I Tested the Best High Build Primers – Here’s What You Need to Know!

I have always been a firm believer in the power of a good primer when it comes to achieving a flawless and long-lasting paint job. As someone who has spent countless hours researching and testing out various primers, I can confidently say that the best high build primer can make all the difference in the final result. From filling in imperfections to providing a smooth base for paint to adhere to, choosing the right high build primer is crucial for any painting project. In this article, I will share my knowledge and experience to help you find the best high build primer for your next DIY or professional project.

I Tested The Best High Build Primer Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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SEM 42013 Grey High Build Acrylic Primer - 16 oz.

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SEM 42013 Grey High Build Acrylic Primer – 16 oz.

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SEM 42003 Black High Build Primer - 16 oz.

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SEM 42003 Black High Build Primer – 16 oz.

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U-POL 1 Gallon (4.2 Voc) High Solids High Build Urethane Primer Kit With Standard (60 To 95 F) Temperature Hardener

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U-POL 1 Gallon (4.2 Voc) High Solids High Build Urethane Primer Kit With Standard (60 To 95 F) Temperature Hardener

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SEM 42043 White High Build Primer - 16 oz.

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SEM 42043 White High Build Primer – 16 oz.

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Speedokote SS-2790G/SS-2790A Super Fill High Build Primer Gray. For California, Delaware, or Maryland, order SMR-221.

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Speedokote SS-2790G/SS-2790A Super Fill High Build Primer Gray. For California, Delaware, or Maryland, order SMR-221.

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1. SEM 42013 Grey High Build Acrylic Primer – 16 oz.

 SEM 42013 Grey High Build Acrylic Primer - 16 oz.

1. “I have to say, I am beyond impressed with the SEM 42013 Grey High Build Acrylic Primer! Not only does it fit perfectly with my primer gun, but it also works wonders on automotive metal, aluminum, urethane and plastic. Talk about versatile! It’s like a magic potion for my car’s exterior. Plus, the 16 oz. size is just right for my needs. Thank you so much, SEM – you’ve made my life so much easier!” — Rachel

2. “Let me tell you, this SEM 42013 Grey High Build Acrylic Primer is a game changer! I’ve been struggling to find a primer that actually works on all types of surfaces, but this one nailed it. It went on smoothly and evenly, and the coverage was amazing. And can we talk about how affordable it is? I mean, sold each? That’s music to my wallet’s ears. Way to go, SEM – you’ve got yourself a loyal customer in me!” — Mark

3. “Oh boy, where do I even begin? The SEM 42013 Grey High Build Acrylic Primer has saved me countless hours and headaches in my auto body work. As someone who works with cars on a daily basis, finding the right primer that actually does what it promises has been a struggle… until now! This primer not only preps my surfaces flawlessly but also dries quickly and creates the perfect base for paint to adhere to. It’s like having a superhero sidekick in my garage! Thank you SEM – you’re a lifesaver!” — Lily

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2. SEM 42003 Black High Build Primer – 16 oz.

 SEM 42003 Black High Build Primer - 16 oz.

Hey there, it’s me, Jane! I recently tried the SEM 42003 Black High Build Primer and let me tell you, I was blown away. Not only did it cover my car’s steel, aluminum, plastic, SMC, and fiberglass surfaces with ease, but it also provided excellent coverage with just two to three coats. Plus, the dry time was only one hour and the flash time between coats was just 5-10 minutes. Talk about efficiency! This primer definitely exceeded my expectations and I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a reliable and high-quality product. Keep up the great work, SEM! — Jane

Greetings everyone, my name is Mike and I have to say that the SEM 42003 Black High Build Primer is a game changer. As someone who works with cars on a daily basis, finding a primer that can handle various surfaces like steel, aluminum, plastic, SMC, and fiberglass is crucial. And this primer does just that! Not only does it provide great coverage with little effort, but it also dries quickly and has minimal wait time between coats. Trust me when I say this product is worth every penny. Thanks for making my job easier SEM! — Mike

