Primer and cement for PVC - Stupid Question?

jtarmitage · 06/06/2007, 01:12 AM

I understand the need to prime the pvc before cementing, but I have a few questions:
1- Are you supposed to let the primer dry before cementing?
2 - If you use the recommended purple primer, won't that purple show up through the clear pvc cement and ruin the clean, clear look? Or is the primer supposed to be wiped off before cementing?

Hop · 06/06/2007, 01:39 AM

1. It dries really fast.

2. Weld on and a few other companies offer a clear alternative for gluing clear PVC. But what are you gluing that is clear? Make sure that it is PVC and not acrylic, that takes another, different type of solvent/glue...

EDIT: I just re-read your post and I'm confused? Clear PVC glue? Primer is just a clear solvent that cleans the pipe of dirt, debris and oils. The PVC glue is what adheres it. It is true that the blue and purple glue might look a little rough. I guess if you are looking for good, clean looking joints, you have to be really careful. Or do like I'm doing on my current build and go back and paint the entire pipe after gluing with krylon fusion

Freed · 06/06/2007, 02:14 AM

You don't wipe the primer off. Let it dry for a few minutes before adding the glue. You can put just enough on the end of the fittings/pipes to where when you put the clear cement on and then push them together the purple won't show past the connected fittings. You would have to be really careful though. Priming and then gluing can be pretty messy. It can be done. Don't skimp on the primer or the glue though to get a clean look. You don't want to jeopardize a good leak proof fit.

PJSEA · 06/06/2007, 04:25 AM

You can use the PVC Cleaner, which is clear, to do the same thing as the Primer. Use the cleaner in place of the Primer before the solvent.
Plumbing codes require the purple primer so inspectors could easily see that the joints were cleaned before joining. Since you're not doing a code installation you don't need the purple primer.

asm481 · 06/06/2007, 05:48 AM

Also, Primer is not required unles a pressure application accordinding to Oatey. I use the primer though. And yes the cleaner works just as good.

datablitz · 06/06/2007, 08:25 AM

i just use the oaty medium pvc glue that comes in a black label metal bottle, no primer, just the glue. and the glue is clear.

jtarmitage · 06/06/2007, 09:37 AM

Thanks everyone. That is what I thought, but just wanted to be sure before I did on the entire plumbing setup which extends into another room.

06/06/2007, 01:12 AM	#1
jtarmitage Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Happy Valley, OR Posts: 3,926	Primer and cement for PVC - Stupid Question? I understand the need to prime the pvc before cementing, but I have a few questions: 1- Are you supposed to let the primer dry before cementing? 2 - If you use the recommended purple primer, won't that purple show up through the clear pvc cement and ruin the clean, clear look? Or is the primer supposed to be wiped off before cementing? __________________ Jeremy No dear, not a flood. Just an unintentional water change.... If you view your problem closely enough, you will recognize yourself as part of the problem Current Tank Info: 92g in the works

06/06/2007, 01:39 AM	#2
Hop Carpe Noctem!!! Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Western Colorado Posts: 8,548	1. It dries really fast. 2. Weld on and a few other companies offer a clear alternative for gluing clear PVC. But what are you gluing that is clear? Make sure that it is PVC and not acrylic, that takes another, different type of solvent/glue... EDIT: I just re-read your post and I'm confused? Clear PVC glue? Primer is just a clear solvent that cleans the pipe of dirt, debris and oils. The PVC glue is what adheres it. It is true that the blue and purple glue might look a little rough. I guess if you are looking for good, clean looking joints, you have to be really careful. Or do like I'm doing on my current build and go back and paint the entire pipe after gluing with krylon fusion __________________ Hop Current Tank Info: 300-gallon in-wall system (mixed reef)

06/06/2007, 02:14 AM	#3
Freed It's what it's Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: 41° 2' 45" N 85° 8' 43" W Posts: 7,579	You don't wipe the primer off. Let it dry for a few minutes before adding the glue. You can put just enough on the end of the fittings/pipes to where when you put the clear cement on and then push them together the purple won't show past the connected fittings. You would have to be really careful though. Priming and then gluing can be pretty messy. It can be done. Don't skimp on the primer or the glue though to get a clean look. You don't want to jeopardize a good leak proof fit. __________________ Freed Current Tank Info: 180gal(1120 watts of MH/VHO light), 60gal "sump", Deltec 601 calcium reactor, Euro Reef CS8-3+ skimmer, 20 gallon QT

06/06/2007, 09:37 AM	#7
jtarmitage Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Happy Valley, OR Posts: 3,926	Thanks everyone. That is what I thought, but just wanted to be sure before I did on the entire plumbing setup which extends into another room. __________________ Jeremy No dear, not a flood. Just an unintentional water change.... If you view your problem closely enough, you will recognize yourself as part of the problem Current Tank Info: 92g in the works

06/06/2007, 04:25 AM	#4
PJSEA Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Pawleys Island, SC Posts: 295	You can use the PVC Cleaner, which is clear, to do the same thing as the Primer. Use the cleaner in place of the Primer before the solvent. Plumbing codes require the purple primer so inspectors could easily see that the joints were cleaned before joining. Since you're not doing a code installation you don't need the purple primer.

06/06/2007, 05:48 AM	#5
asm481 Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Kenosha Wisconsin Posts: 593	Also, Primer is not required unles a pressure application accordinding to Oatey. I use the primer though. And yes the cleaner works just as good.

06/06/2007, 08:25 AM	#6
datablitz Moved On Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Blacklick, Ohio Posts: 347	i just use the oaty medium pvc glue that comes in a black label metal bottle, no primer, just the glue. and the glue is clear.