Have you been looking for the best auto body primers to fix scratches and prepare surfaces for paint?
I’m sharing real users’ experiences with top options like high-build urethane from Restoration Shop and rust-protective kits from Eastwood and AUTOBAHNHOF that dry quickly, sand easily, and give a smooth finish for car repairs.
Auto body primers can fix scratches and prepare surfaces for paint. Many users say they get a smooth finish with high-build options like urethane from Restoration Shop. They share stories of quick drying and easy sanding for their car repairs.
Users love kits from Eastwood and AUTOBAHNHOF for rust protection. This guide shows you the best ones to pick.
List of Top 10 Auto Body Primers
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Restoration Shop 1.25 Quart 2K High Build Primer Automotive Paint Kit – 1 Qt. Gray Urethane Primer Surfacer, 1/2 Pint Hardener, 4:1 Mix Ratio – Professional Auto Car Refinish Coating, Auto Body Repair |
This kit is perfect for auto body pros and serious DIYers who want fast, strong repair results. It gives high-fill coverage, easy sanding, and direct-to-metal adhesion for quick, pro-level finishes. |
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Restoration Shop 1.25 Gallon 2K High Build Primer Automotive Paint Kit – 1 Gal. Gray Urethane Primer Surfacer, 1 Qt Hardener, 4:1 Mix Ratio – Professional Auto Car Refinish Coating – Auto Body Repair |
This kit is perfect for auto body pros and serious DIYers who need a fast, high-fill 2K primer that sands and holds color well. It is ideal for those who want strong metal adhesion, easy sanding, and professional results from a single, ready-to-mix kit. |
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acme FP 410 Gallon KIT Urethane Primer Sherwin Williams Restoration AUTO Paint FINISH1 |
This FP 410 urethane primer is perfect for auto body shops and car fixers who need to hide ugly scratches fast. It works great for restoring old cars with lots of sand marks. |
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Eastwood Gray Epoxy Primer and Sealer Quart 1:1 | Epoxy Primer Sealant for Steel Fibreglass Aluminium | Automotive Car Body Filler for Car Restoration | Rust Proofing Underseal for Anti Corrosion |
This epoxy primer is ideal for car restorers on steel, aluminum, fiberglass, and car body filler. It seals, fights rust, and helps the paint last longer when mixed 1:1. |
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AUTOBAHNHOF Eco Pro 2K 4:1 HS Urethane Primer Red & Medium Hardener Kit – High Build, Controlled Drying, Auto Body & Industrial Refinishing – 1 Gallon Primer + 1 Quart Hardener |
This primer kit is perfect for auto body shops, fleet maintenance teams, and industrial refinishers. It offers high build, controlled drying, and easy mixing for a smooth, durable base before paint. |
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Finish1 Sherwin Williams FP401 Gray Acrylic Primer Surfacer Auto Paint Restoration car Paint Supplies |
This gray acrylic primer surfacer is perfect for car hobbyists who love fixing up old rides. It works great for auto body pros who need strong paint prep to make cars shine new. |
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AUTOBAHNHOF Eco Pro 2K 4:1 HS Urethane Primer Gray & Fast Hardener Kit – High Build, Rapid Curing, Auto Body & Industrial Refinishing – 1 Gallon Primer + 1 Quart Hardener |
Are you a pro working on cars or big machines? This primer kit is perfect for anyone who needs to get the job done fast and right! |
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AUTOBAHNHOF Eco Pro 2K 4:1 HS Urethane Primer Gray & Medium Hardener Kit – High Build, Controlled Drying, Auto Body & Industrial Refinishing – 1 Gallon Primer + 1 Quart Hardener |
This product is perfect for auto body shops and industrial professionals who refinish vehicles and equipment. It suits fleet maintenance teams needing strong, tough coatings for trucks and machinery. |
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Eastwood 2K Epoxy Gray Primer | AeroSpray Catalyzed Technology | Durable Direct to Metal Automotive | Performance on Car Body Filler | 10-16 Sq Ft Coverage | 12 oz | 1 Pack |
This primer is perfect for car enthusiasts who like to fix up their vehicles at home. It’s also ideal for professional auto body shops needing a sturdy base for paint jobs. |
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Dura-Gold Premium 6″ x 9″ Maroon General Purpose Scuff Pads, Box of 10 – Scuffing, Scouring, Sanding, Paint Primer Prep Adhesion Scratch – Surface Preparation Automotive Car Auto Body Woodworking Wood |
These Dura-Gold Premium Maroon Scuff Pads are perfect for auto body workers, painters, woodworkers, metalworkers, and DIY fixers who prep surfaces for paint or clean tough spots. They work great in shops, homes, or on jobs like fixing cars or metal pieces. |
Detailed Reviews
Ready for perfect auto body work? We’ve got the top primers you need. Our guide has expert picks and real reviews. Find the best primer for your next project here.
