Foundation paints: the comprehensive guide

Primer paints are known as “Primer Paints” in English. They are types of paints we use as a first layer before applying the final paint to various surfaces. We consider it an essential part of the painting process. This is because it helps improve the quality and durability of the final paint. It also improves the life of the surface we want to paint.

 In this article, we will provide a comprehensive guide to foundational paints and talk about their components, types, and functions.

Components of foundation paints

The ingredients of primers vary slightly depending on the type of primer and its different uses. We precisely install these components to meet the requirements of the surface we want to coat and the ambient application conditions. The proportions and types of components also vary depending on the intended purpose of the base paint and the basic materials with which we coat it.

These paints usually include the following elements:

1. Solvents: We add them to distribute other elements and facilitate the application process. Types of solvents: water or organic solvents such as ketones and esters.

2. Resins: They give the final product strength and durability, and contribute to shaping the final surface. Common resins include acrylic, alkyd, and epoxy resins.

3. Fillers: We add them to increase the thickness of the base paint and fill small gaps on the surface. Fillers include lime, talc, barite and others.

4. Binders: We use them to bind fillers and resins together and improve adhesion between the base paint and the surface. Stabilizers are chemicals that enhance cohesion and durability.

5. Additives: We add them to improve the properties of the base paint, such as its adhesion, water resistance, and corrosion resistance. Auxiliaries include color stabilizers, dry stabilizers, and foam stabilizers if the primer has these properties.

Foundation paint jobs

 We use these paints for several basic reasons:

1. Improving the ability of the final paint to adhere to the surface, whether the surface is wood, metal or concrete.

2. Prevent the surface from absorbing moisture or harmful substances from the finished paint, which improves the quality and durability of the paint.

3. Color correction or modifying the base color of the surface, especially when using dark or bright colors.

4. Reduce the use of the final coating required to achieve a uniform and good adhesion effect.

Types of foundation paints

The types of these paints vary depending on the type of surface we paint, such as foundation paints for wood, metal, and concrete. Specialized types are also available for interior and exterior coatings, and for various types of environmental conditions such as humidity and temperature.

The common types of foundation paints are:

1. Acrylic primer paints: They consist of acrylic resins and we consider it quick drying. Typically used for interior and exterior coatings, it provides good adhesion and good weather resistance.

2. Alkyd primer paints: They are based on alkyd resins and we characterize them by their high resistance and ability to withstand harsh weather conditions. Commonly used in exterior and metal coatings.

3. Epoxy primer paints: They are composed of epoxy resins and provide very high strength and durability and are resistant to water and chemicals. Used in applications requiring high chemical resistance or on surfaces subject to constant wetness.

4. Plaster primer paints: They are used to base and prepare the walls before applying the final paints, and they provide a smooth surface that facilitates adhesion.

5. Wood primer paints: used on wood to improve the adhesion of the final paint, prevent the wood from absorbing the paint, and reduce the number of layers required.

The properties of each type of foundation paint vary depending on the components used in their composition and the applications they are suitable for. Each type is used depending on the type of surface to be painted, the surrounding conditions and the specific requirements for the finish.