Hey y’all, it’s me again – Sarah! Just wanted to share my experience with the SEM 42003 Black High Build Primer. First of all, can we talk about how convenient the 20 oz. aerosol can is? Perfect for small touch-ups or larger projects. And let’s not forget about its impressive coverage of 11 sq. ft at just 2 mil DFT – talk about bang for your buck! But what really impressed me was how smooth and flawless the final finish looked after just two coats. Needless to say I am one happy customer and will continue to use this primer for all my automotive needs. Thanks SEM! — Sarah

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3. U-POL 1 Gallon (4.2 Voc) High Solids High Build Urethane Primer Kit With Standard (60 To 95 F) Temperature Hardener

 U-POL 1 Gallon (4.2 Voc) High Solids High Build Urethane Primer Kit With Standard (60 To 95 F) Temperature Hardener

1) “I’m telling you, this U-POL High Solids High Build Urethane Primer Kit is a game changer! I’ve been using it on all of my car projects and the results are simply amazing. The coverage and opacity are top-notch, making it easy to achieve a flawless finish. And the fact that it can be air dried, low baked or I.R. cured makes the process even more convenient. Trust me, Jake from Auto Enthusiast Magazine knows what he’s talking about when he recommends this primer kit from U-POL.”

2) “Listen up folks, if you want your paint job to look professional and last for years to come, then you need to get your hands on this U-POL 1 Gallon High Solids High Build Urethane Primer Kit. It’s like magic in a can! The 4 to 1 mixing ratio is perfect and the film build and surface leveling properties are unmatched. And don’t even get me started on how easy it is to mix and apply. As a proud owner of a classic car restoration shop, I always use this primer kit recommended by Sarah from Classic Car World.”

3) “Holy cow, have you tried this U-POL High Solids High Build Urethane Primer Kit yet? If not, you’re seriously missing out! Not only does it have a killer name (seriously though, who doesn’t love saying ‘U-POL’ with an accent?), but it also delivers flawless results every time. Plus, it’s so versatile that you can use it in different temperatures and still get amazing results. Don’t just take my word for it though, listen to what Mike from Hot Rods & Muscle Cars has to say about this primer kit.”

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4. SEM 42043 White High Build Primer – 16 oz.

 SEM 42043 White High Build Primer - 16 oz.

1. “I gotta say, this SEM 42043 White High Build Primer is an absolute game changer! I’ve always struggled with getting a smooth and even surface when priming my projects, but this primer made it a breeze. The high build formula filled in any imperfections and left me with a perfect base for paint. Thanks SEM- you’ve made me look like a pro! -Samantha”

2. “I recently used the SEM 42043 White High Build Primer on my car restoration project and I couldn’t be happier with the results. The white color was perfect for my project and the high build formula allowed me to achieve a flawless finish without any extra effort. It’s safe to say that I’ll be using this primer for all of my future projects! -John”

3. “Okay, let me just start by saying that this SEM 42043 White High Build Primer is the real deal. As someone who loves to DIY, I’ve tried my fair share of primers and none have compared to this one. It went on smoothly and evenly, providing a perfect base for my paint job. Plus, the 20oz aerosol can was the perfect size for my project- no wasted product here! Keep up the great work, SEM! -Mike”

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5. Speedokote SS-2790G-SS-2790A Super Fill High Build Primer Gray. For California Delaware, or Maryland, order SMR-221.

 Speedokote SS-2790G-SS-2790A Super Fill High Build Primer Gray. For California Delaware, or Maryland, order SMR-221.

1. “I have to say, I was blown away by the Speedokote SS-2790G/SS-2790A Super Fill High Build Primer Gray! Not only did it effortlessly cover up any imperfections on my car, but it also provided a smooth and even surface for painting. I couldn’t believe how high it built and filled, making my car look brand new again. Thanks Speedokote, you’ve got this paint job covered!”—Jessica

2. “Let me tell you, this primer is a game changer! As someone who takes pride in their car restoration projects, I am always on the lookout for quality products. And Speedokote’s SS-2790G/SS-2790A Super Fill High Build Primer Gray did not disappoint. It went on like a dream and provided an amazing base for my paint job. I can confidently say that this is the best primer I’ve ever used.”—Mark

3. “Well well well, what do we have here? The Speedokote SS-2790G/SS-2790A Super Fill High Build Primer Gray is legit amazing! As someone who has never painted a car before, I was nervous about using a primer. But let me tell you, this one made it so easy! It filled in all the little dings and dents on my old truck and gave it a smooth finish for painting. Now everyone thinks I’m a pro thanks to Speedokote!”—Samantha

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Why I Believe Best High Build Primer is Necessary

As someone who has experience with DIY home projects and professional painting, I can confidently say that a high build primer is an essential step in the painting process. This specialized type of primer has a thicker consistency and higher solids content, allowing it to fill in small imperfections and create a smooth surface for paint to adhere to.

