Most of us can remember when we first learned about primers. You’ve probably heard that a primer is used to help give your paint a smooth, even surface. But there are actually three types of primers: sandable, self-etching and filler primers.
If you’re not sure if you should be using a sandable primer or a self etching primer or a filler primers, then this post will help you to understand the different types of primer and which one to use for your next project.
What is Sandable Primer
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A Sandable Primer is a transparent, high-gloss, clear acrylic coating is applied to the surface of the car’s paint prior to the application of the paint sealant. This layer of paint is designed to provide a good bond between the paint sealant and the paint and to allow for sanding after the final coat of paint is applied.
It is used to seal and protect the finish of a vehicle. It’s a thin layer of material that’s put on top of the clear coat, which is the protective coating on your car. Once the sandable primer is applied, you’re ready to apply your color—in one or more coats—and the primer protects and seals the surface so that it doesn’t chip or crack.
What is Self-Etching Primer
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Self-etching primer is a type of primer that is applied to the top layer of a car’s paint. Unlike conventional primers, this one has a built-in adhesive and doesn’t require you to brush or sand it down. Once dry, it will etch the paint surface to a dull, matte finish, which creates a more durable, weatherproof surface. Because this primer is a self-etching, water-based product, it is safe to apply to any type of vehicle paint. It also works great on flat surfaces, such as car bumpers or windows.
What is Filler Primer
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Filler primer is a mixture of filler pigments, extenders, and solvents that is used to extend and soften a surface prior to painting. The main goal of filler primer is to help fill any voids that are left when you sand down a previously painted surface and then paint a second time. If you’ve ever painted a large area with no visible paint on a piece of wood, metal, or plastic, you know that sanding down the area can take some time. The filler primer will create a smooth, uniform paint layer over the whole surface, so the paint applied will be more even and less visible.
Sandable Primer vs. Self-Etching Primer
Let’s take a look at the difference between sandable and self-etching primers. Sandable primer and self-etching primer are essentially the same. The difference lies in the fact that one can be easily removed and the other cannot. Sandable primer is meant to be used on rough, porous, and uneven surfaces. Sandable primer also helps to promote long-lasting adhesion. If you use a product that is too strong or too thick, your product could damage your paint or stain.
Sandable primers are made to work better on a smooth or waxed surface, while self-etching primers are designed to bond to a newly primed surface that’s been painted before.
Self-etching primers are just what they sound like—they’re designed to be used in self-etching adhesives. They do this by allowing the adhesive to penetrate into the pores of the enamel and bond to both the enamel and dentin, resulting in a strong bond. The most common self-etching primer contains 10% hydroxyapatite (HA) powder, which helps bond to the enamel.
Sometimes it depends on the type of surface you’ll be painting on. If you’re working on a dark, glossy, or semi-glossy surface, a sandable primer will work well. However, if your surface is matte or low-gloss, a self-etching primer might be better.
Self-etching primer is a more complex system. It uses the same principles of etching and priming, but it does not require an acid rinse to activate the sealant. If you use a self-etching primer, you may not need an etch and prime (i.e. three-step process). The self-etching primer is activated by a chemical reaction that takes place within the primer. Once applied, the sealant is ready to be used.
The sandable primer is typically applied in two coats, and has a slight gloss to it. The self-etch primer, on the other hand, can be applied in one coat and will leave a matte finish. If you are looking to get a smooth, polished look, the sandable primer is your best bet.
“The goal of sandable primer is to prevent the sanding of the new coat of paint and make the first coat of paint apply smoothly,” says Cray. “On the other hand, self-etching primer is formulated to remove any surface preparation you may have done to the vehicle, like wax or clear brush. It can also help fill in tiny gaps and pores in your vehicle’s original finish so that a new layer of paint will adhere properly.”
Sandable Primer vs Filler Primer
As mentioned, both primers share similar functions. However, each is suited for different purposes. Sandable primers are designed to create a soft appearance on the substrate you’re coating. Filler primers, on the other hand, are meant to add additional strength and durability to a surface. The two can be used together in any number of ways, including decorative or protective coatings.
Sandable primers are highly polished and can easily be buffed away with a soft cloth. They are very shiny and look very glossy. A filler primer will not get polished to the same degree as a sandable primer and, depending on the type, could have a slightly duller finish.
Sandable primers are the ones that leave a layer of sand on top of the primer, giving you a clean, polished look. Filler primers are the ones that you apply with a brush to smooth out imperfections on the surface. So which type of primer should you use? Sandable primer is great for shiny finishes, such as white, silver, chrome, or glossy black. Filler primer is great for matte, textured, or darker colors.
The sandable primer can be applied over a filler primer that’s already been applied, or it can be applied to a fresh coat of paint. A sandable primer is applied first to prevent the new coating from absorbing too much, and is often a thinner form of the same color as the paint it’s covering.
The difference between sandable primer and filler primer is a matter of how much you use. Sandable primer is the more economical option; you can get away with only using about half the amount of filler primer that you’d need for your full-coverage project. Sandable primer is meant to provide a quick, lightweight coating that allows you to sand right over it, so you’re basically painting with nothing underneath it.
Self-Etching Primer vs. Filler Primer
There are two types of primers, self-etching and filler. Both work in a similar way, but there are some differences. Self-etching primer comes into contact with the surface of the paint and creates a chemical bond, creating a stronger, longer-lasting bond. If you want to get your first coat of paint on faster, a filler primer may be your best option.
A self-etching primer is designed to be used right after a second coat of paint is applied. This means that the primer will act as a sealant between the first coat and the second coat of paint. Self-etching primers are generally designed to help create a smoother finish and a more even appearance. This makes them an ideal choice for any kind of surface, from porcelain to tile to marble. But there are times when a filler primer is appropriate instead of a self-etching primer.
There’s a big difference between a self-etching primer and a filler primer, says Kevin. The self-etching primer is used to prime the surface before the topcoat and acts as a catalyst to help the topcoat adhere to the basecoat. It’s the topmost layer, but it’s still a primer. The filler primer, however, is typically used as the only layer, and just acts as a filler to fill in the small imperfections of the surface, giving it a smoother finish.
Which is suits for your car paint job
As I gathered all in-depth knowledges for all those three and put the knowledges in words, I lastly come into the conclusion and found that the “sandable primer” to be the best and easiest to apply. It is easy to sand out the excess and then fill in with another color. The only drawback is that you cannot reuse the same “primer”. A “self-etching primer” will eat away at the top layers of the paint and make it extremely difficult to sand out the next layer of paint. The “filler primer” is a great compromise. It is easier to apply but does not remove the existing layers as easily as the others. However, you can still use it multiple times.
Final Thought
In conclusion, Sandable primer is made to be applied over any previous paint. It does not cover or mask the color of a previous coat. In addition to being a great base for a full color finish, it gives you the ability to use two coats. The second coat adds depth and contrast. Self-etching primer is designed to be used over a clear coat. It bonds to the clear coat to give you a smooth, glossy finish. It is also a great base for two-coats. Filler primer is a great, low-cost option that can provide the look of a sandable and a self-etching primer in one application. It is a blend of silicones and fillers to provide the coverage and gloss of a self-etching primer and the depth and gloss of a sandable primer.