SPO All Metals Primer - Anti-Corrosive Water-Based Metal Primer for Steel, Aluminium & Iron

• Prime most metals, including iron, steel, aluminium, brass, copper, weathered galvanised steel, and more

• Prime metal with optimal rust prevention and anti-corrosive protection

• Create a high-adhesion base for subsequent topcoats (floor paint, metal enamel, anti-condensation paint, etc.)

• Prime metal roof sheets before applying anti-condensation paint to prevent dripping roofs

• Use a water-based, low-odour primer (≤47 g/L VOC) suitable for interior and exterior applications

• Apply a versatile primer that works on multiple metal types (reduces inventory costs)

• Achieve fast-drying results (touch dry in 1.5 hours, recoat after 6 hours)

• Protect metal surfaces from rust, corrosion, and moisture damage

• Paint stainless steel or new galvanised steel (use specialist primers for these surfaces)

• Apply to metal that is actively rusting, wet, or contaminated with oil or grease (proper surface preparation required)

• Paint in temperatures below 7°C or in conditions with heavy condensation risk (minimum application temperature required)

• Use as a topcoat or final finish (this is a primer—must be top coated for protection)

SPO All Metals Primer locks onto steel, aluminium, iron, brass, copper, and more, sealing out rust and providing rock-solid anti-corrosive protection. This water-based acrylic primer (≤47 g/L VOC) delivers professional results with low odour and minimal downtime, making it safe for occupied homes and commercial spaces.

Unlike standard primers that fail on tricky metals, this high-grab formula keys firmly to difficult surfaces, ensuring topcoats resist peeling and weather damage for years. Longer metal and paint life with lower material spend means bigger margins and more free time for you or your team.

Backed by over 100 years of British coating innovation and manufactured in the UK to exacting standards, it's arguably the most dependable metal primer money can buy. Thanks to water-based, low-VOC chemistry that dries in hours and bonds like an epoxy, no alternative delivers the same mix of speed, safety, and long-term value.

Key Benefits

• Stop Rust Early – Anti-corrosive barrier halts oxidation before it starts, slashing future repair costs. Seals metal against moisture and environmental contaminants. Essential for exterior metalwork.

• Metal Roof Anti-Condensation Prep – Ideal for priming metal roof sheets before applying anti-condensation paint. Creates superior adhesion base to prevent dripping roofs in warehouses, factories, and agricultural buildings.

• Adhesion That Lasts – High-grab acrylic keys firmly to tricky metals like aluminium, brass, and weathered galvanised steel, so topcoats resist peeling and weather damage longer. Superior bond strength.

• Stretch Every Pound – One primer suits iron, steel, aluminium, brass, copper, and weathered galvanised steel, cutting inventory and saving money on specialist products. Versatile, cost-effective solution.

• Fast, Clean Workflow – Low-odour, water-based formula (≤47 g/L VOC) brushes on quickly and recoats in 6 hours, boosting productivity. Touch dry in 1.5 hours. Safe for occupied spaces.

• Client-Winning Finish – Smooth matt base (20-25 µm DFT) hides surface blemishes and helps colour coats pop, raising customer satisfaction and reputation. Professional appearance.

• Interior & Exterior Use – Suitable for both indoor and outdoor applications. Provides durable barrier against moisture, corrosion, and general wear. Tested in British weather conditions.

• Wide Topcoat Compatibility – Can be overcoated with suitable finishing paints such as Coo-Var Hammercote, SPO Matt Black, SPO Anti-Condensation Paint, or SPO Floor Paint. Flexible system.

DIY-friendly and virtually odour-free. Brush it on today, recoat tonight. Order before midday for next-day UK delivery, buy today, paint tomorrow, and enjoy rust-proof confidence straight away.

SPO All Metals Primer | Anti-Corrosive Metal Primer is a versatile, corrosion-resistant solution designed to prime and protect a wide range of metal surfaces:

• Metal Roof Sheets & Anti-Condensation Systems – Essential for priming metal roof sheets before applying SPO Anti-Condensation Paint. Creates optimal adhesion base to prevent dripping roofs caused by condensation. Perfect for warehouses, factories, agricultural buildings, and industrial roofs.

• Industrial & Automotive – Perfect for machinery, vehicle parts, factory equipment, and industrial metalwork where a strong, quick-drying primer is crucial for long-lasting finishes. Prevents rust and corrosion in demanding environments.

• Property Maintenance – A go-to for landlords, facility managers, and maintenance contractors refurbishing metal gates, railings, fences, or structural components in communal areas, commercial units, or rental properties. Cost-effective, versatile solution.

• Hospitality & Retail – Ideal for metal furniture, displays, decorative fixtures, or architectural metalwork in hotels, restaurants, cafés, and shops. Ensures a professional appearance that holds up under daily wear and tear.

• Marine & Coastal Environments – Suitable for metal surfaces exposed to salt air, humidity, and harsh coastal conditions. Provides an anti-corrosive base for subsequent topcoats. Essential for seaside properties and marine applications.

