Etch Primer and Epoxy Primer for Bare Metal
Paint won't stick properly to bare steel, aluminium or galvanised metal without the right primer. Melton Paint stocks etch primers and epoxy primers from Mipa, Valspar and U-POL, in aerosols for touch-ups and 4L to 20L tins for full jobs, dispatched next business day Australia-wide from our Melton store.
Etch primer or epoxy primer?
Etch primer contains an acid that bites into bare metal for strong adhesion. It's applied thin and suits small repairs and sanded-through spots. Epoxy primer builds a thicker, sealed barrier with excellent corrosion resistance, so it's the choice for full restorations, chassis and large bare-metal areas.
What we stock
- Valspar Industrial Etch Primer in black, grey, white and red oxide, 4L and 20L
- Mipa Etch Primer 400ml aerosol
- U-POL Power Can Etch Primer aerosol
Common questions
What is etch primer used for?
Getting paint to grip bare metal. Apply it straight onto clean, sanded metal before filler primer or topcoat.
Can I put body filler over etch primer?
It's generally recommended to apply filler to bare metal or epoxy primer, not over etch primer. Always check the product's technical data sheet.
Do I need to sand etch primer?
Usually not. Most etch primers are recoated with filler primer within the recoat window shown on the tin.
Which colour should I choose?
Grey suits most topcoats. Use black or white under dark or light colours.
Can I buy in store?
Yes. Our trade counter at 14 Zal Street, Melton VIC 3337 is open Monday to Friday, 8am to 4:30pm. Call (03) 9396 8096.
