Finding the best etching primer suitable for your needs isnt easy. With hundreds of choices can distract you. Knowing whats bad and whats good can be something of a minefield. In this article, weve done the hard work for you.
Reviews
1. SEM 39674 VOC Black Self Etching Primer - 1 Quart
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SEM Products Self Etching Primer - Black (SEM-39674)Description
Self Etching Primer is a first-step coating that provides excellent adhesion to bare substrates.2. TRANSTAR (6124-F) Self-Etching Primer Activator - 1 Quart
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SELF ETCH ACTIVATOR QUART (TRE-6124-F)Description
Self-Etching Primer is a two part self-etching and passivating (retards corrosion process) primer. The system provides excellent protection against corrosion for bare metal, galvanized steel, and aluminum, eliminating the need for metal conditioning. The system has an easy 1:1 mix ratio and requires no induction time prior to using. Mixing 6111/6121/Acetone @ 1:1:2 complies with California SCAQMD Rule 1151 for Group I and Group II vehicles for use as a preteastment. Transtar's Self Etching Primer 6111/6121 performs as an excellent tie coat for any topcoat system when applied over unsanded E-Coat panels. Refer to product data sheet for specific instructions. Size: Gallon Case/Qty: 2 Package V.O.C: 7.1/Gal (600g/l) Color: Activator Solids RTU: 25 Shelf Life: 1 year Mix Ratio (by volume): a.)(1:1),1 part 6111 to 1 part 6121 b.)(*1:1:2),1 V.O.C. Applied: Sprayable [email protected] (729g/l) Pot Life: Up to 5 days @ 70F and 50% relative humidity3. SEM 39693 Green Self Etching Primer - 15.5 oz.
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SELF ETCHING GREEN AER (SEM-39693)Description
Self Etching Primer is a first-step coating that provides excellent adhesion to bare substrates.4. Krud Kutter ME32 Metal Clean and Etch, 32-Ounce
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No harmful fumesEliminates paint peeling, chipping, blistering and other adhesion problems
For use on iron, steel, zinc, aluminum and galvanized surfaces
Water-based, bio-degradable, odorless, non-flammable
This item is not for sale in Catalina Island
Description
Krud Kutter ME32/6 32 Oz Metal Clean & EtchKrud Kutter ME32/6 32 Oz Metal Clean & Etch Features: Metal clean and etch Formulated to save time on many paint projects by cleaning and etching the paint surface in one step Prepares iron, steel, zinc, aluminum and galvanized surfaces for painting Removes rust, oil, grease and dirt Helps prevent paint peeling, chipping, blistering, and related adhesion problems Use indoors or outdoors Water based heavy ventilation during use Odorless Biodegradable VOC compliant5. RUST-OLEUM 8781502 Gray Alum Primer Qt
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Cleans up easily with soap and waterProvides a tight bond for the top coat
Dries quickly
Can be used with a brush or roller cover
Can be top coated with any finish
Description
8781-502 Features: -Provides excellent adhesion on aluminum and galvanized surfaces. -Latex aluminum primer. -Capacity: 1 quart. Product Type: -Latex. Purpose: -Rust Inhibitive. Surface Type: -Metal. Container Size: -1 Qt.. Generic Dimensions: -4.5'' H x 5'' W x 4.5'' D, 2.7 lbs. Dimensions: Overall Height - Top to Bottom: -4.5 Inches. Overall Width - Side to Side: -5 Inches. Overall Depth - Front to Back: -4.5 Inches. Overall Product Weight: -2.7 Pounds.6. POR-15 40204 Metal Prep - 1 quart
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Prep leaves a zinc phosphate coating that will insure chemical bonding of paintNot caustic, corrosive, toxic or flammable
Simple process gently etches metal
Avoid other preps that may leave harmful residues which prevent proper adhesion
Description
POR-15 40204 metal prep - 1 quart. Great for any metal surface. Prep leaves a zinc phosphate coating that will insure chemical bonding of paint.7. SEM 39683 Grey Self Etching Primer - 15.5 oz.
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SELF ETCHING GRAY AER (SEM-39683)Description
Self Etching Primer is a first-step coating that provides excellent adhesion to bare substrates.8. VHT ESP307007 High Performance Self-Etch Primer - 11 oz.
