9 types of epoxy primers in spray cans, scope and which is the best
In the process of local repair of a car, you need to use an epoxy, anti-corrosion or acrylic primer in a spray can. The choice of a one-component aerosol formulation depends on the type of surface to be treated. After all, a car consists of different parts. Each base requires a specific primer. Primer is used for corrosion protection, smoothing minor irregularities and increasing paint adhesion.
Advantages and disadvantages of spray can floors
Benefits of using an aerosol primer:
- completely ready to use;
- easy to apply;
- dries quickly;
- gives an even thin layer;
- allows you to achieve smooth transitions between dissimilar areas;
- suitable for local repairs;
- depending on the composition, it has a number of useful properties (protects against corrosion, wear, adverse external factors);
- extends the life of the part or treated area;
- improves paint adhesion.
Disadvantages of the spray:
- has a fluid consistency (viscous soils are sold only in cans);
- relatively high price;
- quickly consumed (enough for a small area).
Composition and scope
When repairing a car locally, it is recommended to use an aerosol self-primer. The spray is completely ready for use and allows you to quickly prime a small damaged area. True, the car consists of different materials. Accordingly, each piece needs some type of primer.
Several types of car primers are sold at car dealerships (acrylic, epoxy, anti-corrosion). Each spray has its own composition. Typically, a primer is applied in a cylinder prior to paint application. It can only be sprayed on a clean base.
Thanks to the primer, the surface is leveled, small irregularities are filled, the adhesion of the paint increases. Depending on the composition, the aerosol is used: to protect a car from corrosion, to strengthen the base to be painted, to increase adhesion. When repairing a car body, an epoxy primer is most often used. It contains special resins, fillers, chemical reagents, which make it possible to create a protective film on the metal surface that prevents corrosion.
Primer is used not only for repairing metal bodywork, but also before painting plastic, wooden or aluminum car parts. A different ground type is applied to each base. It is advisable to prime and paint the surface with paint and varnish products from one manufacturer.
Soil is widely used in everyday life, for example, during repair and construction work. The walls, ceilings, floors of the premises must be primed before painting.True, when carrying out repair and construction work, they use liquid earth in canisters (boxes), which is applied to the surface with a roller or brush. Spray primer is used for priming small items (radiators, parts, crafts, furniture).
Varieties and recommendations for choice
The modern paint and varnish industry offers a wide range of aerosol primers for cars. It is recommended that each spray be used strictly as directed. The aerosol is applied only on the basis specified in the instructions. It is forbidden to mix different types of automotive floors during the priming process.
Do not prime the plastic with a metallic compound.
Acrylic
The most accessible and cheapest composition. It is used to improve adhesion (stickiness of paint to the surface of a car). There are sprays specifically designed for priming metals that have anti-corrosion properties. Acrylic is typically used as a topcoat after an acid or epoxy primer has been applied. Acrylics are available in different colors. A car enthusiast can independently choose a primer, the shade of which will match the paint.
Benefits:
- low price;
- wide range of colors;
- evens out small irregularities;
- increases paint adhesion;
- suitable for steel, non-ferrous metals, wood, plastic.
Disadvantages:
- poorly protects against corrosion;
- used as a finishing coat for metal (rarely - as an independent composition).
- Varieties: "Acrylic Primer" (KUDO), Protect 370 Acryl Filler (Novol), Primer (Motip), SprayLack (Presto).
Anti-corrosive
It is used for corrosion protection.There are special rust modifiers that are sprayed on the rusted spots and react with the oxidized metal. Applied only on metal surfaces.
Benefits :
- protects the base from corrosion;
- converts rust;
- increases paint adhesion.
Disadvantages:
- relatively high price;
- fast consumption.
Varieties: "Stainless-primer" ("Paint"), Anticorrosive Primer (Motip), "Rust converter" (Hi-Cear).
For aluminum
It is used before painting aluminum and automotive parts (for priming the carburettor, the cylinder head). Substrate preparation is necessary before spraying.
