Base coats are required to prepare the surface of the substrate before applying the render, if not utilised, the completed appearance might have a ‘ghosting’ effect. The external wall insulation process has the need to use base coat materials. This is due to their unique function to secure and seal the insulating material layers allowing the substrate to prepare for rendering.

What Does Basecoat Mean?

A basecoat is the initial layer of paint or other coating substance that acts as the foundation for the application of the top or finishing coat. If a priming coat is necessary, it is applied before the basecoat

Pigments and fillers are generally used in the basecoat to hide small surface flaws and improve the colour and overall look of the coating above it.

Explaining Basecoat

Basecoats come in a variety of options, each designed for a specific purpose. A basecoat is used in a multi-stage coating system for one or more of the following reasons:

• The basecoat colour enhances the overall appearance of the paint by providing colour to the top or final layer.For example, a white basecoat makes a bright yellow topcoat much brighter and shinier.
• Wall painting requires a basecoat to hide tiny cracks, dents, or scratches and give a clear, smooth surface for the final or top coating in commercial and residential projects.

While single-stage coating is less expensive and faster, it lacks the durability, colour, gloss, film thickness, and other critical coating characteristics that a basecoat may give.

When is it the right time to apply a basecoat?

Due to its versatility, it can be applied at several different points throughout the installation process. When applying it as a reinforcement layer, you should apply it directly to the substrate. When using it as an adhesive to fix insulation boards to a substrate, you can apply it to the back of the insulation board before fixing it to the substrate.