Primers for Cement Surfaces
Many do-it-yourself shows will tell you not to use any primers or sealers on the surface prior to applying an epoxy coat. However, countless professionals do use an epoxy primer on cement floors even when they prepare the floor by shot blasting. Most homeowners do not use a primer under a 100% solids floor epoxy coating, with little or not problems. Yet, the use of a proper primer will provide insurance against any moisture that may be trapped within the concrete.
Primers server several purposes, first, they soak into the cement, providing a well-adhered surface for the epoxy to adhere. Second, primers seal and fill in small cracks and holes in the surface where air could be released into the thicker floor epoxy. This is known as outgassing and is a very common problem the epoxy is applied when temperatures are below the recommended range or when the epoxy is applied in direct sunlight. In addition, other problems can occur such as fisheyes, which is when silicone, oil, or grease, were still on the floor when the epoxy was applied and create the illusion of fisheyes embedded in the epoxy. Primers will block these occurrences. However, the use of a primer does not mean you can omit, properly preparing and cleaning the concrete surface.
After you have applied the primer, you must wait approximately 1 day for the primer to properly dry before applying the epoxy.
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