When installing a wood floor, it’s tempting to focus solely on the final finish, but skipping an important step – priming the subfloor – can impact the floors durability, appearance and lifespan.
So, let’s explore why priming a subfloor is important, and how it can prevent common flooring issues further down the line.
Know Your Subfloor – Material Types & Porosity
It’s worth noting that certain subfloor types, such as concrete or plywood, are more porous than others, making priming even more essential to prevent issues further down the line.
By taking the time to prime a subfloor, you can protect wood floors, ensure a seamless long-lasting installation and avoid common pitfalls such as loose boards.
Stronger Bonds with Improved Adhesion
When laying wood floors, priming the subfloor is typically essential for a secure bond between the subfloor, adhesive and wood flooring
Timber subfloors (especially plywood, and concrete/cementitious screeds etc.) can be quite porous, which is where a good primer is beneficial. The primer seals the surface, which reduces the amount of adhesive absorbed by the subfloor, allowing the adhesive to flow and bond much better to the wood flooring. It also means less adhesive is required, making it more efficient.
For those looking to maximise both efficiency and effectiveness, Marldon MXS150 Rapid MVS offers outstanding versatility as a moisture vapour suppressant and primer.
This single-part, solvent-free, polyurethane-based product can handle moisture levels of up to 92% RH in just two coats, providing a reliable barrier against moisture-related damage.
Plus, the MXS150 can also be applied in a single coat as a primer on a wide variety of substrates and works seamlessly with underfloor heating systems.
Marldon MXS150 has been specifically formulated to perform well with a range of smoothing compounds, Marldon adhesives, and other subfloor preparation products. This multipurpose solution is designed to support faster, hassle-free installations, making it a great choice for professional installers who need to streamline their process without compromising quality.
Marldon MXS120 Universal Subfloor Primer is a reliable acrylic option that works well on both porous substrates like cementitious screeds and timber, sealing the surface to reduce adhesive absorption and provide better bonding. It’s also flexible, making it suitable for some underfloor heating systems.
If you’re working with non-porous surfaces or non-absorbent areas, Marldon MXS170 Textured Primer is an effective, ready-to-use solution. It promotes adhesion before smoothing compounds on various subfloors and dries quickly, providing a textured surface that’s ideal for more challenging installations.
Marldon MXS160 Epoxy Primer is a durable, two-part water-based epoxy primer for porous surfaces where extra strength is required for a smoothing compound, primarily when using a cementitious-based smoothing compound onto a calcium sulphate/anhydrite screed, or vice versa. Solvent-free and suitable for a variety of situations, it creates a robust surface that stands up to the test of time.
A Preventative for Future Repairs
Taking the time to prime a subfloor is an investment in the future durability of wood floors.
A properly primed subfloor is less likely to experience issues such as moisture-related damage, weak spots, or separation over time. This protection can help avoid costly repairs or replacements down the line, ensuring your wood floor installations continue to look and perform at their best for longer.
What if Moisture is Present?
If there is moisture in the subfloor you may need to use a damp proof membrane (DPM) rather than just a primer, however, we always recommend performing a test with a moisture meter first to check for any moisture that may be present in the subfloor.
Moisture issues, especially in concrete or sand-cement subfloors can cause swelling, warping or loosening of wood floors over time.
The Marldon MXS140 DPM is a reliable two-part epoxy solution that has been designed to protect against residual moisture and provide a guaranteed surface DPM even in high-humidity conditions with just 1 single coat!
The MXS140 DPM is ideal for various flooring types and some underfloor heating systems, that provide a fast-drying barrier within just 3-4 hours in most cases!
A DPM not only blocks moisture but can also act as a primer, and in turn promotes better adhesion on challenging surfaces, including mastic asphalt, making it a versatile and time-saving solution.
Ready to Find the Right Primer for the Job?
If you’d like to discuss your priming needs or explore our range of primers and adhesives, our team is here to help! Feel free to reach out by sending an email to [email protected] or call 01772 696600 so we can help you find the best solution. Alternatively, you can shop all of the products featured in this blog post by visiting our partner brand’s webshop, FloorBase HERE!