• DIY & Home Improvement – Excellent for homeowners painting metal fences, garden gates, railings, outdoor furniture, or other metal fixtures. Achieve a durable, low-odour finish with minimal downtime. Easy DIY application.

• Construction & Fabrication – Great for steel fabricators, welders, and construction professionals priming structural steel, metalwork, and fabricated components. Fast-drying formula (touch dry in 1.5 hours) keeps projects on schedule.

If you need personalised guidance on prepping metal surfaces, rust treatment, or selecting compatible topcoats, contact our experts now via the live chat for tailored advice!

Coverage: Approximately 12 m² per litre per coat (at recommended 20-25 µm dry film thickness)

Coverage per size

• 1 litre: Covers approx. 12 m² per coat
• 2.5 litres: Covers approx. 30 m² per coat

Recommended coats

• 1 coat (primer layer—must be topcoated for full protection)

Example calculations

• For a 3 m² metal gate, you will need approximately 250ml (0.25L) per coat
• One 1L tin covers 4 metal gates of this size

• For a 12 m² metal fence, you will need approximately 1 litre per coat
• One 1L tin covers this area

• For a 30 m² metal railing system, you will need approximately 2.5 litres per coat
• One 2.5L tin covers this area

Practical coverage may be lower depending on metal type, surface condition, texture, and application method. Rough or porous metal may require more primer. For accurate project planning, we recommend ordering 10-15% extra to account for surface variation.

Surface Preparation

• Ensure all metal surfaces are clean, dry, and free from grease, oil, dust, and contaminants
• Use Coo-Var Degreaser to clean and degrease metal surfaces thoroughly
• Remove rust, mill scale, and loose material—for hard-to-remove rust, use Teamac Rust Converter
• Bare steel should ideally be blast cleaned to SA 2½ standard (Swedish Standard)
• Where blasting is not possible, use thorough mechanical cleaning (wire brushing, sanding, grinding)
• Pay particular attention to edges, corners, welds, nuts, and bolts (rust-prone areas)
• Ensure surface and air temperature is above 7°C and above the dew point
• Provide adequate ventilation during application and drying

Application

• Stir paint thoroughly before use
• Apply using a good-quality brush, short-pile roller, or 0.015″ airless spray
• Thin with clean water if required (maximum 5% for brush/roller application)
• Apply 1 full coat evenly, ensuring complete coverage of all metal surfaces
• Pay special attention to edges, corners, welds, and fasteners
• Allow minimum 6 hours at 20°C before overcoating with topcoat
• Avoid application in damp, humid, or freezing conditions

Drying & Curing Times (at 20°C)

• Touch dry: 1.5 hours
• Hard dry: 4 hours
• Recoat/overcoat time: Minimum 6 hours
• Full cure: 3-5 days (primer will continue to harden during this period)

Drying times may be extended in cooler temperatures or high humidity. Ensure adequate ventilation during application and drying.

Important Notes

• Suitable for most metals including steel, iron, aluminium, brass, copper, and weathered galvanised steel
• NOT suitable for stainless steel or new galvanised steel (use specialist primers)
• Can be overcoated with suitable finishing paints such as Coo-Var Hammercote, SPO Matt Black, SPO Anti-Condensation Paint, or SPO Floor Paint
• Low temperatures and high humidity will adversely affect drying and performance
• This is a primer—must be topcoated for full protection and durability

• Finish / Texture: Matt
• Base: Water-based acrylic anti-corrosive primer
• Available Colours: Red, Grey, White
• Pack Sizes: 0.5 L, 1 L, 2.5 L
• Coverage: Approx. 12 m²/L @ 25 µm DFT
• Drying Times @ 20 °C: Touch dry 1.5 h; hard dry 4 h; full hardness 3–5 days
• Re-coat Interval: Minimum 6 h
• Minimum Application Temp.: 7 °C
• VOC Content: ≤ 47 g/L
• Flash Point: Non-flammable
• Application Method: Brush, roller, or 0.015″ airless spray (thin up to 5 % with clean water)
• Surface Suitability: Iron, steel, aluminium, brass, copper and other metals (interior & exterior)
• Volume Solids: 27 %
• Wet Film Thickness (WFT): 85 µm
• Dry Film Thickness (DFT): 20–25 µm

Need detailed specs or prep guidance? Chat with our experts now and protect your metal tomorrow!

1. What is SPO All Metals Primer used for?

SPO All Metals Primer is a water-based anti-corrosive primer formulated to promote adhesion on a variety of metal surfaces, including iron, steel, aluminium, brass, copper, and weathered galvanised steel. It helps prevent rust and corrosion whilst providing a strong foundation for topcoats. Essential for interior and exterior metalwork.

2. Why do I need a metal primer?

Metal primers create a protective barrier between bare metal and topcoats, preventing rust, improving adhesion, and extending the life of your paint system. Without primer, topcoats can peel, flake, or fail prematurely, especially on tricky metals like aluminium or galvanised steel.

