Vinyl flooring is one of the most popular choices for floors in homes, public buildings such as schools and hospitals, as well as businesses. It has a great price, it's durable, simple to maintain, and won't get messed up easily, even in busy areas. But, before you slap on those vinyl sheets or tiles, it's smart to think about using primer vinyl products. The primer will make a solid connection between the floor and the tile, guaranteeing it stays put and lasts a good while. If you haven't used such a primer before and have no idea how to use it, or why it's such a great idea, here are detailed steps and reasons why give it a try.
Floor Primers
A floor primer is crucial for improving the durability and preventing delamination of the floor. It seeps into the pores of the substrate and creates a strong bond that can withstand any situation. No matter if you're working with porous or non-porous surfaces, using a flooring primer will create a solid foundation for the base coat.
When it comes to adding any type of flooring, especially peel-and-stick vinyl tiles, to porous surfaces like plywood or concrete, priming is a must. The thin layer of adhesive on the back of these tiles is not enough to fill the gaps, which can lead to bubbling, peeling, or complete detachment. By applying a vinyl primer as a base, you ensure a secure and long-lasting bond for the tiles.
The Importance of Priming
Using a primer vinyl is a smart move when it comes to your finished floor. It adds an extra layer of protection to your vinyl sheets or tiles, making them more resistant to wear and tear caused by heavy foot traffic. Plus, it takes care of filling in any tiny gaps on the subfloor surface, ensuring that the adhesive on the back of the tile sticks like glue. So, you can say goodbye to any worries about your floor withstanding high traffic.
Applying Floor Primer
Step 1
To apply flooring primer, start by removing any existing material from the floor. Let's say you have concrete floors with wax on them, in that case, it's important to get rid of the wax before installing vinyl tiles. Self-adhesive tiles won't adhere properly to wax or oily surfaces. It's important to have a clean surface not just for the tiles, but also for the first layers of primer. Give your floors a good mop using a mixture of ¼ cup of ammonia and 4 litres of warm water. This solution will effectively eliminate any leftover wax.
Step 2
After completing the previous step, move on to cleaning the floor with a vacuum. It's important to be thorough and remove all dust and debris, as even tiny particles can cause issues with the primer flooring and your self-adhesive vinyl tiles or sheets.
Step 3
Next, focus on repairing any gaps or holes in the floor. Uneven areas will be visible through the tiles, so use a chisel to prepare the holes for filling and strengthen the edges. Don't forget to clean out the dust from the chiselled holes with a small vacuum brush.
Step 4
Make sure to level out any uneven spots on the floor before applying vinyl flooring. Uneven surfaces can cause issues, especially with stick-and-peel tiles. Even a slight difference between two spots on the floor can cause the tiles to separate under pressure. To achieve a flat and smooth surface, it's recommended to spread a self-leveling compound in the end.
Benefits of Using Flooring Primer
Adhesion
Floor priming penetrates the substrate, allowing the floor overlay to bond securely. By using floor primers, you ensure that the floor overlay sticks firmly to the substrate. This not only enhances the durability of your floor but also reduces the chances of chipping and breaking.
Bubbles Won't Emerge
Using a floor primer can really help prevent those annoying bubbles, especially when applying thicker coats, like for self-levelling, air gets trapped in the concrete and creates gas bubbles and pinholes. But if you make sure to properly prime your floors, you won't have to worry about any gas or air escaping because you'll be sealing off the surface.
Reduced Absorption
The primer helps prevent the products from being absorbed by the surface. Sometimes, the surface can be quite absorbent, so if you try to apply a coat on it, it may lead to a dull matte finish because the surface will soak up all the liquids. That's why it's important to use floor primer before putting down your vinyl sheets or tiles.
Resistance Capabilities
Floor primers are famous for their resistance capabilities, which is why they are a popular choice for durable flooring. They can endure shocks, chemicals, water, and heat, making them the best choice for garages where corrosive chemicals from cars can be an issue.
Easy Maintenance
Coating the substrate not only makes maintenance a breeze but also prevents dust and cement particles from spreading to other surfaces in the room. Plus, the floor primer acts as a sanitary option by repelling bacteria, germs, grime, and other contaminants.
