with high anti-corrosion properties. Such compounds not only reliably protect against rust, but also improve adhesion several times. For aluminum and other non-ferrous metals, you can choose the simplest primer. Here it is used only to increase adhesion. For galvanized metals, solvent based blends are needed.

The primer for steel structures should be selected based on its purpose: for interior or exterior use. It is very important to take into account the climate conditions, if you need to ground the metal outside the buildings. If the mixture will be used indoors, then the temperature conditions should be taken into account. If the temperature in the room is up to 100 degrees, then you can use a standard mixture; if you increase it by a couple of tens of degrees, you must already choose a heat-resistant primer.

Such mixtures are marketed both in the ready-to-use form and in need of additional dilution. Therefore, you must immediately read the information from the manufacturer and, if necessary, purchase the necessary diluents and solvents of the same brand.Choosing an aerosol primer, it is necessary to clarify the possibility of its use in certain conditions of temperature and humidity. Primers with the lowest level of toxicity should be preferred, especially if they will be used indoors.

Cost effectiveness is not the last selection criterion. The fact is that high-quality primer mixture is not cheap, and in combination with high consumption, priming can be very expensive.

In order to be confident in the quality of the purchased goods, it is necessary to give preference to products of proven and well-known brands. Immediately before payment should inspect the contents of the container to ensure its uniformity. The container itself with a primer should not have any damage. All information should be clear and easy to read. Be sure to check expiration dates.

Today, the manufacture and sale of primers for metal is engaged in a large number of different brands. The most famous and reliable of them will be described below:

• Tikkurila - This is a manufacturer with a worldwide name. In its assortment there are several varieties of this product. The entire primer of this brand is of high quality and economical consumption. It dries quickly, has a high level of fire safety and practically has no unpleasant smell. This manufacturer produces a primer for both indoor and outdoor use and for all types of metals. Customer reviews fully confirm the high quality and effectiveness of the primer mixture for the metal of this brand. People believe that it is here that price and quality are best combined, and a large palette of shades is a pleasant bonus when buying.

• Company "Rainbow" produces for sale a special acrylic primer with a high anti-corrosion effect. It is characterized by affordable cost, economical consumption, high drying speed and a wide range of colors.Its customers are particularly positive about its high quality, high drying rate, and also highlight the long-term preservation of the effect obtained during priming.

• Emlak offers its customers a special primer mixture, which is a rust converter. It allows not only to protect metal structures from further corrosion, but also removes all rust on the surface. Buyers especially appreciate this product for its high efficiency, affordable cost and long lasting effect.

• The brand "Prestige" It is engaged in the manufacture and sale of a unique 3-in-1 enamel primer. Such a mixture is not only suitable for increasing metal adhesion, but also protects it and levels the surface. According to people who have already used such a tool, it really has high efficiency. Its use allows you to maintain high performance characteristics of structures for a long time, and the price pleases. In addition, it is this universal remedy that is sold almost everywhere.

• Novbythim also launches the 3 in 1 universal primer.It dries quickly, reliably protects metal structures from all types from corrosion, has excellent waterproofing properties. Suitable for both brushing and spraying. This primer has been widely used not only in domestic but also in industrial use. Buyers confirm its high technical characteristics, and the cost, according to buyers, is quite affordable and fully corresponds to the high quality of this composition.

• Alpina - This is a German brand, which is considered one of the best in its country. The primer of its production is considered enamel, it forms a glossy smooth coating on all kinds of metal, suitable for processing metal products inside and outside. Its main advantages, according to buyers, are the highest quality, reliable protection against corrosion, as well as the possibility of applying directly on the rust itself. For many people, it was also very important to quickly dry this mixture, as well as its low level of toxicity.

• The brand "Tender" launches a metal primer mix suitable for outdoor use.It has excellent waterproofing and anti-corrosion properties. In general, buyers quite positively respond to this product, considering it to be affordable, quite cope with the problems stated by the manufacturer. In this case, the price is lower than the quality itself.

• Lacra - is a manufacturer of anti-corrosion primer, which is used both inside and outside the premises. Differs in an economical expense, high speed of drying, reasonable cost. Buyers of this tool confirm its high efficiency and ease of use.

• Hammerite - this is another world-famous primer for rust. Products of this brand are available in various colors, characterized by high anti-corrosion properties and high drying rate. It is worth noting that the demand for this mixture is the highest. Buyers of such funds emphasize its high quality and long-term protection, as well as a wide range. If we talk about the cost, then most people believe that it is more than affordable.

Going to the store for a primer for metal, first of all it is necessary to pay attention to the products of these brands.They have been on the market for many years and during this time they were able to understand exactly what the buyers want to see and offer them the most suitable products. In addition, the primer mixtures of these brands are made from high-quality and safe raw materials, and therefore are considered among the best, and customer reviews only confirm this information.

But for high-quality work it is not enough just to get a quality primer for the metal from a reliable manufacturer, it is also necessary to use it properly.

The algorithm works on its application.

• It is necessary to prepare the work surface. From it you should remove all the dirt, the remnants of the past paintwork, as well as remove strong rust stains.
• Grinding the metal will improve the absorption of the primer and prepare the work surface more thoroughly. But do not confuse grinding with polishing. When polishing, the surface becomes absolutely flat, and grinding makes it slightly rough. It is the roughness and improves the adhesion of the primer to the metal surface.
• Do not immediately apply too thick a coat of primer.If you need a multi-layer application, it is better to apply each subsequent three hours after the previous one.
• After working with a primer, it is imperative to wash all the tools, container with the tool should be tightly closed and sent to storage in a place that fully complies with the requirements and recommendations of the manufacturer.
• It is impossible to use the primer intended for external use when carrying out internal works and vice versa. In this case, the mixture will not be able to fully perform its protective functions, and its service life will be significantly reduced.

Proper use of primers is 50% of the successful completion of all work. Deviation from the specified recommendations or from the manufacturer’s instructions may cause serious problems both during the work and after it has been completed.

Priming of metal structures of any type is necessary not only to improve their appearance, but also to increase their service life. At the same time, some types of such compositions allow not only to improve the adhesion of the metal, protect it from the negative effects of moisture and rust, but also increase the strength of the structures themselves and allow them to make their colors more vivid and saturated.

But it should be understood that a single use of primer is not a panacea for all ills. It is certainly necessary and important, but the period of its positive impact on the metal has a limited time. On average, a conventional single-phase primer protects structures inside the building for up to 15 years, and outside it for 7-10 years. If we are talking about universal primers 3 in 1, then the duration of their protective functions does not exceed 5-7 years.

On what primer to choose for the metal, see the following video.