Do you need to prime before epoxy?
Daniel Johnson
Published May 16, 2026
There are numerous benefits in applying an epoxy floor primer prior to coating your flooring: Epoxy primers are thin, providing a better adhesion as it penetrated into the concrete substrate allowing a better bond. Primers provide a better chemical bond when using thicker epoxy base coats.
Do I need primer for epoxy?
An epoxy primer is the foundation of your floor coating system. Without it, your epoxy system will not work as well no matter what type of epoxy you are applying. Epoxy primers are the layer that you will build upon with other base coats and topcoats.What is primer for epoxy?
Epoxy primer is a sealer that produces a good surface finish on applied top coats. A two-part epoxy primer contains zinc phosphate, which acts as a corrosion-inhibiting pigment. Epoxy primers can be used to waterproof materials that consequently protect the bare metal from oxidation.Do you need to prime epoxy before painting?
A primer coat prior to painting over epoxy is quite beneficial because it provides a uniform color base and is easier to sand than epoxy resin. It is generally not necessary to use a primer in order for a suitable top coat to adhere to sanded epoxy resin.How do you prepare before epoxy?
Before applying epoxy, sand smooth non-porous surfaces—thoroughly abrade the surface. 80-grit aluminum oxide paper will provide a good texture for the epoxy to “key” into. Be sure the surface to be bonded is solid. Remove any flaking, chalking, blistering, or old coating before sanding.Epoxy Primer - 5 Good Reasons (Why you should Apply)
Should I seal concrete before epoxy?
The short answer is: Yes, even new concrete needs to be etched before applying epoxy or a similar type of garage floor coating. Etching is part of the concrete preparation process. In fact, proper preparation of the concrete before a coating is applied is the most important part.What primer should be used on resin?
Tip 1: The easiest way to paint resin is to use a primer.If you're using lighter colors, use white primer. Grey or white primer is best if you're using mixed colors. I prefer using a spray primer, as it helps so that you don't apply too much and change the look of the resin.