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Metal Primers
Metal primers are essential for preparing metal surfaces before painting, improving adhesion, sealing the surface, and preventing rust from forming beneath the topcoat. Used correctly, they provide a durable foundation for metal paints across everything from garden gates to machinery and cladding.
Subcategories
- Adhesion Primers
- Anti-Corrosive Primers
- Blast and Holding Primers
- High-Build Primers
- Immersed Environment Primers
- Intermediates
- Low Temperature Primers
- Micaceous Iron Oxide (MIO) Paints
- Moisture Tolerant Primers
- Quick Drying Primers
- Shop Primers
- Surface Tolerant Primers
- Zinc Rich and Cold Galvanising Paints
- Zinc Phosphate Primers
- Zinc Silicate Primers
Rust-Oleum 3369/3380 CombiPrimer Anti-Corrosion
Available in grey and red, can or aerosol. Anti-rust primer for new or slightly rusted surfaces. For steel surfaces, provides and enhance protection against corrosion. Recoatable after 2 hours; fast drying and lead- and chromate-free. 5-year shelf life if stored properly.
Rust-Oleum Hard Hat 2169/2182 Anti-Rust Primer
Available in Red-Brown and Grey. For new, bare, or slightly rusted steel surfaces. Touch dry in 15 minutes, ready to handle in 30. Lead and chromate-free. Can be recoated within 1 hour.
Rust-Oleum 3302 CombiPrimer Adhesion Primer
Available in a transparent blue finish. Highly effective adhesion primer for ensuring smooth surfaces are coatable. For galvanised steel, stainless steel, aluminium, copper, glass, and porcelain. High coverage of 50 m²/L. Recoatable after just 30 minutes.
Rust-Oleum Hard Hat 2185/1085 Galva Zinc
Available in dark grey. Aerosol spray providing cathodic protection with 90% pure zinc content in the dry paint film. For bare and galvanised steel surfaces. Resists up to 500 hours of salt spray testing. Touch dry in 10 minutes. Heat resistance up to 450°C.
Rust-Oleum Hard Hat 2117/1017 Galva Zinc Alu
Available in a silver finish with aluminium particles. For use on galvanised steel surfaces and metal. Provides cathodic protection. Fast drying: touch dry in 20 minutes. Heat resistant up to 450°C. Suitable for corrosive environments and high humidity areas.
Fosroc Galvafroid
Fosroc Galvafroid is a zinc rich coating formulated as an easily applied, cold galvanising protection against corrosion on all ferrous metals with a mid-grey, matt finish. Specifically designed to provide rust inhibiting protection to ferrous metalwork Complies with LU Standard 1-085 ‘Fire Safety Performance of Materials’ Please note:...
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High-Performance Metal Primers for Rust Protection and Adhesion
Metal primers play a vital role in protecting bare or weathered substrates and ensuring long-term performance of any coating system. They're especially important on difficult surfaces like galvanised metal or uncoated steel, where poor adhesion or surface contamination can quickly lead to coating failure. Whether brushing, spraying or rolling, a suitable primer creates the essential barrier that resists corrosion and improves topcoat bond strength.
In more exposed environments, primers are a must-have for assets such as garage door paint finishes, helping prevent peeling, rusting and water ingress over time. Many products are also compatible with high-performance topcoats used on industrial steelwork, offering long-term protection when applied beneath steel paint or protective metal finishes. By selecting the right primer for the substrate and environment, you’ll increase the service life of the entire coating system while ensuring the best possible finish.
Metal Primer FAQs
Do I need a primer before painting metal?
Yes, especially on bare, uncoated or rust-prone surfaces. A primer promotes adhesion and helps protect the metal from corrosion beneath the topcoat.
Can metal primers be used outdoors?
Many are formulated for external use and provide resistance to weather, moisture, and UV. Always choose a product suited to the exposure level and finish you're applying.
What if the metal already has rust on it?
If rust can’t be fully removed, apply a rust converter first. This will stabilise the corrosion and prepare the surface for priming and painting.
How do I prepare the metal surface before applying primer?
Clean it thoroughly to remove grease, dust, and any loose rust or paint. Mechanical or chemical preparation may be required depending on the metal type and its condition.
How long should I wait after priming before applying a topcoat?
Drying times vary, but most primers are ready for overcoating within a few hours. Always check the product data sheet for specific guidance.