Self Prime Technology

When are primers traditionally required before the application of paint, and why?

  • When painting an unpainted surface, to penetrate and seal the surface.
  • When painting over dirty, scuffed and stained painted surfaces, to block the stains from showing through to the paint.
  • When painting over bright or bold paint colours, to ensure the true colour of the finish coat isn’t affected by an undertone.
  • When painting over glossy or hard surfaces, to ensure adhesion.
  • When painting over problem surfaces, like metal, chalky concrete, knots in wood, etc.


    Harris Paints' products feature exclusive self prime technology.

    How are primers formulated differently from conventional paints?

    • Standard concrete primers are formulated to be more penetrating than paints, and contain a number of filler pigments to help them provide white-hide, but not durability.
    • Specialty acrylic primers use 100% acrylic resins and high levels of TiO2 pigment to ensure increased adhesion and hiding power, as well as the ability to block stains.
    • Specialty solvent-based primers vary by purpose. Some contain shellac to seal knots and harsh stains in wood, others contain anti-rust agents to properly prime metals, while others are designed to seal down chalking surfaces.
    • No primer is a substitute for proper preparation such as washing, sanding and surface repair.

    Ulttima Plus emulsion paints are said to contain Selfprime Technology because:

    • They use 100% acrylic, super-adherent resins.
    • The resins are cross-linked with zinc oxide to create a harder film that grips more tightly to the surface.
    • They have very high levels of TiO2 and other pigments, and use very strong colorants, so that they will block out old colours and stains underneath them.
    • They can be effectively be used as a “paint and primer in one” because they will work: Directly on properly-cured bare concrete; Directly over dry and sap-free new wood; Directly over previously painted or stained surfaces; Directly over Aluminium or Galvanized Metal.

    Download the full poster for our Self Prime Technology to learn more.