1. Restoration Shop 1.25 Quart 2K High Build Primer Automotive Paint Kit – 1 Qt. Gray Urethane Primer Surfacer, 1/2 Pint Hardener, 4:1 Mix Ratio – Professional Auto Car Refinish Coating, Auto Body Repair
The Restoration Shop 1.25 Quarts Premium High-Solids High-Build 2K Primer Auto Paint Kit is for auto refinishing. It includes 1 quart of gray urethane primer surfacer and 1/2 pint of hardener that mix 4:1 to make 1.25 quarts.
This high-build primer has high solids to fill medium scratches. It is a direct-to-metal primer that sticks to bare metal and sands easily, and it dries fast.
Made in the USA with quality ingredients. Consistent results come with this kit. Perfect for a pro-looking finish.
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Perfect For:
This kit is perfect for auto body pros and serious DIYers who want fast, strong repair results. It gives high-fill coverage, easy sanding, and direct-to-metal adhesion for quick, pro-level finishes.
Ready to Purchase?
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2. Restoration Shop 1.25 Gallon 2K High Build Primer Automotive Paint Kit – 1 Gal. Gray Urethane Primer Surfacer, 1 Qt Hardener, 4:1 Mix Ratio – Professional Auto Car Refinish Coating – Auto Body Repair
You need a top painting kit for car repairs. This kit gives you one gallon of gray primer, one quart of hardener, and a 4 to 1 mix to make 1.25 gallons of ready primer.
This primer fills deep scratches well. It sticks to bare metal, old paint, filler, and plastics. You can add tints to change its color.
It dries fast and sands smooth. No shrinking under top coats. Use it on any car project for great results.
Big car shops use this kit. It comes from the USA. Get pro-level paint now.
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Perfect For:
This kit is perfect for auto body pros and serious DIYers who need a fast, high-fill 2K primer that sands and holds color well. It is ideal for those who want strong metal adhesion, easy sanding, and professional results from a single, ready-to-mix kit.
Ready to Purchase?
3. acme FP 410 Gallon KIT Urethane Primer Sherwin Williams Restoration AUTO Paint FINISH1
Ready for a smooth, flawless finish? The ACME FP 410 Urethane Primer KIT is your secret weapon. It will make your paint job look amazing. You will love the results!
It is a gray primer. It has excellent fill properties.
This primer is very easy to use. It can cover even deep scratches. Get your ACME FP 410 KIT now!
| Pros | Cons |
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Perfect For:
This FP 410 urethane primer is perfect for auto body shops and car fixers who need to hide ugly scratches fast. It works great for restoring old cars with lots of sand marks.
Ready to Purchase?
4. Eastwood Gray Epoxy Primer and Sealer Quart 1:1 | Epoxy Primer Sealant for Steel Fibreglass Aluminium | Automotive Car Body Filler for Car Restoration | Rust Proofing Underseal for Anti Corrosion
Eastwood Gray Epoxy Primer seals many materials like steel, fiberglass, and aluminum. It works great for car body filler and stops rust. Mix it 1:1 to get a strong finish every time.
It needs just 1 or 2 coats mixed with catalyst. Sand it wet the next day for smooth prep.
Eastwood quality brings trusted tools for beginners and pros. Get lifetime tech support when you need it. Enjoy a 90-day warranty for peace of mind.
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Perfect For:
This epoxy primer is ideal for car restorers on steel, aluminum, fiberglass, and car body filler. It seals, fights rust, and helps the paint last longer when mixed 1:1.
Ready to Purchase?
5. AUTOBAHNHOF Eco Pro 2K 4:1 HS Urethane Primer Red & Medium Hardener Kit – High Build, Controlled Drying, Auto Body & Industrial Refinishing – 1 Gallon Primer + 1 Quart Hardener
This AUTOBAHNHOF Eco Pro 2K 4:1 HS Urethane Primer Red & Medium Hardener Kit comes with 1 gallon primer and 1 quart hardener. It offers controlled drying and smooth adhesion for top results. Mix 4 parts primer with 1 part hardener for easy use.
It provides high build to cover flaws on various surfaces. You can sand it in 3-4 hours at room temperature.
It suits auto body shops, fleet work, and industrial tasks. Use it with HVLP spray guns for pro finishes.
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Perfect For:
This primer kit is perfect for auto body shops, fleet maintenance teams, and industrial refinishers. It offers high build, controlled drying, and easy mixing for a smooth, durable base before paint.
Ready to Purchase?
6. Finish1 Sherwin Williams FP401 Gray Acrylic Primer Surfacer Auto Paint Restoration car Paint Supplies
Want a smooth finish for your car? This gray acrylic primer is your perfect start. It’s from Sherwin Williams and Finish1 for top quality.
This surfacer works great. Get restoration auto paint supplies today!
It is simple to use. Get your car paint looking great again!
| Pros | Cons |
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Perfect For:
This gray acrylic primer surfacer is perfect for car hobbyists who love fixing up old rides. It works great for auto body pros who need strong paint prep to make cars shine new.
Ready to Purchase?
7. AUTOBAHNHOF Eco Pro 2K 4:1 HS Urethane Primer Gray & Fast Hardener Kit – High Build, Rapid Curing, Auto Body & Industrial Refinishing – 1 Gallon Primer + 1 Quart Hardener
The AUTOBAHNHOF Eco Pro 2K 4:1 HS Urethane Primer Gray kit is easy to use. It includes 1 gallon primer and 1 quart hardener. It gives high build coverage for a smooth base.
