Which Tile Primers Can You Rely On?

At Pro Tiler Tools, we often get asked: “What primer to use on tiles?”, and more importantly, “Which tile primers actually work?” We understand the frustration of choosing the wrong tile primer that doesn’t bond to your tile or adhesive, which can affect the overall finish and stability of your tiles. This article explores which primer to use before tiling and how to choose one you can really rely on.

What Is Tile Primer?

Tile primer is an essential step in the tiling process. It’s a bonding agent that helps strengthen the connection between the tile and the material you’re working with. Tile primer improves uniformity, even adhesion, and structural integrity, especially on difficult surfaces.  

Do I Need To Use A Primer Before Tiling?

If you think you can skip priming your tiles before installation, think again. This is a crucial step toward a secure, professional-looking finish. Tile primer also offers additional benefits, including:

• Improved bonding strength

• Helps seal porous surfaces

• Surface stabilisation

• Can be used on multiple materials

• Universal application for internal & external tiling

• Enhance underfloor heating performance

• Helps prevent tile bonding failures

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The Different Types of Tile Primer

To get the most from your tile primer, it’s important to know what primer to use before tiling, which is compatible with your tile and substrate materials. 

• Slurry Tile Primer: Due to its thicker consistency, slurry primer is better suited for external, non-absorbent and uneven substrates. It is a cementitious primer and is available under brands such as BAL External Priming Slurry Bond and ProJoint Porcelain Primer High Performance Priming Slurry.

• Acrylic/Polymer-Based Tile Primers: The most popular due to their versatility and compatibility with most materials, and proven to improve adhesion and moisture resistance. Brands include MAPEI ECO Prim T Plus Universal Acrylic Primer and Ultra Tile Fix ProPrimer Advanced Polymer Primer.

• PVA Primers (not recommended): Designed to prime substrates such as wood, cork, textiles or where one surface is non-porous, to provide a solid and even adhesive bond. Popular brands include Everbuild 506 Contractors PVA

Read more: 

• PREMTOOL Launch Adhesives & Primers

• Can You Tile Onto Plasterboard?

The Best Primer For Tiles

Here are some of the most popular tile primers our customers use for internal and external tiling projects. 

Tile Primer	Key Features	Image
PREMTOOL PP5 Advanced Polymer Tile Primer	Suitable for internal and external walls and floors. Multi-substrate compatibility, bonding porous and non-porous substrates. Improves bond strength and performance.  It can be used with underfloor heating systems.
Ultra Floor Prime IT GRIT Ready-To-Use Gritty Primer	Ready-to-use tile primer with rapid drying time. Enhances tile-to-substrate adhesion for superior bonding performance. Ideal for flooring-grade asphalt, bitumen, steel, and existing tiles.
Kerakoll Prime+ Grip Rapid Drying Bond Enhancing Primer	A pre-mixed, ready-to-use, and rapid-drying tile primer. A prime and grip texture for enhanced bonding capabilities. Ideal for non-porous materials such as FAST One Coat DPM, steel, existing thermoplastic tiles, ceramic, porcelain, and natural stone tiles.
Ultra Tile Fix ProPrimer Advanced Polymer Primer	Universal application for internal and external walls and floor tiles. Designed for porous and non-porous substrates. Enhances tile-to-adhesive bonding for a stronger, more even connection.
Mapei Eco Prim Grip Plus	Suitable for internal and external wall and floor tiles. Ideal for non-absorbent surfaces such as ceramic, terrazzo, natural stone, epoxy and polyurethane resins. Also improves bond on substrates such as concrete, brickwork, and vibro-compressed concrete blocks.
Weber PR360 Tiling Primer	Offers good alkali resistance and adhesion properties for wet and dry environments. Suitable for porous and non-porous materials, including: screeds, concrete, plaster, wood, anhydrite, stone, vinyl and steel.  Regulates surface porosity, improves adhesion, and strengthens tile structure.
Larsen Acrylic Primer	Ready-to-use, water-based polymer emulsion with easy application. Acrylic tile primer designed for porous and challenging substrates.  Can be used to seal gypsum plasters or screeds before cement-based adhesives.
Cembloc Cembond SBR Multi-Surface Primer	An emulsion-based primer, which is ideal for porous surfaces. Suitable for materials such as fibre cement, concrete, brick, renders and steel.  Excellent waterproofing and weather-resistance properties.
BAL Prime APD Acrylic Primer	Rapid-drying, easy-to-use, acrylic primer for internal or external wall and floor tiles. Suitable for ceramics, mosaics, and natural stone in wet or dry environments. Smooths tiling surfaces and increases tile-to-substrate bond.

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Choosing the Right Priming Tools

Along with selecting a tile primer you can rely on, you also need reliable tiling tools. To prime your tiles easily and efficiently, pick up a brush or roller such as:

• Faithfull Maxi Roller & Tray Set

• Stanley Mini Roller Kit

• Faithfull Mini Roller Kit

• Kubala Wooden Paint Brush

• Stanley Hobby Paint Brush Set

Read More: 

• What Primer to Use Before Tiling

• A Guide on How to Apply Silicone Sealant

• A Guide To Choosing The Right Tile Trowel

• Six Essential Tiling Tools For Installing Large Format Tiles
  

Tile Primer Based on Substrate Material

An influential factor in selecting the right tile primer for your project is the wall or floor surface you’re working with.

• Porous Surfaces: Acrylic or polymer-based tile primer, like PREMTOOL PP5 Advanced Polymer Tile Primer, is best for porous surfaces, as it helps increase bond strength and moisture resistance.

• Screeds: Use a floor tile primer, like Weber PR360 Tiling Primer, with dual coats and proper dilution to achieve an even, enhanced bond.

• Outdoor Substrates: A slurry tile primer, like BAL Priming Slurry Bond, is best for outdoor tiling, as it’s designed to work with challenging, uneven substrates. 

• Existing Tiles: When tiling over existing tiles, a ‘gritty’ tile primer, like Ultra Floor Prime IT Grit Ready-To-Use Primer, that bonds and grips is your best option. 

Read More: 

• Tiling On An Uneven Floor: Weberfloor Flex

• Porcelain Tile Sealer Guide: Do Porcelain Tiles Need Sealing?

• What Is The Best Tile Adhesive For Outdoor Use?

Selecting a tile primer you can rely on again and again can make your tiling project easier and faster. Knowing what primer to use on tiles can also help deliver a professional finish with less stress and fewer costly fixes. For additional support, our experts at Pro Tiler Tools are on hand to help. Get in touch with us today!