The Best Etch Primer for Your Steel Painting Projects: Comparing the top 6 etch primers. 

Selecting the perfect etch primer for your steel fences can feel like a tough task.  

You might be staring at a range of products, each promising excellent results, and wondering which one will actually deliver. Do you need something that dries quickly? Is anti-corrosive protection your top priority? And how about eco-friendly—what’s the best choice for that? If these questions sound familiar, you’re not alone. Finding the right etch primer is key to ensuring that your steel fences stay protected and that your paint job looks great for years to come. 

If you are new to steel painting and trying to figure out the use of etch primer, head to our other blog where we explain the use, pros and cons of etch primers in detail.  

If you already know what it is and want to choose the best primer, then keep reading. 

At Stock & Noble, we provide the finest fencing solutions to properties across Australia and New Zealand. Our premium range of fence paints and primers is designed by experts after years of research and customer feedback. While we think our product Forever Etch is the best primer, we understand it might not be right for every steel painting need.  

Based on facts and real industry insights we will compare the 6 top etch primers available in the market, such as Dulux Metalshield, Wattyl Killrust, White Knight Rust Guard, Dy-Mark Metal Pro, Resene Pre-Coated Steel and Forever Etch Primer. 

We’ll break down their key features, benefits, price, composition and ideal applications. By the end, you’ll have a clear understanding of each primer’s strengths and how they can best serve your needs. 

Whether you’re working on a DIY home improvement task or a large-scale fence painting project, you’ll know exactly which primer will offer the best adhesion, safety, corrosion protection, and overall performance. 

1. Dulux Metalshield Etch Primer

Dulux Metalshield Etch Primer is a well-known etch primer. If you’re looking for a reliable option that covers a range of metal types and offers protection, this might be your go-to.  

Here are the key features: 

• Rust Protection: This primer has anti-corrosive properties.  

• Surface Etching: It etches the metal surface, which helps the topcoat stick better.  

• Fast Drying: Dulux Metalshield dries fast, so you won’t be waiting around forever between coats. 

• Colour Options: It comes in a Light Grey base, which works well with a range of topcoat colours. 

• Applications: Whether you’re working with galvanised iron, Zincalume®, aluminium, copper, brass, stainless steel, steel, or wrought iron, this primer has you covered. 

• High on VOC: This primer is oil-based which means it has a higher content of Volatile Organic Compounds that are harmful to the planet and the applicator. Dulux Primer is less environmentally friendly compared to water-based primers. 

• Longer Clean-up: Being an oil-based primer the application needs protective gear and clean-up isn’t as easy as water-based primers. Once the painting is done, you’d need chemicals for a proper clean-up of the equipment. 

Ideal For: General use on a variety of metal surfaces. Good solution if you need a dependable all-purpose primer and don’t want an eco-friendly or safer option. 

Price: $45.50 per litre 

Type: Oil-based 

2. Wattyl Killrust Etch Primer

If you’re after something with a reputation for good performance and speed, Wattyl Killrust Etch Primer is worth a look. However, it has its drawbacks being an oil-based primer, it isn’t the most eco-friendly option. Here are the key features:

• Anti-Corrosive Pigments: This primer includes pigments that help fight rust and corrosion. If you’re dealing with harsh conditions, this primer will give you protection. 

• Quick Drying: Just like Forever Etch, Wattyl Killrust dries quickly. This is great if you’re on a tight schedule and need to get your project done in no time. 

• Versatile Use: It works on aluminium, galvanised iron, steel, brass, copper, stainless steel, zinc anneal, and lead.  

• Adhesion: This primer sticks to various surfaces. 

• Not high on Safety: Wattyl Killrust Etch Primer is an oil-based primer and thus isn’t environmentally friendly. It’s best to use protective gear while applying it and chemicals to clean up well. 

Ideal For: Projects where fast drying and strong rust protection are priorities. Ideal if you’re working with multiple types of metal and can spend time and effort on cleaning up with chemicals. 

Price: $46 per litre per litre 

Type: Oil-based 

3. White Knight Rust Guard Etch Primer

White Knight Rust Guard Etch Primer offers adhesion and durability. Here are the key features: 

• Corrosion Resistance: This primer protects against rust, making it good for metal surfaces exposed to the elements. 

• Adhesion: It locks into metal surfaces, providing a base for your topcoat.  

• Safety: Free from CFCs and lead, and with a non-chroming formula, it’s an environmentally friendly option. 

• Applications: It works well on aluminium, galvanised iron, brass, and copper. It’s great for fences, railings, gutters, roofs, doors, pipes, and gates. 

• Solvent-based: White Knight Rust Guard Etch Primer is a solvent-based primer and is higher in VOC than water-based primers. 

Ideal For: Projects where you need adhesion and durability. Good for outdoor use and heavy-duty applications. 

Price: $51.50 per litre per litre 

Type: Solvent-based

4. Dy-Mark MetalPro Etch Primer

If you’re tackling a heavy-duty project, Dy-Mark MetalPro Etch Primer is designed to deliver protection and coverage. 

