When Should I Apply Primer?

Section 1: How to Tell If You Need Primer

Grab a flashlight.

Shine it into the scratch or chip to see how deep the damage goes.

Look for bare metal or plastic.

If you see either, that means the damage went all the way through the factory primer — so you’ll need to reapply primer before painting.

Pro Tip: Always wipe the area clean and dry before checking — dirt can mask bare metal or plastic.

Section 2: Why Primer Matters

Primer does two key jobs:

Sticks to bare surfaces better than paint does (so it won’t flake off).
Fills deeper scratches thanks to its high solids content, creating a smoother surface for base color and clear coat.

Showroom-quality results start here — a good primer layer is the secret to a finish that looks and feels seamless.

Section 3: Buying Primer Separately

I just realized I do need the primer — how can I buy it separately?

We’ve got you. If you received your kit and realized you should’ve chosen one with primer, you can buy primer on its own right here.

Bottle Primer – ideal for small touch-ups or scratch repairs.
👉 Shop Bottle Primer - USA

👉 Shop Bottle Primer - CANADA

Aerosol Primer – perfect for larger repair areas or spray applications.
👉 Shop Aerosol Primer - USA

👉 Shop Aerosol Primer - CANADA

Choose the version that matches your kit or repair method, and you’re ready to go.

Not sure which primer color to choose? Primer shade depends on your vehicle’s color and finish. Email our team at support@scratcheshappen.com (USA) or support@scratcheshappen.ca (CANADA) and we’ll confirm which one you need before you order.

FAQs

Do I always need primer?

In the cases of small chips and minor scratches, if you see bare metal or plastic. Light surface scratches don’t need it.

Can I skip primer for touch-ups?

Skipping primer when the damage is through the factory primer can cause paint to peel off or rust to grow underneath. The bare metal of a vehicle is meant to be sealed and protected by primer before the paint is applied.

How long should primer dry before painting?

See our Step-by-Step Instructions here: https://help.scratcheshappen.com/help/where-can-i-download-your-instructions

Related Help Docs & Videos

Learn what comes next — from deciding if you need primer to applying your OEM-matched paint with confidence.

How to Apply Your Touch-Up Paint

Follow clear instructions to prep the area and apply paint and clear coat, so you finish with confidence.

Unboxing ScratchesHappen Paint Kits

See what’s inside every kit and how primer fits into the process.

How We Mix Your OEM-Matched Paint

See how our color experts hand-blend your paint for a precise match to your vehicle.