
Solved for DIY
- The Type of Paint We use regular primers to prepare surfaces for paints meant for lumber, masonry, canvas, and floors. Self-etching primers are used to prepare metallic surfaces for painting. The metals include steel, aluminum, iron, brass, etc. ...
- Best Self-Etching Primer There are many self-etch primers out there; some are excellent, others are average, and some are substandard. ...
Can I put body filler over etching primer?
Body filler can be used directly over epoxy primer. Keep in mind that the filler, if applied over regular etching primer, will only stick as good as the primer. If the metal was not prepped exactly right for the maximum adheasion of the primer, nothing is going to stay there long. Yeah, don't put filler over the etch primer.
Can I use self etching primer over paint?
Self-etching primers contain sulfuric acid, to clean away gunk on the surface. For this reason, self-etching primers are not recommended over clear coat finishes or existing paint. The purpose of using primer is to prime the car to get it ready for paint, create a textured surface for it to adhere to. This is thoroughly answered here.
What type of primer should you use before painting?
- painter’s tape
- chalk brushes (different sizes will be helpful, trust me)
- polyrcylic / urethane / wax
- oil based primer- the brand I use is Zinnser Bulls Eye oil based primer, it is not on Amazon at this time. ...
- chalk paint
- synthetic brushes for primer
- work towel
- dropcloth /towel/tarp
- sanding sponges
- tac cloth
Can I use etch primer over filler?
You should not put filler on top of 2K primer or etch. Filler is only supposed to go on top of metal or epoxy period. You should not put etch over or under filler either.

When should you use etching primer?
Etch Primers are intended for use as primers on new or relatively sound ferrous and non-ferrous metal surfaces. Examples of the types of surfaces on which these products would be used are light- weight tubing or thin sheet metal surfaces that cannot be prepared by abrasive blast cleaning.
Can you paint straight over etch primer?
Self Etching primer can in fact be painted over but you need to closely follow the manufacturers application and top coat guide. As a rule of thumb Self Etching Primers need another coat of primer over them to fully seal everything up long term.
What is the difference between primer and self etching primer?
It's a specialized primer intended for use on metal, aluminum, and fiberglass (source). Self-etching primers can do something that regular primers cannot. It contains an acidic chemical that bonds, or etches, onto a metallic surface. Etching readies metal for a topcoat (source).
Does self etching primer fill scratches?
Dupli-Color® Self-Etching Primer etches and primes bare metal in one step, making it ideal to use as the first step in all automotive priming projects and for use on spot repairs. Dupli-Color® Filler Primer features a high build automotive formulation capable of filling deep scratches and minor surface imperfections.
How many coats of self etching primer do I need?
For best adhesion, apply 2 or 3 thin coats and allow each coat to dry for 2 minutes before applying the next coat. Allow the final coat of Self Etching Primer to dry for a minimum of 3-4 hours before dry sanding, or 15 minutes before wet sanding with #400 grit sandpaper.
What goes on after etch primer?
Etch Primer is a very versatile primer that is designed to be applied directly to bare metal and should be used when you want to build up and sand down then overcoat.
Can you put Self-Etching Primer over regular primer?
Self-etching primers have to have another primer over the top of them or the paint won't adhere. It can't be an epoxy primer, but it can be a urethane primer. In the meantime, it's important to talk to your paint dealer about the time window allowed between the primer and paint topcoat.
Is Self-Etching Primer applied to bare plastic?
Self-etching primers can be used on many different surfaces, not all of which being related to automotive applications. Depending on the brand of self-etching primer, these products can be used on bare metal, fiberglass, wood, aluminum, and hard plastics.
Do you need to rub down etch primer?
In any complete restoration or body repair project, you will to sand primer at one point or another. However, most manufacturers of self-etching primer, due to the acid base of the products, don't recommend directly sanding the self-etching primer.
When can I paint over Self-Etching Primer?
You can paint over the self-etching primer layer once it has completely dried. Consult the product label to determine how long you need to wait before applying paint (usually 30 minutes). Self-etching primer starts to work immediately after you apply it.
Is Self-Etching Primer good for rusty metal?
Direct to Rust Primer Rust No More Rusty Metal Primer is a self-etching primer that “bites” into a painted surface. It can be used as a universal paint primer and a “rust-converting” paint primer, and will work on clean or rusty steel, galvanized metal, zinc, aluminum, tin or previously painted surfaces.
Is etch primer waterproof?
They just clean/treat the metal. Still a good idea, but not waterproof.
When can I paint over Self Etching Primer?
You can paint over the self-etching primer layer once it has completely dried. Consult the product label to determine how long you need to wait before applying paint (usually 30 minutes). Self-etching primer starts to work immediately after you apply it.
How long after etch primer can I prime?
