Parquet primer and glue

            Parquet and laminate strips are really just half-finished on their way to a completed floor covering.  We don’t even have the right to say “floor”, since a floor includes the very reinforced concrete slab, the moisture excluding layer, the cement or concrete screed layer, many layers of primer and glue, and the parquet itself…

            Primer and glue are really used more than once.  They are like the crème between the layers of a cake.  The “recipes” for producing a quality floor are few and far between, and they vary by the presence of one or another layer, and even by the materials from which they are manufactured.  Primer and glue are included in any case. 

            If we are familiar with glue in its most trivial form (PVA) from childhood crafts, then the term “primer” crops up in our vocabulary with the first conversation about remodeling.  The primer is a compound manufactured on the basis of different resins (epoxide, alkyd resin, drying oils, etc.), which are applied in thin layers or sometimes sprayed onto the surface which is being prepared for coloring, varnishing or adhesion to another surface.  The primer smoothes out rough spots and fills in pores, evens out the absorbing capacity, protects metals from corrosion, and brings out the pattern in woods.  Before priming the surface it is desirable to clean it with an industrial vacuum cleaner.

            When do we use the primer?  Over the concrete screed layer before the leveling compound (concrete dust can be removed by spraying); then the leveling compound itself is primed, to which the plywood is glued; the plywood is primed, and then the parquet is glued down;  on the surface of the parquet itself primer and lacquer are alternated with one another three to four times.  With so many “creamy” layers the parquet cake does not spread, but remains solid.  There are other methods of installation with fewer number of layers of primer and glue.

            The choice of primer determines the glue to be used.  In parquet glue, the water content should not exceed 7%.  By way of comparison, the water content of PVA is near 55%, or even higher.

            Parquet glues come in three types:

- dispersing glues have very little moisture, are nontoxic, environmentally friendly, and harmless to people.  They are recommended for use with oak parquet.

- solvent-based.  These glues may be used for parquet of any type and on any foundation.  Solvent-based glue is the leader on the world market – they have very little effect on the wood and are easy to apply.  Ethanol is used as the solvent, which is harmful to humans.

-reactive glues contain neither water nor solvents.  They adhere tightly to the wooden surface, and are distinguished by their high stability toward the effects of chemicals.   Sanding is possible as early as the next day following application. 

The Bona, Thomsit and Bostik brands can boast of having the most successful lines of glues.  Carefully read through the manufacturer’s recommendations before choosing your glue and primer.  Thoroughness and reasonableness in choosing will justify themselves through trouble-free use of your parquet for many long years.