Getting a Flawless Finish Every Time - Why Your Choice of Primer Matters

Struggling with an inconsistent finish, even with a high-performance coating machine? You might find yourself tweaking the vacuum speed, adjusting the pump pressure, or constantly cleaning filters, but the results are still not quite right. Sometimes the problem isn't the machine, it's the paint.

The Problem with Off-the-Shelf Primers in a Vacuum Coater

Standard primers are typically designed for brushing or rolling. In the high-flow, agitated environment of a vacuum or brush coater, they can cause a whole host of problems that cost you time and money:

• They're Too Thick: Generic primers often contain high levels of thickeners to prevent sagging on vertical surfaces. In a vacuum coater, this thick consistency prevents the paint from flowing smoothly, leading to a poor, "orange peel" texture and clogging the pipework and filters.

  
  

• The "Just Add Water" Trap: A common fix is to thin the paint down with water. While this may seem logical, it will degrade the primer's formulation, reduce its covering power, and cause it to foam up.

  
  

• Foaming & Cavitation: When paint foams, your pump starts trying to pump air bubbles instead of liquid. This is known as cavitation, and it's the number one cause of an erratic pump, patchy coverage and unnecessary wear on your equipment.

  
  

The Solution: High Performance Primer

That's why we supply PP15 High Performance Primer. It's not just another paint; it’s a water-based primer that has been specifically formulated to work in perfect harmony with the dynamics of our Vacuum Coaters. It’s the result of years of experience seeing what works, and what doesn't.

Here are the benefits of using a primer that’s designed for the job:

• Flawless Flow and Superior Coverage: PP15 is designed with a lower viscosity for perfect flow through the machine, yet it retains a high solids content. This means you get excellent, even coverage in a single pass without needing to over-thin the product.

• Eliminates Clogging and Foaming: Our formula contains the right balance of anti-foaming agents to prevent cavitation. This keeps your pump running smoothly and ensures the coating chamber delivers a consistent, high-quality finish from the first board to the last.

• Versatile for Wood and MDF: Whether you’re coating softwood, hardwood, or MDF mouldings, PP15 provides a strong, reliable base for your topcoats. It’s particularly effective on MDF, helping to seal the porous core exposed during machining.

• Suitable for Exterior Use: Our primer is tough enough for exterior applications, providing an excellent foundation for a durable final paint system. (Note: As with any primer, it must be protected with suitable undercoats and topcoats for maximum longevity).

• Less Time Cleaning, More Time Coating: Because PP15 is designed not to clog, you’ll spend less time on difficult clean-downs and more time on productive, profitable work.

Ready to see the difference?

Our PP15 High Performance Primer is available in 20-litre tubs. To place an order or for technical advice, email us today at sales@palmerprimer.com or give us a call on 01623 793281.