The purpose of primer when assembling PVC is to?

• A. Harden and seal the surface
• B. Clean the pipe with solvent
• C. Increase cement adhesion by roughening the surface with grit
• D. Remove the gloss and soften the top layer of piping

Answer: (D)

PVC primer’s job is to prep the pipe and fittings for joining by removing the glossy finish and softening the outer surface. This deglossing and softening lets the solvent cement fuse the pieces together more effectively, yielding a stronger joint. So removing the gloss and softening the top layer is the best description of what primer does.

The other ideas aren’t right because hardening or sealing would make bonding harder, not easier. Primer isn’t just about cleaning with solvent—its crucial role is to soften and degloss the surface to maximize cement adhesion. It doesn’t involve abrasive grit to roughen the surface, either.