Benefits :
- increases adhesion;
- aligns the base;
- protects the aluminum surface from oxidation.
- Defaults:
- relatively high cost;
- fast consumption.
Varieties: Body 960 Wash primer (Body), Zinc-Alu-Spray (Liqui Moly).
For wood
It is used for priming wooden parts of the car (inserts in the steering wheel, doors, dashboard). Used before painting. The type of primer is selected depending on the type of paint.
Benefits:
- protects the tree from negative factors;
- strengthens the foundation;
- improves paint adhesion.
Disadvantages:
- fast consumption;
- requires base preparation.
Varieties: "Acrylic Primer" (KUDO), "Alkyd Primer" (Lider).
For metal
It is used to prime small areas of a metal body before painting. Protects the substrate from corrosion. Not used on plastic and wood.
Benefits:
- rust protection;
- strengthen the base for painting.
Disadvantages:
- high price;
- fast consumption.
Varieties: Zincconol (KrasKo), Metal Primer (TAMIYA), Metal Primer (PlastiKote).
For plastic
It is used before painting plastic car parts (bumpers, mirror housings, dashboards). Increases adhesion and improves substrate. Does not apply to metal.
Benefits :
- aligns the base;
- increases paint adhesion.
Defaults:
- fast consumption;
- relatively high price.
Varieties: Primer for plastic (Chamaleon), “Primer for plastic” (KUDO), “Primer-enamel for plastic” (KUDO).
Acid
Used only for metal parts. An acidic primer containing phosphoric acid, after spraying, interacts with the metal and penetrates deep into the base. A thin oxide film forms on the surface.
An acid spray is ideal for fighting corrosion. However, after applying an acid spray, it is recommended to additionally use an acrylic primer. It is forbidden to paint metal treated with a single acid primer. A negative reaction is possible.
Benefits :
- protects the body from rust;
- applied to steel and non-ferrous metals;
- increases base strength.
Defaults:
- not compatible with polyester putty;
- after acid priming, an acrylic primer is required.
Varieties: 1K Wash Primer (Chamaleon), Etching Primer (Raptor).
heat resistant
Used for metal processing. Protects the surface from the harmful effects of high temperatures. Prevents the formation of cracks on the painted surface.
Benefits:
- forms a protective layer resistant to high temperatures;
- improves paint adhesion.
Disadvantages:
- high consumption;
- high price.
Varieties: High Temperature Primer (Rust-Oleum), High Temperature Flame Retardant Primer (AutoZone).
Epoxy
This resin composition is used to create a waterproofing layer. An epoxy primer is the ideal choice for priming metal surfaces.
Benefits:
- creates an airtight film on the surface that protects the metal from water;
- prevents the development of corrosion;
- suitable for steel, non-ferrous metals and electroplating;
- improves grip;
- increases base strength.
Disadvantages:
- high price;
- long drying time.
Varieties: Epoxy primer in spray (Simple), "Epoxy primer" ("Raptor").
Technique for using aerosol soils
The primer spray is very easy to use. Shake the can, then start spraying the soil on the surface. It is recommended to first clean the base from dirt and rust.
We calculate the material consumption
Typically, aerosol primers are sold in 400ml cans. The surface is primed in at least 2 layers. A can of 400 ml is sufficient for a two-step treatment of an area of 0.5 m². meters.
The paint primer should be the same shade as the base paint. If the car is white, the primer spray should be white. There is a gray spray on sale, it is ideal for painting any shades. You can prime the area with an appropriate primer and then purchase an acrylic compound in the desired color to apply the top coat.
Preparation of tools and surfaces
Before priming, it is recommended to prepare the work area. It is advisable to repair a car in a special room or in a garage with installed ventilation. The area should be clean, well ventilated and well lit. It is forbidden to repair the machine outside (dust, water, dirt can settle on the surface). You cannot repair without protective equipment.