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The first step in priming bare metalPromotes maximum paint adhesion
Corrosion resistant
Ideal for most plastic and fiberglass
This item is not for sale in Catalina Island
Description
VHT's Self-Etch primer is a high performance product that etches and primes in one easy step. It features superior adhesion and is perfect for spot repairs. Can be used under all of today's automotive finishes. Ideal for most plastic, fiberglass, bare steel, aluminum and stainless steel.9. Rust-Oleum 249279 Automotive 11-Ounce Filler Primer Spray Paint, Gray
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The product is 11oz gry filler primerEasy and simple use kit
The product is manufactured in United states
For use on metal, wood and fiberglass surfaces
Any-angle spray technology allows the can to be sprayed in any direction, even upside down
Stops Rust Formula prevents corrosion and rust
Fills in minor scratches and surface nicks to leave a smooth, paintable surface
This item is not for sale in Catalina Island
Description
11 oz, Gray, filler primer, a hi-build formula that fills in minor imperfections in the surface & improves top coat adhesion & appearance, for use on metal, wood & fiberglass surfaces, use outdoors or in a well ventilated area such as an open garage, hi-build formula, fills in imperfections.10. Rust-Oleum 249322 Automotive 12-Ounce Self Etching Primer Spray Paint, Dark Green
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The product is 12OZ Self Etch PrimerEasy and simple use kit
The product is manufactured in United States
For use on bare metal, aluminum and fiberglass surfaces
Stops Rust Formula prevents corrosion and rust
Any-angle spray technology allows the can to be sprayed in any direction, even upside down
Etches and primes in 1 easy step
This item is not for sale in Catalina Island
Description
Etches and primes in one easy step, prepares bare metal, aluminum and fiberglass surfaces to promote maximum adhesion and smoothness of the top coat. Formulated to stop rust and is an essential step to achieve a professionally finished look. Any-angle spray can with comfort tip. Use outdoors or in a well-ventilated area such as an open garage.11. SEM 39673 Black Self Etching Primer - 15.5 oz.
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SELF ETCHING BLACK AER (SEM-39673)Description
Self Etching Primer is a first-step coating that provides excellent adhesion to bare substrates.12. Seymour 20-1675 PBE Professional Primer, Self Etching/Weld Through Gray
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A durable, zinc enhanced coating that protects all metal surfacesElectrochemical galvanic action keeps on protecting even if scratched
Dry film is 86-Percent pigment which results in less smoke and electrode wear when welding
Cuts faster than 100-Percent zinc rich coatings
Heat resistant up to 250F
Description
A durable, zinc enhanced coating that protects all metal surfaces. Electrochemical galvanic action keeps on protecting even if scratched. Dry film is 86-Percent pigment which results in less smoke and electrode wear when welding, and cuts faster than 100-Percent zinc rich coatings. Stops rust creepage. Specifically formulated to meet the performance needs of body shop personnel. Large sprayhead gives a professional looking application. Heat resistant up to 250F. Comes in a can, sprays like a gun. VOC Compliant. As a responsible corporate citizen, Seymour of Sycamore is thoroughly committed to protecting the natural environment and ensuring the well-being of our employees. This means not only providing a safe, clean and healthy workplace, but also fulfilling our legal and social responsibilities within the community. Seymour has developed coatings with waterborne and high-solids resins as an alternative to traditional solvent-based polymers. Seymour products do not contain lead, cadmium, mercury, chromates or chlorinated solvents.13. PlastiKote 470 Gray Etching Primer Enamel - 12 Oz.
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Improve adhesion, fill in imperfections and improves the overall appearance of top coatIncreases rust prevention
Interior and exterior use
Non-sanding
This item is not for sale in Catalina Island
New look, same great product inside
Description
PlastiKote has you covered for your automotive paint, specialty paint, automotive touch up and scratch repair needs!14. Dupli-Color EDAP16907 General Purpose Self-Etching Primer - 12 oz.
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Maximum adhesion and corrosion resistanceSuperior etching ability on bare surfaces
Perfect for spot repairs
EZ touch patented fan spray nozzle
This item is not for sale in Catalina Island
Description
Dupli-Color's 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. A high quality formulation allows for maximum adhesion under all types of automotive finishes on plastics, fiberglass, bare steel aluminum and stainless surfaces.15. SEM 39684 Self Etching Primer, Gray, Quart
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SEM Products Self Etching Primer - Gray (SEM-39684)Description
Self Etching Primer is a first-step coating that provides excellent adhesion to bare substrates.16. Majic Paints 8-0070-2 Self Etching Primer, 1-Quart, Gray
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Enhances adhesion on virtually all metal surfacesAdded Corrosion Resistance
Sandable, Fast Drying, Withstands temps to 250 F
Compatible with alkyd or acrylic primers and finish enamels
Color: Gray