Using a primer on walls before painting or applying wallpaper is a crucial step in ensuring a smooth, durable finish. However, it’s crucial to know how much primer you’ll need to properly cover your walls before you begin.
Although figuring out how much primer is needed per square meter may seem difficult, there are a few basic rules of thumb that will help you determine how much is needed. By doing this, you can save time and money by avoiding making excessive or insufficient purchases.
We’ll go over the variables that affect primer consumption in this post and demonstrate how to precisely determine how much you’ll need for your particular project.
You must account for variables such as surface type, primer coverage rate, and number of coats needed when calculating primer consumption per square meter of wall. You can ensure even coverage and avoid waste by accurately estimating the amount of primer required for your project by knowing these variables.
- Proportions of consumption of the main types of primer
- Proportions for deep penetration primers
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Proportions of consumption of the main types of primer
The rate of soil consumption per square meter does not have a standard proportion. The following variables consistently have an impact on the parameters of consumption:
- structure and type of the surface being treated (wood, metal, concrete, granite, etc..);
- ambient temperature and air humidity level;
- chemical composition of the primer.
We hope the calculation that follows will assist you in estimating the amount of primer used per square meter:
| Type of primer | Approximate norm | Additional characteristics |
|---|---|---|
| Concrete contact | 350 g / m2 | Has a high level of adhesion (bonding), intended for processing dense surfaces with low absorbent (absorbent) properties. Used before covering the work surface with tiles or plaster. |
| Alkyd primer | 120 g / m2 | For processing plasterboard, as well as wooden surfaces, chipboard (chipboard), fiberboard (fiberboard). |
| Water-dispersed | 100 g / m2 | Used to prepare the work surface for painting. |
| For decorative plaster | 200 g / m2 | During finishing work before plastering. |
| Special. primer before gluing wallpaper | 120 g / m2 | No |
| Universal for metal and wood processing | 120 g/m2 | Used to prepare the surface for enameling. |
| Universal type "Optimist" | 130-250 ml/m2 | This is a mixture of several types of specialized primers. Well suited for both metal surfaces and wooden or concrete-stone surfaces. In the instructions for use, as a rule, the proportions for each type of base being processed are written. |
| Anti-corrosion / Primer VL-02 | 10 g/m2 / 120 g/m2 | Required before painting surfaces made of ferrous metals (iron, cast iron, steel). |
The aforementioned standards are illustrative rather than definitive. True consumption typically varies with the degree of material damage sustained during processing. For instance, when the surrounding climate has an immediate impact on the deformation and deterioration of the treated surface, multiple primer layers are applied.
Proportions for deep penetration primers
This kind of soil is commonly used for foundations made of a variety of materials, including brick or concrete walls, metal and wooden structures, and materials with porous structures in particular. Compared to the primers mentioned above, deep penetration primers have a stronger adhesion effect, which will guarantee that the finishing material adheres to the treated surface more successfully.
Deep penetration primer works particularly well on porous materials, such as foam concrete, cinder block, chipboard, and fiberboard. Reducing the quantity of glue, plaster, and paint needed improves the processing of porous substrates. However, the average rate of solution consumption is twice that of primary primers. For a m2 area, 90–180 g of deep penetration primer are used per layer.
Manufacturers always state on the packaging how much soil is needed per square meter, but you should realize that neither the standard shown on the packaging nor the ratios discussed in this article are hard and fast rules. Weather patterns and the extent of damage to the surface (walls, ceilings, floors, etc.) determine the actual consumption.
| Type of Surface | Primer Consumption (per 1 m²) |
| Concrete | 200-300 ml |
| Plaster | 150-250 ml |
| Drywall | 100-150 ml |
| Brick | 300-400 ml |
| Old Paint | 100-200 ml |
You can save time and money by calculating the primer consumption for your walls, which is a simple process. You can determine the precise amount of primer required by knowing the surface type, primer type, and application technique.
Take precise measurements of your walls and refer to the manufacturer’s instructions to determine the appropriate coverage. Remember that elements like wall porosity and texture can influence how much primer is needed.
By taking the time to estimate how much primer you will need, you can make sure you have enough on hand and complete your wall project with a smooth, uniform finish.