List of tools and materials required:
- grinder (with accessories R-240, as well as R-400, 500, 600, 800, 1000);
- sandpaper (number 120-180);
- White spirit;
- finishing putty;
- aerosol earth (initial and finishing composition);
- respirator, gloves, goggles.
How to prepare the surface before priming:
- put on SZ;
- eliminate contamination;
- remove the stuck layer of old paint;
- wash and dry the area;
- glue the surface with adhesive tape, on which the primer and paint should not get;
- wipe with white spirit;
- remove rust;
- sand the surface;
- putty on the irregularities;
- wait 24 hours;
- sand off the dried putty;
- wipe with a dry cloth;
- wait 24 hours;
- proceed with priming.
Primer application technique
How to apply the primer:
- wear a respirator, goggles and gloves;
- shake the box (2 minutes);
- spray the ground from a distance of 20-30 cm at an angle of 90 degrees;
- apply a first thin layer;
- wait 20-30 minutes;
- apply 2 coats;
- the maximum number of layers is 3;
- wait 24 hours;
- lightly grind the primed surface (with the R-800, 1000 nozzle).
Drying time
Sometimes car enthusiasts cannot find the right color for the primer. It is permissible to prime the metal with an epoxy or acid compound of any shade. True, you will also need to purchase an acrylic spray of a suitable color. Acrylic is a more common compound. Any car dealer sells a huge amount of acrylic primers in different colors.
The best aerosol primer brands
List of Popular Aerosol Automotive Primer Manufacturers:
- Novol is a Polish company that produces paint;
- "Krasco» - Russian brand, whose capabilities have been engaged in the production of paint and varnish materials since 1999;
- Motip is a German-Dutch company that produces paint;
- Raptor U-POL is an English company specializing in the production of paints and varnishes;
- KUDO is a registered trademark of a Russian company called Russian Technical Aerosols;
- Rust-Oleum - American manufacturer of paints and varnishes;
- Chamaleon is a German company specializing in the production of paints and varnishes.
Storage Features
The spray primer can be used until the expiry date. It is best to store the spray in a cool, dry place (in a warehouse or garage). It is forbidden to place aerosol cans near naked flames. The aerosol should not be stored in the sun or cold for a long time. The recommended storage temperature is 15-25 degrees Celsius. It is advisable to completely use up the remaining soil in the box within 2-3 days. It is forbidden to keep the remains for a long time (the substance loses its properties).
Recommendations from the masters
Any car enthusiast can independently repair or paint his car in the garage. You can carry out local repairs with improvised means. Using ordinary sandpaper, it will be possible to remove traces of corrosion. To remove rust, special substances (modifiers) are used that react with oxidized metal.
After removing traces of corrosion, problem areas can be painted. The paint is chosen depending on the color of the car. However, before painting, it is recommended to prime the area cleaned from rust. The primer contains substances that prevent the development of corrosion. In addition, the primer improves the adhesion of the paint to the support. Masters recommend not to save on a primer for a car. If the cleaned area is not primed, the rust will soon reappear on the surface. Only the soil will limit the development of corrosion.
Advice from the masters:
- be sure to prime the base before painting;
- before priming, the surface is thoroughly cleaned of dirt and rust;
- epoxy best protects against water and oxidation;
- the first coat should be as thin as possible;
- it is recommended to wait 30 minutes before applying the second coat;
- do not apply more than 3 coats;
- irregularities after priming are removed with sandpaper;
- only dry floor can be sanded.
The priming process improves the properties of the metal, protects the base from corrosion. If, after cleaning the rust, you immediately start painting, over time the area will rust again and the paint will peel off. It is undesirable to save on the primer.
Sometimes car enthusiasts can't find the right color for the primer. It is allowed to prime the metal with an epoxy or acid compound of any shade. True, you will also need to purchase an acrylic spray of a suitable color. Acrylic is a more common compound. Any car dealer sells a huge amount of acrylic primers in different colors.