Do I need to prime the floor before laying tiles?

Tile is one of the most popular materials for finishing walls and floors in rooms such as bathrooms and kitchens. In order for such a coating to serve as long as possible, you should strictly adhere to the installation technology.

Primer properties

A primer is a special solution that is applied to the surface that will subsequently be covered with tiles. The main reasons why this composition is applied are as follows:

• It improves adhesion between the surface and ceramic tiles.
• Promotes better installation of subsequent bonding layers.
• It prevents the development of fungus and mold.
• The compositions used for processing can have a moisture-repellent effect.

As can be seen from the above properties, it is surface priming that can ensure a longer service life of the tile covering. That is, the tiles will not lag behind the walls and floor. In addition, fungus and mold will not develop under its surface, in possible voids.

At the moment, construction stores are ready to provide various primer mixtures, which are divided into:

• Primers for surfaces exposed to intense moisture. These compounds have different labeling.
• Deep penetration compositions. They are distinguished by the fact that they intensively and deeply penetrate into the floor or wall to which they are applied.But at the same time, the liquid composition does not clog the pores of the surface. Thanks to this property of the primer, leaving the structure of the floor or wall porous, their adhesive properties do not deteriorate.
• Universal primers are intended for use indoors in residential areas.
• Special-purpose mixtures must be used strictly in accordance with the recommendations indicated on the packaging.
• Absorbent primers - applied to concrete, plaster, etc.
• Non-absorbent - applied to metal, plastic, and painted floors or walls.

Before applying the primer mixture, it is imperative to carry out pre-treatment, which includes removing debris, dust and further degreasing.

IMPORTANT. It is necessary that the floors or walls have additional ribbing. To do this, you need to remove a layer of paint or other coating from it and apply notches with a chisel and hammer.

REFERENCE. Brick surfaces are primed twice.

Do I need to prime the floor before laying tiles?

The floor for laying tiles must be primed. Applying such a composition will allow you to obtain a film on the surface, which will subsequently protect against microorganisms and give additional strength to the tile covering. In addition, if you do not treat the surface before laying the tiles, then the rough surface on which the adhesive composition is applied will absorb most of it. And this will reduce the service life of the tiles and will contribute to their falling off.

REFERENCE. For the floor, alkyd or acrylic primers are most often chosen. You should not choose a primer whose label says to apply a second coat. This is not suitable for laying tiles.