Ready to get down to painting with Elastomeric? Before doing so, you may wonder whether you need to prime it. Elastomeric paint is quite different from the usual paint you buy in the market, so does it mean you'll need to use a primer? Well, we're here to help you answer this!
Elastomeric paint is just like any other paint when it comes to priming: it needs it. Elastomeric doesn't penetrate the surface you put it on; it only covers the outside.
That's why priming is crucial if you want the paint to adhere well and last long. The primer will also help cover imperfections to protect against moisture.
Do you still need more reasons to primer your surface before applying elastomeric paint to convince you further? We've got more information on the deck for you. Furthermore, if you finally decide to prime, we've included a guide. With that said, let's dive right in!
Primer On Elastomeric Paint
The most important reason you should prime for elastomeric paint is that although it's thick, it doesn't soak through your surface and can't easily stick to it.
That's where the importance of paint primers comes in; because it provides a rough and porous texture for your surface, your elastomeric can adhere well.
Using them is the best way to assure you that your elastomeric paint doesn't peel because of the lack of adhesion.
In addition, primers help with helping your elastomeric paint last long because of their waterproofing ability. They penetrate under the imperfections on your surface, which moisture can get in.
Elastomeric paint doesn't seep through spots like this, and priming can cover up for this instead.
How To Apply Primer Before Paint
Have you finally decided to prime before painting? If yes, you've scrolled down to the right post.
Here's how you should do it:
1. Choose Your Primer
There are different types of primers suitable for specific surfaces, so before starting the process, you should ensure that you have the correct paint primer.
To help you, here are the paint primers you can choose from:
Oil-based primer is best for surfaces that people always touch, including doors and cabinets. Aside from this, they're also great for woods.
See this oil-based primer on Amazon.
Water-based or latex primer can block things from staining your surface.
Furthermore, it is an excellent choice if the spot you're priming and will paint has paste filled on them. Also, they provide crack resistance and suit drywalls or bare wood.
Check out this latex primer on Amazon.
Paint-and-primer-in-one can seal and cover areas with just one coat.
However, they don't work as well as other primers and function more like paint.
So, if you plan to use it as a base and apply paint after, it can't provide adhesion or other primers.
Tap here to see this paint-and-primer on Amazon.
2. Prepare Your Area
Move all the furniture near the surface you'll apply your primer. Then, protect any furniture you can't move and your floor in the area by covering it with a drop cloth.
On the other hand, if you find nails where you'll prime, remove them using a hammer. Meanwhile, if you find screws, use a screwdriver instead.
If your wall has holes or cracks, fill them with putty. Then, clean any residue left on your wall using water with soap mixed n them and wipe it on your wall with a lint-free cloth.
And lastly, tape around the corners of the surface where you don't want the primer on.
See this canvas drop cloth on Amazon.
3. Apply Your Primer
After all the preparation, your surface is ready for priming. Follow these steps to finish the task successfully:
- Apply paint primer on the corners and edges of the area using a brush.
- Pour your primer over a paint tray. Then, with paint rollers, apply the primer on the remaining spots.
- Leave the primer to dry before the second coating or before you lightly sand it with fine-grit sandpaper to smoothen your surface.
Check out this paint roller set on Amazon.
How Long Before You Can Apply Electromeric Paint On Primer?
Never start painting if your primer still isn't dry enough. The drying time of primers highly depends on what type of it you've used, but generally, primers must sit for at least 24 hours before you can start painting.
To be more specific, latex primer takes 30 to 60 minutes to dry and should be primed within 21 days before it loses effectiveness.
Meanwhile, oil-based primers dry after 8 to 24 hours and can only sit for up to 14 days without painting.
Lastly, water-based primers dry within 30 to 60 minutes to dry and are best painted within 72 hours after application but can last for one to three days before losing adhesion.
What Is The Best Way To Apply Elastomeric Paint?
Before painting elastomeric, ensure that the surface you'll put it on is clean. You can do this through power washing between 2000 and 2500 psi to prevent damage.
Note that you shouldn't add bleach or cleaner to the water for power washing.
But, if you don't have a power washer, you can use a stiff broom or wire brush instead and wash the surface with water after. Then, leave the surface for air drying.
After cleaning the area you'll paint, you can then proceed with applying your elastomeric by doing these:
- Mix the product with a stir stick. The elastomeric paint may have settled under the can, so you must mix it well before applying. Avoid creating bubbles while doing so.
- Wet your brush or roller, then remove the excess water by squeezing it out.
- Apply the paint with your damp brush or roller. You can try painting in a "V" shape to cover all the areas.
- Leave the paint to dry and apply a second coat. Generally, the thickness of the product during application should be in 20 dry mils, which needs two coats to achieve. Ensuring this is achieved is essential to provide you with the best weather and waterproofing. However, you may check for the recommendations of your elastomeric manufacturer for this too.
Tap here to see this paint stir stick on Amazon.
How Long Does Elastomeric Paint Take To Dry?
The time it'll take for elastomeric to dry depends on the weather in your area. Elastomeric can dry and be painted within four to six hours at an ideal warm temperature.
Furthermore, it will be dry to the touch, can be walked on after 24 to 36 hours, and cured after about two weeks.
Can You Paint Over Elastomeric Paint?
You can paint over elastomeric paint, even though it's a different product type, especially if you want a darker color for your surface.
Though elastomeric has many benefits, it doesn't provide dark colors and appears chalky, so using another paint is best for them.
Additionally, they take oil or acrylic latex paint well. But, this type of paint cannot fill pinholes of your elastomeric coating, so if you're considering using them for this purpose, you may need a different course of action.
How Long Does Elastomeric Paint Last?
Elastomeric paint can last up to ten years, making them an excellent choice for exterior walls or surfaces. Unlike ordinary paints, it's more durable, so it may even last longer than its expected lifespan.
Aside from this, it provides a watertight protective coating on your surface, making it last long without damage.
To Finish
You should prime surfaces you'd apply elastomeric paint to ensure the product adheres well. Elastomeric only covers the outside of the surface and doesn't soak in. It may peel off without any primer immediately after application or drying.
The primer acts as a rough adhesive for the Electrolux paint while also blocking moisture from getting into the surface you'd paint, so there shouldn't be any reason not to choose to apply it.
It shouldn't be a complex task if you're confused about how to prime after finally deciding to apply it. You only have to choose the primer most suitable for you, prep your surface, then put your elastomeric paint on the surface with a brush or roller.
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Thank you for this very wonderful and informative article about elastomeric paint that needs primer. This is a great idea that is well written.