3. Can I apply this primer to both interior and exterior surfaces?

Yes. SPO All Metals Primer is suitable for both indoor and outdoor applications, offering a durable barrier against moisture, corrosion, and general wear. Tested in British weather conditions for exterior use.

4. What metals can I use this primer on?

This primer works on most metals including iron, steel, aluminium, brass, copper, and weathered galvanised steel. It is NOT suitable for stainless steel or new galvanised steel (use specialist primers for these surfaces).

5. How do I apply SPO All Metals Primer?

Apply using a good-quality brush, short-pile roller, or airless spray. Ensure the metal surface is clean, free of grease, rust, and loose paint before priming. Remove rust with wire brushing or use Teamac Rust Converter for stubborn rust. Apply thin, even coats for optimal adhesion and coverage.

6. How long does it take to dry before I can paint over it?

At 20°C, the primer is touch dry in 1.5 hours and hard dry in 4 hours. You can overcoat with topcoat after a minimum of 6 hours. Full cure is achieved after 3-5 days. Drying times may be longer in cooler temperatures or high humidity.

7. Is this primer low odour and eco-friendly?

Yes. Being water-based with ≤47 g/L VOC content, SPO All Metals Primer is formulated with minimal VOCs, resulting in a low-odour, user-friendly painting experience that's better for both indoor environments and the planet. Safe for occupied spaces.

8. Does it really protect against rust and corrosion?

Absolutely. The primer is designed to bond firmly to metal substrates, sealing out moisture and environmental contaminants that can lead to rust or corrosion. This anti-corrosive barrier extends the lifespan of your metal surfaces when combined with a suitable topcoat.

9. How much area does one litre cover?

Coverage is approximately 12 m² per litre per coat. A 1L tin covers 12 m², whilst a 2.5L tin covers 30 m². Coverage may vary depending on metal type, surface texture, and porosity. Lightly sanding and cleaning the surface beforehand can help achieve maximum coverage and adhesion.

10. What topcoats can I use over this primer?

SPO All Metals Primer can be overcoated with suitable finishing paints such as Coo-Var Hammercote, SPO Matt Black, SPO Anti-Condensation Paint, SPO Floor Paint, or other compatible metal enamels. Always ensure the primer is fully dry (minimum 6 hours) before topcoating.

11. Can I use this primer on metal roof sheets before anti-condensation paint?

Yes. SPO All Metals Primer is ideal for priming metal roof sheets before applying SPO Anti-Condensation Paint. The primer creates a high-adhesion base that ensures the anti-condensation coating bonds properly to the metal, preventing dripping roofs caused by condensation. Essential for warehouses, factories, agricultural buildings, and industrial roofs.

Need further guidance on priming metal, rust treatment, or selecting a topcoat?

For personalised recommendations, surface preparation tips, or product advice, contact our experts now via live chat—we're here to help you achieve a lasting, professional finish!

Safety data sheet
Technical data sheet

Free Delivery on Orders Over £75: Stock up on everything you need in one go and complete the job properly

• Coo-Var Degreaser: Degrease surfaces to remove oil and grease
• Teamac Rust Converter: Prepare heavily rusted surfaces for best adhesion.
• Coo-Var Hammercote: Complete the job with durable, colour-matched topcoat.
• SPO Anti-Condensation Paint: topcoat to prevent condensation forming and dripping water from metal surfaces
• Application Tools: Brushes, rollers, extension poles, or spray equipment.

these products are commonly combined for best long-term results.

Fast, Reliable & Fully Tracked UK Delivery

Every order is dispatched from our warehouse using a fully tracked DX or FedEx service, so you always know when your paint will arrive.

Delivery Options

• FREE Standard Delivery (orders over £75) Arrives in 2–3 working days
• Standard Delivery – £7.95 Arrives in 2–3 working days
• Express Delivery – £13.95 Next working day delivery when you order before 12:00 noon (Mon–Thu)
• Spending £75+? Select Express Upgrade at checkout and only pay the difference

Dispatch & Delivery Times (What Happens After You Order)

• Express delivery (order before 12:00 Mon–Thu) Dispatched same day, delivered next working day
• Standard delivery (Mon–Wed orders) Dispatched next working day, delivered 2–3 working days later
• Orders placed Thursday (standard delivery) Dispatched Friday for Monday delivery
• We do not dispatch or deliver on weekends or UK bank holidays

What to Expect on Delivery

Please provide a contact telephone number at checkout. This allows the courier to share tracking updates or contact you if there are any delivery issues.

Most orders require a signature on delivery. If you may not be available during the day, we recommend delivery to a workplace, business address, or another location where someone can sign.

Outside the UK Mainland?

Delivery prices shown apply to UK Mainland only.

For the Highlands, Islands, Northern Ireland, or non-mainland addresses, please contact us for a quick personalised quote via live chat, by calling 01482 222 421, or emailing info@specialistpaintsonline.co.uk.

Bottom Line

Order today, get fast and reliable delivery, track every step, and get painting without delays.