Primer Color

[123pugsy]

I was reading on some threads about primer color under the paint.
I simply used red oxide under my red paint so chips wouldn't show. John Long mentioned it and I thought it to be genius as my yellow truck with grey primer underneath, every chip stood out like crazy.

Is there rules of thumb for primer colors and why do these rules of thumb exist?

 

[Jim C]

you dont need to match or come close in color. you need a white, black or any shade of grey in between. ultimately what you are trying to do is match the value of the primer to the base. when the value matches then your coverage will be best.

 

[RenewAP]

If I am repairing a vehicle for a customer that drives on gravel a lot, then I epoxy prime as close to the final color as I can, because chips will happen. Otherwise I match how JIM C posted.

 

[Treeslayer]

i have read it both ways, and both ways make sense. i do know over 50 eyes aint what they used to be. i cant decide now lol.

 

[Vanillagorilla]

I used to always tint my sealers to match my base thinking that I was being smart as to not use as much base, but then I ran into a lot of scenarios where the colored sealers wouldn't cover well, like new black parts, or break through on bumpers etc. So then I would end up having to shoot 2 coats of sealer, or still use more base then I wanted. Now I just try to pick the correct shade of Grey. It covers everything completely in one coat, and base covers it well.