Elements Primer FAQ

The term “Nano” is a measurement and not an object and is a direct and sole reference to the scale of the molecules in the specific material. One “nanometre” (nm) equals one millionth of a millimetre.

Examples of nano-materials in nature that exists without any human modification are the water repelling structures on a lotus leaf, a gecko’s ability to walk on glass, the UV protection in the edelweiss plant, anti reflective eyes of moths, and the fact that milk is nano-protein particles suspended in water.

Silanes and polysiloxanes are the two most common types of water repellents, and are both derived from the silicone molecule.

Once fully cured, the coating is stable, non-toxic, and safe for everyday use on unglazed ceramics.

They are safe and effective when applied as directed—undiluted, in thin layers via brush, spray, or dip on clean, dry surfaces. They enhance durability without compromising breathability.

Elements Primer  is a liquid consisting of of silanes and polysiloxanes that acts as a primer on vitrified unglazed ceramics,  to prepare the surface before the final sealer or varnish is applied.

It is similar to  a primer on a plastered wall to prepare it for the final coat of paint.

In using Elements Primer according to the instructions, less of the more expensive sealers like Elements Air, Elements Air Lite and Elements Earth is used.

Please see the section below: “How do I apply Elements Primer”.

It is recommended that Elements Primer is used on all porous clay to prepare the vitrified unglazed ceramic surface of all types of clay, This includes terracotta, earthenware, wild clay and stoneware.

This primes the clay for the final sealer. It is recommended to use this under all the Elements sealers to improve the spread rate of the sealers.

It is not necessary to use Elements Primer on porcelain, as porcelain is  a highly vitrified clay. Using the Elements sealers on porcelain without the primer gives sufficient protection at a very low spread rate.

Please see the downloadable document in the Elements Primer Shop section.

The primer can be used with Elements Air, Air lite and Earth. The purpose of the Primer is to prepare the unglazed vitrified (fully fired) BEFORE the chosen Elements sealer is applied,  so that less of the more expensive product is necessary and the spread rate is increased.  In other words, so that less of the expensive liquid is used.  Much like one would prime an unpainted plastered wall before applying the paint.

*NOTE: if you work in porcelain fired to 1200 deg. Celsius and above, you don’t need to prime the clay before-hand with the Primer, as the clay is already quite dense.

• Shake the bottle well before application.
• Wash the vitrified unglazed surface with a soft soap. Dishwashing liquid and a soft sponge works well.
• Rinse well with clean water. From that point onward always handle the ceramic piece with gloves to prevent oil from your fingers to contaminate the surface. NOTE: only use powder free gloves
• Let the piece dry properly over a few days. Any moisture still left in the clay will affect the application of the
• Any type of brush can be used but it must be clean: a synthetic brush works well as it does not absorb any of the precious liquid.
• Decant a small amount of Primer into a container and start to brush the liquid on. Depending on the porosity of the vitrified clay two or three wet-in-wet coats should be sufficient. Three layers are recommended for products sealed with Elements Earth.
• Set aside to cure. Touch dry in 60 minutes. To achieve full strength of all the layers, cure for 24 hours before applying the selected ELEMENTS nano sealer.
• Any unused liquid can be thrown back into the main container.
• Brushes can be cleaned with a soft soap like dishwashing liquid.
• SAFETY: ALWAYS WEAR GLOVES AND A MASK WHEN APPLYING THIS PRODUCT
• ELEMENTS PRIMER DOES NOT CHANGE THE NATURAL APPEARANCE OF THE UNGLAZED CLAY AT ALL
• After the primer has cured for 24 hrs you can proceed to apply one of the ELEMENTS nano coatings of your choice.

PLEASE SEE MY INSTAGRAM ACCOUNT @elements_ceramics FOR SHORT CLIPS ON HOW TO APPLY THE PRODUCTS. ESPECIALLY THE BRUSH TO USE AND THE BRUSHING TECHNIQUE FOR THE PRIMER.

(The technique is the same as for AIR)