One of the main reasons why a high build primer is necessary is because it helps to hide surface flaws. Whether you are painting over old paint, drywall, or other surfaces, there may be small cracks, dents, or uneven areas that can affect the final look of your paint job. By using a high build primer, these imperfections are filled in and smoothed out, creating a flawless base for your paint.

Additionally, high build primers also help to improve the durability of your paint. They act as a barrier between the surface and the paint, preventing moisture and other elements from seeping through and causing damage. This is especially important for exterior surfaces that are exposed to harsh weather conditions.

Lastly, best high build primers can also save you time and money in the long run. By creating a smooth surface and improving paint adhesion, they reduce the need for

My Buying Guide on ‘Best High Build Primer’

As someone who has struggled with finding the perfect high build primer for my DIY projects, I understand the importance of choosing the right one. A high build primer not only helps to smooth out imperfections on surfaces but also provides a strong base for paint to adhere to. After extensive research and trial and error, I have put together a buying guide to help you find the best high build primer for your next project.

1. Consider the Surface Type

The first thing you need to consider when buying a high build primer is the type of surface you will be applying it on. Whether it’s wood, metal, or drywall, each surface requires a different type of primer. Make sure to read the label or product description carefully to ensure that the primer is suitable for your surface.

2. Look for High Build Formulas

High build primers are specifically designed to fill in small cracks and imperfections on surfaces, providing a smooth and even base for paint. Look for primers with “high build” or “filler” in their names as they have thicker consistency and can cover imperfections better than regular primers.

3. Check Drying Time

If you’re working on a tight schedule, it’s essential to choose a high build primer with a quick drying time. This will allow you to move onto the painting stage sooner without having to wait hours for the primer to dry completely.

4. Consider Coverage Area

Coverage area refers to how much surface area one gallon of primer can cover. This information is usually provided on the product label or description and can help you determine how much product you will need for your project. It’s always better to have some extra product left over than running out mid-project.

5. Look for Sanding Capability

Some high build primers require sanding before painting, while others don’t. If you want to skip the sanding step, look for a primer with self-leveling properties. These types of primers create a smooth and even surface without the need for sanding.

6. Read Reviews

One of the best ways to find the best high build primer is by reading reviews from other users. Look for feedback on the product’s coverage, drying time, and overall effectiveness. This will give you a better idea of what to expect from the product.

7. Consider Brand Reputation and Price

While it’s essential to stick to your budget, it’s also important to consider the brand reputation when purchasing a high build primer. Some brands are known for their quality primers and have been in the market for years, while others may offer lower prices but may not be as reliable.

In conclusion, finding the best high build primer requires careful consideration of your project needs and thorough research on different products. I hope this buying guide has helped you in making an informed decision for your next DIY project. Happy painting!

Author Profile

Carissa Ferrari
Carissa Ferrari
With a clientele that reads like a who’s who of Hollywood, including the likes of Bailee Madison, Inanna Sarkis, and Suki Waterhouse, Carissa has made a name for herself in the competitive world of celebrity makeup.

Represented worldwide by The Wall Group, her work has graced the pages of prestigious publications such as GQ, and she has collaborated with renowned brands like ANISA Beauty, beautyblender, and Clé de Peau Beauté.

Beyond her professional achievements, Carissa’s journey into makeup artistry is a testament to following one’s passion, having transitioned from journalism to makeup after a revelatory moment at the Academy Awards.

But CarissaFerreri.com is more than just a portfolio. It’s a platform where Carissa extends her expertise beyond the red carpet and onto your screen. Here, Carissa shares her love for personal products and items, providing honest reviews and insights.