The Definitive Guide to Primers

For non-experts in the world of painting, primers seem to be a completely dispensable product, even more so when we see how well MTN paints work and how easy it seems to achieve a perfect result.

Nothing could be further from the truth, primers are an intermediate product that, for some jobs become essential if we want to extend the durability and resistance of the paint, while for others it is directly essential if our intention is that the project doesn’t end up being a complete botched job.

THE MORE IMPORTANT QUESTION THAN "WHAT IS PRIMER FOR": WHEN TO USE IT?

As it is an intermediate product that improves the grip and durability of the paint, it is precisely for this reason that we must take into account the extent to which these two factors are necessary in our projects:

If the object to be painted will have a very limited temporality, or can be constantly repainted with ease, it may not be necessary to resort to a primer. But for the rest of the times in which this is not the case, the use of spray primer is recommended, if not mandatory on some materials.

Below is a schematic breakdown of the available primers split into two groups and their uses:

BASIC PRIMERS

●        UNIVERSAL

In the MTN PRO range we have a fast drying multipurpose spray  primer whose main characteristic is its versatility. It is a perfect product if you’re working on multiple materials and does not require specific protection.

●        PLASTIC

MTN PRO spray paint  primer for plastics has a slightly slower drying time, but its adhesion properties on plastics are particularly outstanding, making it the best choice to ensure the durability of paint on plastic.

●        WOOD, CLAY AND POROUS SURFACES

For porous surfaces such as wood or clay, we have ‘Fondo Blanco’, a primer  spray that also serves to enhance the efficiency of low opacity colors, such as fluorescent or yellow.

Examples: If we are going to paint a bicycle frame fluorescent, we will use this primer if we do not want to have to give many coats of paint that could ruin the result.
If we want to spray paint on wood, this primer will prevent the paint from being absorbed, thus affecting the uniformity of the finish and the color strength.

●        METAL

Painting on metal is a whole universe in itself, which we will explain in simple terms below. But for those interventions that do not require many complications or technical specifications, or if we need a basic primer for iron, MTN PRO antirust primer is a good solution. 

SPECIFIC PRIMERS FOR METAL

Metal and paint do not usually get along well as time goes by and on top of that, there’s the phenomenon of oxidation, the primer becomes an essential product when painting these materials. However, the world of metals is vast and its conditions of use more so, therefore, although there is a rustproofing spray primer, several factors require a specially designed formula to protect against corrosion or to ensure a proper grip on the paint.

●        PHOSPHATING

This is an example of a very specific primer: it is the right one to ensure that the paint does not peel off the polished metal. We have all seen how paint, over time, peels horribly from galvanized shutters. This is prevented with phosphating primer, which is also needed as an intermediate coat in car body painting and also valid as a primer for aluminum.

Example: If we want to paint a galvanized metal door, we will use this spray primer.

●        BONDING

Another crucial primer in body repair. Bonding primer, in addition to serving as an anchoring layer, is a surface unifier that corrects irregularities.

Example: If we repair a dent in a car with filler, we will apply the bonding primer to unify the surface as well as to provide an adequate anchoring layer for the paint.

●        OXIDE TRANSFORMER

The rust converter primer  is a surprising product that converts metal oxide into a layer that serves as a primer.

Example: If we want to restore a rusty metallic surface, such as a large area and sanding down the rust requires too much effort or is a waste of time, it is best to resort to this primer for rusty iron.

●        ZINC99

Although it fulfills its role as a topcoat, zinc 99 also serves as rust converter spray, specifically the one with the highest antioxidant power of all. Its high concentration of zinc produces what is known as "cathodic protection": the zinc retains all the oxidation to protect the painted surface.

Examples: If we want to paint a metal staircase and not worry for years about rust, even if it is in a humid environment, we will apply this product.

If we want to protect a metallic element that is going to be welded frequently, it is also the right product since its high metallic concentration allows for welding without problems.