The 6 Best High Build etch primers (2023 reviews)

The upol high build etch primer's high-end materials makes sure that it ages well with use. This etch primer works very well as a base for raptor liner spray. The bond between the etching primer and metal is much better/stronger than the bond between metal and primer surfacer, or between metal and paint. It is only used over bare metal (which usually surrounds the body filler, after repair is completed), so it's okay to spray over body filler where there is exposed metal surrounding the body filler.

This material is considered a thin material and the smaller tip works well with the 1.4 mm tip. The material lays well and covers very well. It comes ready to spray. There is no need to use over only body filter, as urethane primer surfacer/filler adheres very well to sanded body filler without any type of adhesion promoter. This product would work for a steel trailer.

Why We Like This:

Great product for aluminum jon boats
Rust, no raptor liner flaking, great product
A must have sealer to spray down before bedlining

Best For vehicle: Eastwood regular Primer

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The eastwood regular primer is specially designed for your daily usage and has all useful features. This easy-to-use aerosol primes bare, rust-free metal in one step. It is easy to use for spot repairs and bonds better than other aerosol primers while a gallon can has more value for big projects. It is easy to use for chassis and undercarriages, you might even simply put a clear coat or seam sealer over it and let the black color shine through.

The etching primer uses an aggressive solvent system to assure excellent adhesion to clean, rust. It is also a single-stage formula that requires no catalyst, making it even easier to use.

Why We Like This:

Withstands up to 170 degrees f
Adheres to steel, stainless, aluminum and chrome
Perfect for painting knobs, hindges, etc

Best For plastic bumper: SEM High Build etch Primer

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If your looking for a build primer that's white-this is as good as it gets. The High-build primer surfacer is an elastomeric acrylic coating for priming automotive metal, aluminum, urethane, and plastics. It’s definitely a high build primer and sounds easy and you’ll have to put a sealer over it. It is great for 3D printed parts, so much better than auto parts store brands.

This primer does very well and can be covered in 2 part base and clear with no neg reaction but it is the primer. It's a very close match to 2K primer without the fuss of a spray rig to apply. The primer builds enough thickness to nicely fill in minor scratches / chips. It isn't necessarily a filler but the finish on it after sanding is great. It is a very close match to 2K primer without the fuss of a spray rig to apply.

Why We Like This:

Dries fast and hard and sands great
Great high build, easily sanded primer
Fast drying and sands out nice

Best With catalyst: Evercoat High Build etch Primer

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Best part: evercoat high build etch primer costs comparatively low and it is available to ship in 24 hours. This stuff goes on like top-coat and builds to a thick, smooth finish. It sprays on thick, sinks into welds and really dries nicely. It is compatible with waterborne paint and voc. The frame is solid however it has moderate pitting in some areas due to corrosion and a generally rough surface after being sand blasted. The product is very easy to mix and spray just follow instructions and you will have great results.

Why We Like This:

Sprays good, covers well fills and block sands nicely
Good filler for light scratching and sands well
Takes little bit of practice for diy guy

Best For Steel: Eastwood High Build etch Primer

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Not everyone likes to purchase primer for their daily usage, but the eastwood high build etch primer would be an anomoly. This stuff works very well at sealing and filling MDF for high gloss polyester finishes that need to be mirror flat. It comes with an in-house product design, development and testing and a strong track record of high-quality, innovative products. It is used to make molds and plugs for fiberglass. It is easy to sand with no shrinkage.

It provides a lifetime tech support. It's primary use is for repairing damaged fiberglass body work and is a base for gel coating. It is not waterproof and should not be wet sanded.

Why We Like This:

Fills great, direct to metal saves time and money
Use in a well ventilated area away from open flame
Excellent adhesion to metals, fiberglass, and body fillers

Best For Automotive vehicles: Custom shop High Build etch Primer

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The custom shop high build etch primer is capable of outshining several other primer featured in this list in overall features for the price point. The High Build 2.1 VOC Acrylic Lacquer Primer Surfacer is a premium, lead-free primer surfacer that provides outstanding build for fast filling without shrinkage when used as directed. It provides excellent adhesion over properly prepared substrates. It can be easily sanded, wet or dry, to a fine feather-edge and offers excellent adhesion and color holdout. It is ideal primer for automotive vehicles, fleet, industrial products, and oem manufacturers.

Why We Like This: