Stabilising Solutions - Everything You Need To Know
When it comes to painting exterior walls, there is a lot to think about. The weather, what paint to use & whether you need to apply a primer or stabilising solution are all-too-common things to bare in mind. That is why our experts have put together this complete guide to stabilising solutions so you can tick it off your list!
What Is A Stabilising Solution?
'Stabilising solution' & 'primer' are two terms that you will see a lot of when researching exterior painting. They in fact refer to the same thing, which is a solution that is applied to exterior walls before painting in order to create a suitable surface to paint.
Generally, when the term stabilising solution is referred to, it is because a treatment is required that will bind chalky masonry surfaces in order to create a solid base for them to be painted. A primer on the other hand is normally referred to when painting bare brickwork & masonry, which often must be primed before painting.
A stabilising solution & a primer serve the same purpose meaning there is no need to apply both a stabilising solution & a primer.
When To Use A Primer Or Stabilising Solution
There are a number of scenarios that can dictate whether to use a priming layer or not.
If The Masonry Is Sound
If the brickwork or render you are painting is completely sound, you do not have to apply a primer or stabilising solution, although many paint manufacturers would recommend using a primer before painting for the best possible performance. Due to the fact that bare bricks are absorbent, your first coat of masonry paint will simply soak into the bricks instead of creating a solid paint film. This is why it is often possible to water down your first coat of paint as a priming layer. Once applied, you can then apply two non-diluted coats of paint.
If The Masonry Is Chalky or Breaking Down
If your exterior walls are chalky or are in less than optimal condition, applying a primer is highly recommended. Each paint manufacturer offers their own primer which they will recommend to use in combination with the masonry paint you opt for.
If You Are Using A Specialist Product
As we have mentioned, paint manufacturers will often recommend using a specific primer or stabiliser when using their product. This is sometimes essential, especially when using a specialist product. Emperor Paint Exterior Masonry Primer for example is a highly advanced super hydrophobic masonry paint that completely repels water and creates a self-cleaning surface on exterior walls. Due to this technology, you must use their Emperor Paint Exterior Masonry Primer as this contains the same super hydrophobic technology. If you use a standard primer, you can impact the performance of the paint.
Which Primer Or Stabilising Solution To Use
Now we have established when to use a primer or stabiliser, the next question is which to opt for.
Emperor Exterior Masonry Primer
When it comes to painting any exterior wall, we highly recommend opting for the Emperor Paint range. Emperor Masonry Paint is the most advanced masonry paint available in the UK thanks to its super hydrophobic technology. It is not only water repellent but it is highly breathable, self-cleaning & heat retaining. Emperor has undergone independent scientific testing through a 25 year accelerated weathering process. After 25 years of heavy weathering, a wall painted with Emperor Masonry Paint showed no signs of deterioration in aesthetic appeal or performance. This is why Emperor Paint offer a lifetime guarantee on their masonry paint & masonry cream.
If you are planning to paint bare brickwork, simply apply one-coat of Emperor Exterior Masonry Primer with a brush or roller, followed by two coats of Emperor Masonry Paint.
Zinsser 1-2-3
If you are looking for a general use exterior primer or stabiliser, a great option is Zinsser Bullseye 1-2-3.
Zinsser BullsEye 123 is a universal primer for interior and exterior surfaces. The water-based formulation provides an effective high adhesion that is recoatable in 60 minutes, making it perfect for getting exterior walls ready to be painted.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What is the white dust on my brickwork?
This is 'brick efflorescence' or ‘salt efflorescence’ is a white powdery deposit that is left on the surface of masonry and other exterior surfaces. Contrary to popular belief, bricks will absorb moisture, which will slowly travel through the capillaries of the masonry. When water soluble salts are dissolved by the moisture, they are then drawn to the surface of brickwork when the water evaporates, leaving an unsightly white coating as a deposit.
To remove efflorescence before painting, simply brush them off using a dry, stiff brush. The migration of the efflorescence can only be prevented long-term by eliminating the movement of moisture through building materials. This can be done using a water repellent masonry paint like Emperor Masonry Paint.
Q. Can you seal brickwork?
When people refer to brick sealers, they are talking about a water repellent coating that seals exterior bricks. These sealers while preventing water entering an exterior wall, also prevent moisture escaping from inside the property. This is because they are not breathable, causing moisture to build up inside the property instead of escaping through the external wall. These sealers act in a similar way to varnish on wood, creating a film on the surface on the brick.
Masonry creams, such as Emperor Masonry Creme, on the other hand are clear waterproof treatments that penetrate into natural brickwork, lining the pores of the substrate without sealing them. It creates a super hydrophobic exterior wall that completely repels water while remaining completely breathable. This allows water vapour to escape the property, but does not allow moisture to soak into exterior walls, which is a key driver of penetrating damp. By keeping walls dry, the masonry cream has been scientifically proven to keep masonry up to 6°C warmer on average.
This should only be used on it's own as it cannot be painted over the top of as it will repel the paint. If you require a coloured system, opt for a waterproof masonry paint.
We hope this has answered any questions you may have had regarding stabilising solutions and when they are required. At Painters World we have a wide range of trade paint, decorating tools & supplies available, so no matter the job, we've got everything you need! Shop our huge range of products today & get FREE next working day delivery on all orders over £50.