If spraying, thin up to 10% with Omega Methylated Spirits. Allow Etch Primer to dry for at least 4 hour before application of undercoat and finishing product.
How long after etching can you paint?
24 hoursAllow the surface to dry completely before applying any coatings, paints, stains or sealers. Two gallons of mixed etching solution will cover up to 500 square feet. Allow to dry for 24 hours before staining, sealing or coating.
How soon can you paint after etching?
Primarily follow manufacturer guidelines, as some etching solutions are sold with an accompanying neutralizing component. From here, allow at least four days before foot traffic, and another 10 days before vehicle traffic or paint applications.
What Is Self-Etching Primer And What Is It Used For?
Self-etching primer is a primer coating that etches or corrodes the surface to allow the topcoat to stick properly. Self-etching primer is designed for slick materials including metal, aluminum, fiberglass, and steel.
When Should I Use Regular Primer?
You should use regular primer when you want to paint over an organic material like wood or clay (brick). You should also use regular primer when you want to paint over drywall, concrete, masonry, plastic, and the likes. Usually, any surface material except metal and fiberglass should be coated with regular primer before painting.
What is Regular Primer and What Is It Used For?
Regular primer is a type of paint that is desired with adhesive compounds and binders. The primer is to be used as an undercoat before laying the paint or topcoat. Regular primer when dry produces an even and slightly textured finish. This textured finish allows the paint or topcoat to bite into the primer coating. The even nature of the finish also makes the topcoat appear smooth and even when dry.
Why use etching primer?
An etching primer uses an acid to chemically clean and micro-etch the metal surface for a better mechanical bite to promote adhesion with the layer of high-build primer to follow while also providing a layer of corrosion resistance on the metal. Because it cures quickly, it’s the method of choice for collision shops.
What is the difference between etch primer and bondo primer?
But a key difference with etch primer is that you need to apply your filler or bondo first directly to the metal before spraying it. An example of the application order on bare metal is: 1) bodywork including filler/bondo 2) paint prep solvent 3) self-etch primer 4) high-build primer 5) basecoat 6) clearcoat.
What is epoxy primer?
As the name implies, epoxy primer gives you excellent adhesion, similar to applying epoxy glue while also sealing the bare metal from environmental elements.
Can you use self etching primer on metal?
It’s also useful for painting small parts or body panels with hard-to-reach areas that you can’t scuff easily with sandpaper or a pad. Self-etching primer will get in there and bite into metal for you.
Can you use epoxy primer on a metal car?
In this case, a more realistic option may be to use an epoxy primer.
What is self etch primer?
The job of self etch primer is to make a good surface for putting the next layer of paint on to the metal. If the metal is already a good surface for a direct to metal paint then you do not need (and do not want) an etching primer.#N#The etch primer has been improperly thought of as a way to prevent corrosion. I had the local dupont paint store guy try to sell it to me for that purpose.#N#For most of what we are doing the better solution is to etch the metal. Either with various chemical methods such as Pickle X or metal pre-treats the paint companies sell. We can also sand the metal or even better sandblast. Then put down a nice layer of epoxy to seal the metal from moisture.#N#Of course do not forget to use a proper wax/ grease remover before painting.
Can you sand metal with epoxy primer?
Actually, most here will agree that the best solution is to sand the metal and apply a quality epoxy primer, and leave those other chemicals off. Many jobs have had failures from problems using those chemical treatments.
Can you use etch primer on new metal?
You are correct in the use of etch primer. Only for new metal that has not been sanded.
Do you need etch primer for metal?
If the metal is already a good surface for a direct to metal paint then you do not need (and do not want) an etching primer. The etch primer has been improperly thought of as a way to prevent corrosion. I had the local dupont paint store guy try to sell it to me for that purpose.

What Is Primer?
What Is Self-Etching Primer?
- Self-etching primer is also used as a primary undercoat. It’s a specialized primer intended for use on metal, aluminum, and fiberglass (source). Self-etching primers can do something that regular primers cannot. It contains an acidic chemical that bonds, or etches, onto a metallic surface. Etching readies metal for a topcoat (source). The etching c...
When to Use Regular Primer
- As a general rule, organic (or organic-like) materials, like wood, only require a regular primer. “Organic” refers, of course, to natural-occurring materials. Wood is a natural material, along with the clay that bricks are made of. Materials like this don’t needa heavy-duty etching primer. Latex- or oil-based primers will work. Some inorganic materials also fall in the regular primer category. …
Final Thoughts
- Before embarking on a painting project, you’ll need to have the right primer for the job. Primer helps make any project look professional-grade. The correct primer depends on the type of surface being painted. Potentially porous surfaces like wood or brick need a regular primer. Drywall found in homes only needs traditional latex primer paint. Primer is a must for protecting …