The fast hardener cures quickly. Sanding starts in about 2–3 hours at 20°C (68°F). Full cure is 30 minutes at 60°C (140°F).
It has high build and sticks to metal, aluminum, fiberglass, plastic, and painted surfaces. It offers UV protection and corrosion resistance for a long-lasting finish.
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Perfect For:
Are you a pro working on cars or big machines? This primer kit is perfect for anyone who needs to get the job done fast and right!
Ready to Purchase?
8. AUTOBAHNHOF Eco Pro 2K 4:1 HS Urethane Primer Gray & Medium Hardener Kit – High Build, Controlled Drying, Auto Body & Industrial Refinishing – 1 Gallon Primer + 1 Quart Hardener
Upgrade your refinishing game with the AUTOBAHNHOF Eco Pro 2K 4:1 HS Urethane Primer Gray & Medium Hardener Kit. This complete set includes one gallon of gray primer and one quart of medium hardener for professional results.
The medium hardener lets you sand in 3-4 hours at room temperature. It cures fully in just 45 minutes at high heat. This gives you more time to work precisely.
It bonds strongly to metal, aluminum, fiberglass, plastic, and old paint. The high-build formula creates a smooth, even base for paint. It resists corrosion, UV rays, and impact damage.
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Perfect For:
This product is perfect for auto body shops and industrial professionals who refinish vehicles and equipment. It suits fleet maintenance teams needing strong, tough coatings for trucks and machinery.
Ready to Purchase?
9. Eastwood 2K Epoxy Gray Primer | AeroSpray Catalyzed Technology | Durable Direct to Metal Automotive | Performance on Car Body Filler | 10-16 Sq Ft Coverage | 12 oz | 1 Pack
Get a durable finish with Eastwood 2K Epoxy Gray Primer! This automotive aerosol is perfect for preventing rust on your car. It will make your new paint job last longer!
It features a 2-component formula. Plus, it has a special nozzle for a wide, even spray!
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Perfect For:
This primer is perfect for car enthusiasts who like to fix up their vehicles at home. It’s also ideal for professional auto body shops needing a sturdy base for paint jobs.
Ready to Purchase?
10. Dura-Gold Premium 6″ x 9″ Maroon General Purpose Scuff Pads, Box of 10 – Scuffing, Scouring, Sanding, Paint Primer Prep Adhesion Scratch – Surface Preparation Automotive Car Auto Body Woodworking Wood
Dura-Gold Premium 6″ x 9″ Maroon General Purpose Scuff Pads come in a box of 10. These high-performance pads offer a very fine cut like P320 grit sandpaper. They are flexible and work great on flat or curved surfaces.
Made with durable aluminum oxide on three-dimensional fibers, they resist tearing and clogging. You can use them dry or wet for consistent results. These pads are reusable and provide uniform scratches for better prep.
They prep surfaces for paint, clean metal, wood, and more. Dura-Gold has a full line of top-quality sandpaper. Get more done fast and save time with these tools.
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Perfect For:
These Dura-Gold Premium Maroon Scuff Pads are perfect for auto body workers, painters, woodworkers, metalworkers, and DIY fixers who prep surfaces for paint or clean tough spots. They work great in shops, homes, or on jobs like fixing cars or metal pieces.
Ready to Purchase?
Buying Guide
Looking for the perfect base for your car’s new paint? Auto body primers help fix scratches and ensure a smooth finish.
Many users praise Restoration Shop’s urethane primers for their easy sanding and quick drying. Others recommend Eastwood and AUTOBAHNHOF kits for rust protection. Find the best primer for your project below!
Here are some factors to consider when buying:
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Primer Type: Choose between epoxy, urethane, or acrylic primers. Epoxy primers often provide the best rust protection. Urethane primers offer high build for filling imperfections. Acrylic primers are often the most budget-friendly.
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Build Quality: Look for high-build primers to fill scratches and dents. High build means less sanding is needed. Consider the amount of imperfections needed to be covered.
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Ease of Use: Check the mixing ratio and drying time. Primers with simple mixing are easier for beginners. Fast-drying primers speed up the project.
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Surface Compatibility: Confirm the primer works with your car’s material. Some primers work on bare metal, while others are better for existing paint. Check for compatibility with steel, aluminum, fiberglass, or plastic.
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Sanding: See how easy the primer sands down. Easy-sanding primers save time and create a smoother surface. This provides a great surface for the next paint layer.
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Quantity: Buy enough primer to cover the entire project. Kits come in quarts or gallons. Always overestimate to avoid running out mid-project.
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Brand Reputation: Choose reputable brands. Eastwood, Restoration Shop, and AUTOBAHNHOF are brands known for quality. Look into Sherwin William and ACME brands, as well.
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Rust Protection: If rust is a concern, choose a primer that provides corrosion resistance. Epoxy primers are often a great choice for this. This helps prevent rust.