Do you need to prime the walls before plastering?

One frequently asked question about wall finishing is whether priming the walls is necessary before plastering. Priming can occasionally seem like an additional step in a multi-layered, multi-technique process. But knowing the advantages of priming can help you get a finish that is smoother and more resilient.

Prior to plastering, priming your walls can greatly increase the plaster’s adherence to the wall surface. It lessens the possibility of the plaster peeling or cracking over time by helping to create a uniform base. Primers can also aid in sealing porous surfaces by keeping them from absorbing excessive amounts of moisture from the plaster mixture, which could cause uneven drying and weak areas.

Although priming isn’t always necessary—especially for some kinds of walls—it can significantly impact the caliber and durability of your plastering job. Ignoring this step now could save time later on, but it can also result in more repairs and maintenance. When painting new construction or remodeling old walls, using primer is a smart choice that will save you headaches down the road.

Question Answer
Is priming necessary? Yes, priming is recommended before plastering to ensure better adhesion and durability.
Benefits of priming Priming helps to seal the wall surface, reduces absorption, and prevents plaster from cracking.
When to prime? Prime the walls after cleaning and repairing any damages, and before applying plaster.
Types of primers Use a primer suitable for your wall type, such as an acrylic or latex primer for drywall.
Cost considerations While it adds to initial costs, priming can save money in the long run by preventing plaster issues.

Why plaster the walls?

Often, amateurs wonder why plastering the walls is necessary. The following goals are achieved by this finishing stage:

  • Alignment of the building base. This manipulation is performed for further painting or wallpapering. The procedure is carried out so that the appearance of the finish meets the aesthetic needs of users. For this reason, to the question: “Is it necessary to plaster before wallpapering??», the answer will be positive.
  • Masking defects. If there are cracks, depressions or potholes on the surface, then it will not be possible to decorate the surface. First, the defect is masked and only then the finishing coat is applied.
  • If we talk about whether it is necessary to plaster monolithic walls, the craftsmen do not recommend refusing this stage of finishing. Such manipulation is performed to seal the joints of the slabs if wallpaper or paint is used as a decorative coating. When tiling, plastering can be omitted.

From the perspective of the room’s microclimate, why is wall plastering necessary? In this instance, the substance serves the following purposes:

  • Insulates the room. The product seals wall defects and creates an additional layer on the building base, which prevents the penetration of cold into the room.
  • Increasing the strength of partitions erected inside the premises for zoning space. In this case, the material protects surfaces from mechanical impact, increasing the service life of the building base.
  • Protection of the surface from moisture. Water can destroy the base. To prevent this from happening, use moisture-resistant plaster.

When discussing the type of mixture required for plastering, the location of the finishing touches is crucial. The exterior and high-humidity rooms are covered with a cement-based material. A product of this kind is stronger, more resilient to temperature fluctuations, and resistant to moisture and frost. The product’s reasonable cost is another benefit. This is why the content is well-liked. In terms of dry rooms, gypsum plaster is typically utilized in these types of spaces. The material is inexpensive, easy to apply, hardens quickly, and leaves a surface that is durable.

One more thing that amateurs wonder about is if plastering the doorway is really necessary. When replacing doors, this finishing step is carried out. Plastering serves the following functions in this instance:

  • masking of mounting elements;
  • sealing of defects in order to improve thermal insulation;
  • protection of the building base from moisture;
  • noise insulation of the room.

Materials for plastering the surface

Knowing what is required for plastering the walls is important because, when restoring a building base, plastering the surface is an absolute must. The following supplies are needed:

  • plaster;
  • primer;
  • industrial mixer, if a dry mixture is used to prepare the solution;
  • container for dosing the primer;
  • brushes, roller or sprayer for applying the primer;
  • clean bucket for preparing the plaster solution;
  • painting ladle for throwing the solution onto the surface;
  • set of spatulas;
  • industrial float for grouting the material after hardening;
  • rule for leveling the means.

Calculation of the consumption of plaster

The detailed instructions provided on the mixture’s packaging explain how to determine how much plaster is required for a square meter of building base. You can determine on your own how much plaster is required for the entire surface based on this. For instance, with a layer thickness of 10 mm, the consumption of material based on cement is 16–18 kg per 1 m2. 180 kg of the mixture will be needed on average if the surface area is 10 m2.

