Do I need to prime a concrete floor

[nburgess]

Hi guys,

I'm about to lay porcelain tiles on my kitchen floor (concerete).
I've taken up the old tiles, spent an age getting up the old adhesive & am just about ready to re-tile. Will probably be going for BAL Rapidset (unless someone can tell me better) & just wanted to know if I need to apply any primer prior to laying the tiles ?

Would appreciate some feedback.

Many thanks.

[doug boardley]

most manufacturers say that you don't need to prime concrete, but I normally do just to seal any loose dust

[nburgess]

Hi Doug - thanks for your prompt reply. Does it matter which primer to use ?
As I see Bal do a 2 or 3...Bond SBR, Primer, APD.... ?

[marty the tiler]

hi some tilers do and some dont if the neat cement on top of slab is solid and not flaky i dont worry about it i like the glue to be absorb into the slab but if u seal could not absorb u dammed if u dont and dammed if u do been tiling 29 years cheers

[doug boardley]

I don't use Bal, way to expensive, but a diluted SBR would be fine for you on the concrete.

[jay]

best to prime that way theres no comeback

[nburgess]

ok thanks guys.
Doug mentioned Bal being particulary expensive - can you recommened a cheaper (but just as good) equivalent ?

[jay]

ok thanks guys.
Doug mentioned Bal being particulary expensive - can you recommened a cheaper (but just as good) equivalent ?

cant help you on prices not based over there when you purchase adhesive ask them just make sure its acrylic not pva hope that helps

[Richard Edwards]

Definately Prime with either acrylic or better still SBR at 4:1 - Sika is about £13 inc vat 5 litres

I would be much more concerned to ensure your applied Self Leveller and got the surface smooth and flat first - use a quality SLC and you will improve the laying quality and the speed of the job.

Hope this helps

[doug boardley]

ok thanks guys.
Doug mentioned Bal being particulary expensive - can you recommened a cheaper (but just as good) equivalent ?

Mapei keraquick