Automotive Primers: Which Should I Use?
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We all know that primers are used to prevent corrosion, improve adhesion and create a smooth, stable surface for topcoats. But with such an array of primers available it can be confusing to know which primer is best, especially as some primers are known by more than one name. One thing we can be sure about is there’s no such thing as a ‘one size fits all’ primer.
To simplify this, let’s take a look at the types of primer in the ProXL range.
Etch Primers
Etch primers contain an acid that etches into the surface of the metal to increase adhesion between it and the primer. This replicates the cataphoretic dip priming process used in car manufacturing.
ProEtch
ProEtch is a fast-drying acid etch primer that improves adhesion with many difficult substrates including alloy, stainless steel, Zintec and galvanised steel. It produces a super smooth non-porous finish that is suitable for any topcoat.
It is sold as a 500ml aerosol with two nozzles, one being the unique Vari-nozzle that gives a choice of spray pattern at a turn.
Adhesion Promoter Primer
Adhesion promoter primers aren’t the same as basecoat primers for topcoats but are used to improve the adhesion of vehicle trims etc.
UltraGrip
UltraGrip is a technically-advanced adhesion promoter that offers excellent adhesion to virtually any substrate. It is fast drying, with very low film build-up.
It has been tested on most types of plastic, and non-ferrous metals including aluminium and stainless steel, glass, porcelain and electro-coated substrates.
1k High-Build Primers
High-build primers combine the features of a basecoat primer and a fine surface filler to simultaneously protect against corrosion, improve adhesion and smooth out minor surface imperfections. This combination reduces the number of processes required to prepare a surface for the topcoat.
UltraBuild
This is a unique high-build spray filler-primer that provides excellent adhesion to many difficult substrates including plastics and aluminium. It dries fast, sands easily and is compatible with water and solvent-based topcoats.
UltraBuild is available in grey, black and white
XpressBuild
This is an ultra-high performance primer that combines excellent film build and hold-up with an exceptionally quick dry-to-sand time.
It can be used directly on many substrates including bare metal and most plastics and is suitable for water or solvent-based topcoats.
XpressBuild is available in grey, black, white
SpectroPrime
SpectroPrime is a coloured primer-surfacer for fast spot-priming under topcoats that present difficult coverage, delivering an exceptionally smooth surface.
It also provides anti-corrosive properties and excellent adhesion to many difficult substrates including alloy, stainless steel, Zintec and galvanised steel.
SpectroPrime is sold in a aerosol and is available in a number of popular colours:
- Black
- White
- Green
- Blue
- Red
- Yellow
2K Primers
Two-component 2K primers are ideal for surfaces that are likely to experience high wear. The chemical crosslinking that occurs during the curing process enhances adhesion and resistance to water, oils and solvents.
Pro2KPrime
A high-build primer combined with 2K aerosol technology, Pro2KPrime can be applied to a wide range of substrates with outstanding adhesion and sealing properties.
It is also very quick-drying and offers great build.
Pro2KPrime is sold in small and large aerosols , both equipped with the unique Vari-nozzle that gives the user a choice of spray pattern for flexibility.
4:1 Primer Filler
This is a high-quality, versatile 2K acrylic primer that offers excellent adhesion to a range of substrates including difficult plastics such as PP, PE and ABS.
4:1 Primer Filler offers rapid drying time and can be applied wet-on-wet. A lid and paddle can be added to the tin to allow for easy dosing and automatic mixing of your paint scheme.
Available in white, black and grey in 1.25ltr kit and Grey and white in 4ltr kits
Zinc-Rich Primer
Zinc-rich primers are formulated for refinishing OEM-plated zinc-coated steel car bodies.
ProZinc
This is a quick-drying zinc primer with excellent adhesion, providing lasting corrosion prevention.
Alu-Zinc Primer
Alu-zinc primers are formulated for refinishing OEM plated aluminium car bodies.
ProAlu
ProAlu offers excellent adhesion to aluminium, great drying time and a highly corrosion-resistant finish.
Supplied with 2 different nozzles, including the unique Vari-nozzle with its choice of spray pattern for flexibility, ProAlu is sold as a aerosol
Epoxy Primer
A 1K epoxy primer is a good all-rounder that doesn’t require the premixing of 2k primers.
1KEpoxy
ProXL 1K epoxy primer is quick-drying, adheres superbly to bare metal and contains active rust-preventing pigments. It is also suitable as a welding primer and can be used wet-on-wet.