P

PRIME TIME

A primer on spraying paint primers

Story and photos by Tim Garrett

rimer is more important to the paint process than most enthusiasts
realize. It is not only the first layer to cover and protect the surface
to be sprayed, it can directly affect the final finish coat and its longevity.
Over the years, primers have become much more complicated than the
old lacquer and enamel primers that everyone used “way back when.”
There are numerous types of primers on the market today and it is easy
to get confused. It’s just as easy to get mixed up when selecting a spray
gun for primer, too. It is important to select a spray gun that has a large
enough orifice to apply the primer without too much reducer being
added. With all the different possibilities in mind, it is time to get
started.
This article assumes that the surface is ready for primer. This means
all metal work has been done and the surface has been sandblasted,
sanded (abraded) or scuffed. Regardless of the type of surface, it must be
clean. A wax and grease remover is a good choice for cleaning surfaces.