Rules for preparing a construction basis

The surface needs to be properly prepared for the finish to last for a long time. Should I tear down the outdated plaster? Experts recommend taking down any kind of old decoration. As seen in the picture below, remove the wallpaper, destroy the tiles and plaster, and wash off any paint or whitewashing. If this isn’t done, the old coating will come off with the fresh finish.

To find any weak pieces, the building base is then tapped with a hammer. If any are discovered, the flaws are deepened and widened, and the loose sections are eliminated.

Cleaning is the next step in surface preparation. Dust off and remove any dirt. A degreaser is applied to the surface in the event that there are oily or greasy stains. Take a break afterward to let the base dry.

It is advised to apply an antiseptic treatment when mold and mildew are present. Apply a primer only after that.

Why is a primer required?

Does plastering require primer first? Professionals respond favorably to this query. Reasons for priming:

  • Final cleaning of the building base from dust and dirt. Primer glues even the smallest particles of dirt, which prevents peeling of the finish.
  • Increasing adhesion. Primer improves the adhesion of the building base to the material.
  • Additional protection of the surface from moisture. The primer fills the pores of the building base, preventing moisture from penetrating into the material.
  • Prevention of fungus and mold. This effect is achieved by a primer with antiseptic additives.
  • Saving plaster. Since the primer improves the adhesion of the material to the building base, the solution is applied more easily, which reduces the consumption of the product.

The durability and finish of the plasterwork are improved by priming the walls before applying plaster. It strengthens the bond between the plaster and the wall surface, averting problems like uneven texture and cracking. Primer lowers absorption by sealing the wall, promoting uniform drying and good plaster adhesion. Ignoring this step could result in expensive repairs and a disheveled appearance. Whether applying a primer on drywall or a concrete surface, it’s a small time and cost investment that yields a smoother, more durable finish.

Types of primer

Priming the surface is a must, so amateur finishers who do their own finishing must select the appropriate material. There are various kinds of primers.

  • Universal product. Such material is used for any type of building base. The only exception is metal and wood surfaces. The product prevents the occurrence of mold and mildew, increases the strength of the building base and improves adhesion to plaster. The product has a faint odor and hardens quickly after application.
  • Deep penetration product. The composition is used for any type of surface, including shaky and loose ones. The product penetrates deep into the building base by 10 cm, strengthening the material. The product has a faint odor and a high drying speed.
  • Adhesion primer. Such a product is used to increase the adhesion of the building base to the plaster. Usually, the product is used for smooth surfaces, which include tiles and concrete. After application and hardening, the base acquires the necessary roughness, which significantly improves adhesion to the plaster.

Rules for applying the primer

Only the prepared surface receives the primer application. Alphabet for priming:

  1. If the primer needs to be prepared, the product is diluted with water in the proportions indicated on the package and thoroughly mixed.
  2. The required amount of product is poured into a dosing container.
  3. A brush or roller is impregnated with the product.
  4. The surface is treated with a primer, regularly wetting a brush or roller in the product.
  5. Take a break for the product to dry, the exact time is indicated on the packaging.
  6. Re-treat the surface.

After the product has hardened, plastering is done.

Prior to plastering, priming walls is an important step that can make a big difference in the strength and longevity of your plastering job. Plaster can adhere to walls more easily and securely when a stable, uniform surface is created by priming the wall. This guarantees a smooth and long-lasting finish by lowering the possibility of peeling and cracking over time.

While it may seem like a time-saving measure to skip the priming step, doing so can result in problems like uneven drying, poor plaster adherence, and even surface defects. In the future, these issues might necessitate expensive and time-consuming repairs. Priming at the start of your project can save money by averting these headaches. It also takes less time.

Ultimately, priming the walls is a crucial step in the plastering process, regardless of whether you’re a professional or a do-it-yourself enthusiast. It enhances not just the finished look but also the overall robustness and longevity of your work. You can make sure that your plastering project produces a high-quality finish that endures over time by being aware of the advantages of priming.

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Veronica Gerasimova

Interior designer, author of books on the design of residential premises. I will help you make your home not only functional, but also beautiful.

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