What metallic paints don't need primers?

2024-10-17

The painting of metal surfaces is a vital part of the maintenance and decoration process. Primers (also called primers) are usually used to enhance the adhesion, anti-corrosion performance of the coating, and enhance the final effect of the coating. However, some specific metallic paints can be applied directly to metal surfaces without primers. Due to their unique chemical properties and composition design, these paints can achieve good protection and save time and cost.


This article will discuss in detail which metallic paints do not need primers, their advantages, application areas, and matters that should be paid attention to during use.

Polyurethane Paint

What is metallic paint?

Metallic paint is a kind of paint specially used on metal surfaces. Its main function is to provide protection and decorative effects for metals. Metallic paint not only adds luster and beauty to metals, but also provides them with an effective protective barrier to prevent corrosion, oxidation and other external damage.


Metallic paints are generally composed of resins, pigments, solvents and functional additives. These ingredients work together to give the paint excellent adhesion, weather resistance and durability. Generally speaking, the painting process of metallic paints includes primer, topcoat and the final clearcoat layer. Primers are usually designed to increase the adhesion and durability of the coating, but some special types of metallic paints can be directly applied without primers. Such paints are called self-priming paints.


What metallic paints do not require primers?

Metallic paints that do not require primers are:

1. Direct-to-Metal Paint (DTM)

2. Alkyd Paint

3. Epoxy Zinc-Rich Paint

4. Polyurethane Paint


These 4 common metallic paints have excellent adhesion and weather resistance, so they do not require primers before painting. These metallic paints are also commonly used in industrial and commercial environments to provide efficient protection and decorative effects.


Direct-to-Metal Paint (DTM)

Direct-to-Metal Paint (DTM) is a type of paint designed for metal surfaces. It has high adhesion and anti-corrosion properties and can be applied directly to metal surfaces without the use of primers. This type of paint contains special resins and additives that allow it to adhere firmly and form a strong protective film when it comes into direct contact with metal.


    ● Ingredients: DTM paints usually contain acrylic or polyurethane resins that enhance adhesion and form a strong bond with metal surfaces. In addition, the paint may also contain anti-rust ingredients to provide protection in humid environments.

    ● Applicable metal surfaces: DTM paints are suitable for most metal surfaces, including steel, aluminum, stainless steel, etc. It can be applied to metals that have not undergone complex treatments, and is also suitable for metal surfaces that are slightly oxidized or rusted.


Alkyd Paint

Alkyd paint is a paint commonly used for outdoor metal structures. It has good anti-rust and anti-corrosion functions and does not require a primer. This paint film is very strong after drying and can withstand ultraviolet rays and other adverse weather conditions. Alkyd paint is often used in large facilities such as steel structures, bridges, warehouses, and oil tanks.


    ● Ingredients: The main ingredients of alkyd paint are alkyd resin and anti-rust pigments, which provide the paint with excellent weather resistance and anti-corrosion properties. Alkyd paint has a thicker coating and can effectively protect metal surfaces from mechanical damage and chemical erosion.

    ● Applicable scenarios: This paint is often used for externally exposed metal structures, especially those facilities that require long-term protection, such as pipelines, towers, bridges, etc. Although primer is not required, proper surface preparation still helps the effect of the paint.


Epoxy Zinc-Rich Paint

Epoxy zinc-rich paint is a metal paint with excellent anti-rust properties and is often used for anti-corrosion protection of steel surfaces. Because it is rich in zinc powder and can form an electrochemical protective barrier, it can be applied directly to the metal without the need for additional primer. This type of paint is particularly suitable for occasions in marine environments and chemical industries where anti-corrosion properties are extremely high.


    ● Composition characteristics: The ingredients of epoxy zinc powder paint include high concentrations of zinc powder and epoxy resin. This combination enables it to provide cathodic protection and prevent oxidation and corrosion of metals such as steel. When the zinc powder coating is damaged, the zinc will react first to protect the metal substrate from corrosion.

    ● Application scenarios: This coating is widely used in shipbuilding, bridges, chemical plants, and industrial equipment that requires extremely high anti-corrosion performance.


Polyurethane Paint

Polyurethane paint has excellent wear resistance and chemical corrosion resistance and is often used on metal surfaces that require extremely high durability. Although primer is recommended in some cases, some high-performance polyurethane coatings can be applied directly to metal surfaces, especially on clean treated metal.


    ● Ingredient characteristics: Polyurethane coatings contain polyurethane resins, which not only provide a high-strength protective film for metal surfaces, but also have excellent gloss retention and UV resistance.

    ● Applicable fields: Polyurethane coatings are often used on metal surfaces in the fields of automobiles, mechanical equipment, ships, and aviation. It can provide long-term protection while maintaining the beauty of the surface.

Metallic paint

What are the advantages of primer-free metal paint?

Save time and cost

Primer-free metal paint can significantly save construction time because the primer coating process is skipped, reducing the drying time required for one coat. In addition, omitting the primer can reduce the overall cost of the paint and reduce labor and material consumption. This is particularly economical for large-scale industrial applications.


Simplified Construction Process

Reducing the number of painting steps means that the entire construction process is simpler. Especially for large metal structures or equipment, simplifying the painting process can not only shorten the construction period, but also reduce construction interruptions caused by weather or environmental factors. In some emergency situations (such as repair or maintenance tasks), the fast drying and efficient coverage ability of direct-applied metal paints are particularly important.


Excellent Adhesion and Durability

Primerless metal paints are usually specially designed to form a strong bond with the metal surface and are not easy to fall off or peel off. Such paints tend to have stronger weather resistance and corrosion resistance, and are suitable for metal structures exposed to harsh environments for a long time.

Epoxy Zinc-Rich Paint

What are the precautions for using primerless metal paints?

Although primerless metal paints perform well in many cases, there are still some precautions in practical application to ensure the best effect of the coating:


Surface Preparation

Although these paints can be applied directly to metal, proper surface preparation is still crucial. Cleaning the metal surface and removing oil, dust and rust can improve the adhesion and protection of the paint. For metal that has been severely corroded, grinding or sandblasting may be required.


Construction environment

The construction effect of metallic paint is often closely related to environmental conditions. Whether it is outdoor large-area coating or coating construction of small metal parts, maintaining a dry and ventilated construction environment will help the coating to dry and cure quickly. If it is painted in a high humidity or low temperature environment, the film quality of the paint film may be affected.


Coating thickness

Although primer-free metallic paint can omit the primer, the coating thickness still needs to meet the requirements. Thin coatings may not provide adequate protection, while too thick coatings may cause cracking or sagging. Therefore, strictly follow the recommended thickness of the paint manufacturer to ensure uniform coverage of the coating.

Polyurethane Paint

What are the application areas of primer-free metallic paint?

Primer-free metallic paint is widely used in various fields due to its convenience and efficiency:


    ● Bridges and building structures: Steel structures are common in bridges and high-rise buildings. The use of primer-free metallic paint can greatly shorten the construction time.

    ● Automobiles and mechanical equipment: Used for the protection of automobile chassis, body parts and mechanical equipment to improve their wear resistance and corrosion resistance.

    ● Shipbuilding industry: Metal parts of ships are exposed to seawater all year round, and direct-applied metal paint provides long-term protection for these equipment.

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