For over 35 years in custom automotive painting, I’ve learned that the foundation of any excellent paint job lies in the primer. Like many, I started with readily available primers, but consistently found them lacking. The common issue? Too much plasticizer and insufficient filler, leading to clogged sandpaper and frustratingly long drying times. In my professional shop, working on real cars, I rely on top-tier 1:1 materials from House of Kolor (HOK), PPG, and AutoAir. My experience even includes contributing to the development of HOK’s striping urethane, giving me deep insight into paint chemistry.

While HOK and PPG don’t offer their high-quality primer surfacers in convenient spray cans anymore, the good news is that you don’t have to compromise on quality, especially when working on car parts. There are readily available products that can significantly improve your projects, making it easier to achieve that flawless finish on your Prime Car Parts.

These game-changing primers come from Martin Senour, available at NAPA stores. Yes, at around $13 for a 15oz can, they aren’t the cheapest option, but the performance is worth the investment. These lacquer-based primers are available in:

• 7284 Hot Rod Grey (a very dark shade)

• 7283 Red Primer Surfacer

While a lighter grey might also be available, these two are widely accessible and offer exceptional results. The fan spray pattern of these cans provides superior control, allowing for a smooth and even application. But the real advantage of these primers lies in their exceptional filling capabilities and how easily they sand down. They create a fine powder when sanded, preventing sandpaper clogging and speeding up your workflow. For anyone serious about preparing prime car parts for painting, I highly recommend giving these Martin Senour primers a try.

To further enhance adhesion and ensure a perfect bond to the substrate of your prime car parts, I incorporate one more crucial step: using an adhesion promoter. NAPA Martin Senour #7223 or Bull Dog are excellent choices. Originally designed for plastics, these promoters bridge the gap between plastic and primer or paint. While this might seem like overkill, especially for smaller components, treating every part with this level of care is, in my experience, best practice. I approach every project, big or small, with the mindset of preparing for a show-stopping, 1:1 finish, ensuring every car part is truly “prime”.

Give these Martin Senour products a try. If they don’t meet your expectations, you can always revert to your previous methods. However, I’m confident that once you experience the ease of use and superior finish these primers provide, you’ll reserve those other primers for less critical tasks. You’ll find that for achieving truly prime car parts, the right primer makes all the difference.