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There is no single best primer for every glossy surface. For a sound high-gloss coating, clean the surface, dull the sheen, and choose a bonding primer whose current label supports both the substrate and existing coating. Test the full primer-and-paint system in an inconspicuous spot before tackling the whole area.
Why high-gloss paint needs careful preparation
Hard, slick coatings offer little surface profile for a new coating to grip. Sherwin-Williams warns that a coating applied over a hard, slick, glossy surface is likely to peel when adhesion is difficult to achieve. Read Sherwin-Williams’ guidance on peeling over hard, slick surfaces.
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Primer is not a substitute for surface preparation. Dirt, grease, loose paint, and an intact glossy sheen can all undermine the finish, so address the surface before choosing or applying primer.
#1 Best Overall
Prepare the glossy surface before priming
- Identify the surface and existing coating. Note whether you are painting wood, metal, or another substrate, and identify whether the old coating is acrylic or alkyd if you can. Primer compatibility depends on both the substrate and the coating already on it. Benjamin Moore recommends identifying the existing coating when selecting primer and paint. See Benjamin Moore’s primer-selection guidance.
- Clean and dry it. Remove dirt, grease, and other contamination with a cleaner appropriate for the surface. Rinse if the cleaner’s directions require it, then let the surface dry. Sherwin-Williams’ peeling-prevention guidance stresses cleaning and removing residue.
- Remove loose paint and dull the gloss. Scrape away peeling or loose coating and sand the edges smooth. Sand glossy areas until the sheen is dull; the goal is to reduce slickness, not to strip sound paint unnecessarily. Sanding or scuffing should not be assumed optional just because a bonding primer is planned. Sherwin-Williams addresses sanding glossy surfaces in its surface-preparation advice.
- Remove sanding dust. Wipe away dust and any remaining cleanser residue, then allow the surface to dry again before coating. Sherwin-Williams’ preparation guidance calls for removing sanding dust or cleanser residue.
Choose a bonding primer that matches the job
If the prepared surface remains hard and slick, or the substrate is otherwise identified as hard to coat, consider a bonding primer. The two manufacturer examples below are options to evaluate, not a head-to-head ranking or proof that either product is right for every surface.
| Primer example | What the manufacturer guidance says | What to verify |
|---|---|---|
| Sherwin-Williams PrepRite Bonding Primer | Sherwin-Williams names it for a surface that remains hard and slick. Manufacturer guidance | Check the current label for compatibility with your substrate and existing coating, required preparation, use conditions, application, drying, and recoating. |
| Benjamin Moore STIX Waterborne Bonding Primer | Benjamin Moore identifies it for hard-to-coat substrates, including previously painted high-gloss coatings. Manufacturer guidance | Check the current label for compatibility with your substrate and existing coating, required preparation, use conditions, application, drying, and recoating. |
Use the product label as the deciding reference: formulations and instructions can change, and a primer described as bonding does not automatically suit every substrate or old coating. Compare candidates by their stated compatibility, whether they are intended for hard-to-coat glossy surfaces, the preparation they require, whether they suit interior or exterior use, and their application and recoat directions.
Rank #2
- Ideal for use on interior/exterior surfaces including wood, plastic, plaster, metal, masonry and unglazed ceramic
- Oil-based formula is low odor, resist chips and provides long-lasting protection
- Dries to touch in 20 minutes and covers up to 12 sq. ft. per can
- Durable formula provides excellent hide and goes on smoothly
- Flat primer provides a surface ready for painting
Test the complete coating system before painting the whole area
Prime and topcoat a small, inconspicuous part of the properly prepared surface. Let each coat dry according to its label, then check for adhesion or compatibility problems before proceeding. Sherwin-Williams recommends this kind of spot check before full-scale work. See its spot-check guidance.
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Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →If the test area shows a problem, do not extend the same coating system across the surface. Recheck the cleaning and abrasion, confirm that the primer label covers the substrate and existing coating, and follow the manufacturers’ current instructions before trying again.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- The primer is the first layer of colour that is applied on the model in order to prepare the surface for the subsequent painting processes. In order to guarantee an excellent adherence it is necessary to apply it on a previously ‘degreased’ surface, therefore it is advisable to wash the model or the figure before priming it in order to remove the remains of release agents.
- Vallejo Primers is a range of acrylic primers specially formulated for airbrushing. Recommended compressor settings for our colours are around 15 - 20 PSI or 0.5 to 1 kg.
- The primers are applied in successive coats and dry quickly, forming a homogeneous film of extraordinary hardness and resistance within a few hours after application. They can be used directly or diluted with our Airbrush Thinner (B002X6DTHK) or Flow Improver (B00QD780G0).
- The glossy black primer is available in 32 ml (1.08 fl. oz.) bottles with dropper, and 60 ml (2.02 fl. oz.) and 200 ml (6.76 fl. oz.) bottles with hinged cap and dropper.
- Note: The brand Vallejo is currently in the process of rebranding, therefore, for a period of time, it is possible that you may receive the product with either the new packaging or the old packaging.
Rank #4
- Premium Brush-On Acrylic Paint – High-quality, water-based formula designed for smooth, even application
- Airbrush Ready – Easily thins to the perfect consistency for airbrushing without compromising performance
- Made in the USA – Manufactured with trusted quality and consistency
- Multi-Surface Use – Ideal for wood, plastic, resin, and metal projects
- Clean Matte Finish – Dries to a smooth, non-glossy surface for professional-looking results
Rank #3
- The primer is the first layer of colour that is applied on the model in order to prepare the surface for the subsequent painting processes. In order to guarantee an excellent adherence it is necessary to apply it on a previously ‘degreased’ surface, therefore it is advisable to wash the model or the figure before priming it in order to remove the remains of release agents.
- Vallejo Primers is a range of acrylic primers specially formulated for airbrushing. Recommended compressor settings for our colours are around 15 - 20 PSI or 0.5 to 1 kg.
- The primers are applied in successive coats and dry quickly, forming a homogeneous film of extraordinary hardness and resistance within a few hours after application. They can be used directly or diluted with our Airbrush Thinner (B002X6DTHK) or Flow Improver (B00QD780G0).
- The glossy black primer is available in 32 ml (1.08 fl. oz.) bottles with dropper, and 60 ml (2.02 fl. oz.) and 200 ml (6.76 fl. oz.) bottles with hinged cap and dropper.
- Note: The brand Vallejo is currently in the process of rebranding, therefore, for a period of time, it is possible that you may receive the product with either the new packaging or the old packaging.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