Here are the top features: 

• Heavy-Duty Protection: This primer forms a tough barrier against corrosion, making it ideal for demanding environments where metal surfaces face significant wear and tear. 

•  Adhesion: Ensures a good bond to various metal surfaces 

• Coverage: Provides good coverage, meaning you’ll need fewer coats to achieve a solid finish.  

• Fast Drying: It dries quickly, allowing for faster project completion. 

• Oil-based: Dy-Mark MetalPro Etch Primer has a higher volume of Volatile Organic Compounds as compared to water-based primers.  

• Chemical Clean-up: Once the project is done, all equipment requires chemicals for a thorough clean-up. It isn’t an eco-friendly etch primer. 

Ideal For: Projects that need heavy-duty protection. Suitable for wrought iron railings, fences, gates, and structural steel where you don’t mind the high VOC content. 

Price: $43.22 per litre 

Type: Oil-based

5. Resene Pre-Coated Steel Primer

Resene Pre-Coated Steel Primer is specifically formulated for pre-coated steel surfaces, making it a specialised choice.  

Here’s why it’s worth considering: 

• Pre-Coated Steel Compatibility: Designed for factory-coated roofing and cladding, such as ColorBond® and ColorCote®. It’s good if you’re working with these specific materials. 

• Anti-Corrosive: Offers protection against corrosion for new or weathered Zincalume and galvanising.  

• Heat Reflection: When used with Resene CoolColours, it helps with heat reflection, which can be beneficial for energy efficiency in buildings. 

• Topcoating Preparation: Prepares surfaces for topcoating with a range of Resene waterborne paints. 

• Applications: Can be applied on horizontal and vertical surfaces, including roofs, walls, and fences.  

Ideal For: Projects involving pre-coated steel surfaces or where heat reflection is a priority.  

Price: $59.26

Forever Etch Primer 

Forever Etch is a premium quality water-based etch primer and undercoat, perfect for both raw and galvanised steel fences. This innovative primer that combines the benefits of traditional oil-based primers with the ease of water-based application. This primer ensures that your finish stays put and performs well over time. 

Here are the key features: 

• Flash Rust Inhibitor: Incorporates technology to prevent flash rust, which is especially useful if you’re working with freshly cleaned or sanded metal surfaces. 

• Strong Adhesion: Builds a strong bond with the metal surface, which helps your topcoat adhere well and last longer. Think of it as creating a rough texture that the paint can grip onto, making the finish more durable. 

• Anti-Corrosive Pigments: Contains pigments that help to fight rust and corrosion, ensuring long-lasting protection. 

• High Zinc Phosphate Content: This feature helps to prevent corrosion effectively, giving you the durability of oil-based primers with the convenience of a water-based formula. 

• Fast Drying: Dries quickly, allowing you to move on to painting sooner. This is beneficial for completing projects efficiently. 

• Planet-Friendly: Forever Etch is a water-based primer and therefore is low in VOCs and environmentally friendly, making it a safer choice for you and the environment. 

• Compatibility: Best used with Forever Fence Paints from the Master Blend Range, providing a strong bond and a beautiful finish for fences and other steel surfaces. 

Ideal For: Fence painting projects where you want a high-performance, eco-friendly primer that pairs well with Forever Fence Paints. Great for creating durable and attractive fencing. 

Price: $34 per litre 

Type: Water-based

Ready to Choose the Best Etch Primer for Your Steel Fences? 

You are planning to start painting your metal fences and want to know which etch primer would be perfect for the first step. Now you know about the top 6 etch primers and undercoats in Australia, their key features and ideal usage. 

Overall, choosing the right etch primer depends on the specific needs of your project. Here’s a quick summary to help you decide: 

• For General Use: Dulux Metalshield and Wattyl Killrust are versatile options that offer strong protection and adhesion for a range of metals. 

• For Heavy-Duty Protection: Dy-Mark MetalPro provides good coverage and durability, suitable for demanding environments. 

• For Pre-Coated Steel: Resene Pre-Coated Steel Primer is designed for pre-coated surfaces, ensuring good preparation for topcoating. 

• For High-Performance and Eco-Friendly Needs: Forever Etch combines the benefits of oil and water-based primers with its quick-drying and planet friendly formula. Ideal for fences. 

Consider the type of metal you’re working with, the environmental conditions, your project’s requirements and your budget. As far as price goes, White Knight Rust Guard Etch Primer is the priciest, followed by Dulux, Wattyl and Dy Mark which are similarly priced. Forever Etch is the most cost-effective option of all etching primers. 

It’s important to note that no matter which etch primer you choose, for the best results always remember to clean the surface thoroughly, use the primer and paint preferably from the same range and follow the manufacturer’s recommendation for painting.  

By choosing the right etch primer, and applying it with the right process and pro-tips, you’ll ensure that your steel fences are well-protected and that your topcoat performs at its best.  

If you have more questions on which primer, paint or stain would be best for your fences and match the look you want to achieve, speak to our experts. They will help you every step of the way to create a beautiful property, just the way you imagined.