Find Out When to Use Primer Spray Paint

SPRAY PRIMERS: WHEN SHOULD WE USE THEM?

Spray primers are the intermediate product that is applied to a surface so as to improve paint anchorage and durability. Although its usefulness seems quite clear, it is a somewhat controversial product, as its use is often omitted in household chores, with the idea of saving on products and work time. All of the above despite the fact that the spray format of the primer greatly facilitates its application.

AN IMPORTANT ASPECT ABOUT PRIMER SPRAY PAINT

While it is true that the usefulness of the spray primer is generally key to ensure professional and long-lasting results, there are situations in which the primer becomes an optional product. It will therefore be difficult to discern when these cases may occur and when they may not.

So, in this article we are going to explain, in the most straightforward way you can find on the internet, when you should use a primer and the variables that we must consider in this regard.

DEPENDING ON THE USE YOU GIVE TO THE ITEM TO BE PAINTED

Depending on the use that the item to be painted is going to have, the application of spray paint primer will be more or less advisable.

Stationary objects 

For example, if we are going to paint a stationary decorative object, the paint will not be exposed to damage and handling. Therefore, the application of spray primer will not be necessary, unless the material requires it. If we are also dealing with a temporary decoration, the durability of the paint will be even less important.
 

Semi-stationary objects 

If our idea is to paint a relatively stationary object, such as a piece of furniture, we will also decide whether it is worth adding primer to the painting process if the material does not necessarily require it. Taking into account the ease of repainting that these items usually have, we will weigh up whether it is really worthwhile carrying out a process that includes priming.
 

Dynamic objects 

For a dynamic object such as a bicycle, which is constantly subjected to contact and blows, the use of an acrylic primer spray paint, as well as varnish, will be necessary if we want the item to look good despite its use. Moreover, we must take into account that painting a bicycle frame involves certain complications when dismantling mechanisms that we probably do not want to repeat often.
 

Objects that require a professional result 

An extreme case in which primers are essential is the repair of the bodywork of a vehicle. To obtain a result that looks professional, we should not skimp on materials (phosphate primer spray, primer filler, acrylic varnish spray) or skip any step in the painting process.

DEPENDING ON THE MATERIAL OF THE SURFACE TO BE PAINTED 

There are already surfaces that would actually need primer given their physical features. From materials with low porosity, such as metals or plastics, where grip must be improved, to materials with too much porosity, such as wood or terracotta, to improve paint coverage and avoid having to apply too many layers.

Materials that require priming due to their physical features 

The use of primer on plastics is usually recommended to improve grip. However, in materials such as polymers, for example, the use of a special plastic primer spray will be necessary so that the solvent of the synthetic paint does not compromise the surface condition. 

If we are repairing a scratch on a vehicle paint, for example, the use of primer filler will be practically mandatory if we want proper results.
 

Materials that require priming given their purpose 

If we want to paint any type of metal that is going to be located outdoors, it is highly recommended to use MTN antirust primer spray which, in addition to improving the paint's grip, will protect against corrosion. For more extreme cases, we will resort to Zinc 99%.

DEPENDING ON THE TYPE OF PAINT TO BE USED 

Finally, the decision of whether or not to apply a primer layer may also be determined by the type of paint we are going to use. 

For example, if we use paint with low opacity, such as fluorescents, the application of an aerosol primer will be key to also improve paint performance.

In case we are going to use a paint with excellent opacity, such as 94 or Hardcore, we will only apply primer if it is required following the aforementioned criteria. For example, when painting on a wall with this type of spray, it will not be necessary to use wall primer paint. 

Remember that at any point of sale of MTN products you can ask any questions you may have about primers or any other matter related to spray paint. Furthermore, you can also find articles in MTN News and tutorials in MTN Ideas that can be of great help with all your projects.