Primer Market Size and Outlook 2031

Report Description

Forecast Period	2027-2031
Market Size (2025)	USD 30.61 Billion
CAGR (2026-2031)	6.45%
Fastest Growing Segment	Infrastructure
Largest Market	Asia Pacific
Market Size (2031)	USD 44.54 Billion

Market Overview

The Global Primer Market will grow from USD 30.61 Billion in 2025 to USD 44.54 Billion by 2031 at a 6.45% CAGR. Primers are preparatory coatings applied to substrates to establish strong adhesion, prevent corrosion, and ensure the durability of the final paint system. The primary drivers supporting market growth include increasing activities in the residential and commercial construction sectors and rising global automotive production. Furthermore, the demand for industrial maintenance solutions to prolong the lifespan of infrastructure and heavy machinery significantly bolsters consumption. This robust industrial demand is reflected in broader sector performance. According to the World Paint & Coatings Industry Association, in 2024, the global paints and coatings market reached a sales value of USD 188.8 billion.

However, a significant challenge that could impede market expansion is the stringent enforcement of environmental regulations concerning Volatile Organic Compounds. Regulatory bodies globally are mandating lower emission limits, forcing manufacturers to phase out traditional solvent based formulations in favor of waterborne alternatives. This shift necessitates costly product reformulation and performance testing, creating financial and technical hurdles that may constrain growth in specific regions.

Key Market Drivers

The rapid expansion of the global construction and infrastructure industry acts as a formidable catalyst for the primer market, driven by the necessity for durable substrate protection in large-scale development projects. Primers are essential in these applications to ensure adhesion and corrosion resistance for structural steel, concrete, and cladding materials used in residential complexes, commercial towers, and public works. This segment is witnessing substantial investment, particularly in emerging economies modernizing their logistics and transit networks, which directly boosts the consumption of high-performance architectural and industrial coatings. For instance, according to the China Construction Machinery Association, July 2025, in its semi-annual market review, construction machinery sales rose by 23% year-on-year in the first half of 2025, reflecting a significant rebound in building activity that necessitates extensive primer application for equipment and structures.

Rising automotive production and refinishing activities further propel market demand, as primers are critical for achieving the flawless surface finish and rust inhibition required by vehicle manufacturers and repair shops. In the automotive sector, advanced primer-surfacers are applied to smooth out irregularities and protect the metal body before the application of basecoats, a process indispensable for both new assembly lines and the aftermarket. This trend is underscored by robust manufacturing output in key hubs; according to the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers, January 2025, in its annual performance review, China produced a record 31.28 million vehicles in 2024. The scale of this industrial activity sustains high volumes of coating orders, a vitality reflected in the financial results of major suppliers. Illustrating this broader sectoral strength, according to The Sherwin-Williams Company, January 2025, consolidated net sales for the full year 2024 reached a record USD 23.10 billion, highlighting the sustained demand for protective coating solutions globally.

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Key Market Challenges

The stringent enforcement of environmental regulations concerning Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) poses a significant challenge to the Global Primer Market. Regulatory bodies across major economies are mandating strict emission limits, forcing manufacturers to phase out traditional solvent-based formulations. This shift necessitates costly product reformulation and comprehensive performance testing to ensure that waterborne alternatives meet the rigorous adhesion and durability requirements of industrial applications. The financial and technical resources required for this transition divert capital from expansion efforts and delay the introduction of new products, thereby constraining overall market growth.

This disruption is reflected in the performance of key manufacturing regions where environmental compliance is intensifying. According to the China Coatings Industry Association, in 2024, the total output of the coatings industry in China was 35.341 million tons, a decrease of 1.60% year-on-year. This contraction in production volume illustrates the direct impact of strict environmental mandates and the complex transition period manufacturers face, which hampers the rapid scalability of the primer and coatings sector.

Key Market Trends

The Development of Bio-Based and Renewable Primer Formulations is reshaping the market as manufacturers increasingly substitute fossil-based feedstocks with sustainable alternatives to decarbonize supply chains. This trend is driven by the need to reduce Scope 3 emissions while maintaining the rigorous protection standards required for industrial substrates. By adopting mass balance approaches, companies are integrating renewable raw materials like biomass into existing production streams, allowing for significant carbon footprint reductions without altering the final coating's performance. For instance, according to BASF Coatings, May 2025, in its 'BASF Coatings expands business with biomass-balanced products' press release, the company’s portfolio of biomass-balanced products saved approximately 8 million kilograms of CO2 emissions in 2024, highlighting the tangible environmental impact of these advanced formulation strategies.

Concurrently, the Rising Utilization of Automated and Robotic Primer Application Systems is gaining traction as industries seek to enhance transfer efficiency and minimize material waste. Unlike traditional manual spraying, automated precision technologies ensure uniform film thickness and drastically reduce overspray, which is critical for cost management and environmental compliance in high-volume manufacturing. This shift towards smart application equipment not only lowers volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions by optimizing paint usage but also significantly decreases energy consumption during the curing process. Illustrating this efficiency, according to PPG Industries, May 2025, in its '2024 Sustainability Report', the implementation of their precision application system enabled customers to achieve up to a 17% reduction in CO2 emissions compared to legacy application methods, underscoring the operational benefits of automation.

Segmental Insights

The infrastructure segment currently stands as the fastest-growing category within the global primer market, largely driven by substantial government investments in public utility and modernization projects. As nations expand essential transportation networks such as bridges, highways, and railways, the demand for primers to protect steel and concrete structures from corrosion increases significantly. This expansion is further supported by rapid urbanization in emerging economies, where durable coatings are required to extend the lifespan of civil engineering assets. Consequently, the critical need for surface protection in large-scale construction activities sustains the accelerated development of this sector.

Regional Insights

Asia Pacific dominates the Global Primer Market, driven primarily by rapid industrialization and extensive infrastructure development. The region’s leadership is anchored by the booming construction sectors in China and India, where government-led urbanization projects create sustained demand for protective coatings. Furthermore, the region serves as a central hub for automotive manufacturing, significantly boosting the consumption of industrial primers. Insights from the Asian Development Bank regarding the area's economic growth support this trend, highlighting the direct correlation between rising development projects and the necessity for durability-enhancing materials in both residential and commercial applications.

Recent Developments

In November 2025, Valspar expanded its portfolio with the launch of the Valspar Oil-Based Primer + Sealer, a high-performance solution designed for comprehensive interior surface preparation. This new product was engineered to deliver exceptional stain-blocking capabilities, effectively sealing stubborn marks from tannins, water, grease, and smoke. The primer provides strong adhesion and superior sandability, ensuring a smooth foundation for topcoats on various substrates including drywall, wood, and plaster. By introducing this versatile and fast-drying formula, the company aimed to support professional painters and DIY enthusiasts in achieving durable, professional-quality finishes for demanding renovation projects.
In August 2024, PPG launched the PPG PRIMERON Optimal zinc epoxy powder primer, a patent-pending product engineered to provide superior corrosion protection and transfer efficiency. This new primer was formulated with an optimized zinc content to meet rigorous ISO C5 corrosivity specifications, making it suitable for high-humidity and aggressive environments. The product offers a lower specific gravity compared to standard zinc-rich primers, which enhances its application ease and reduces material usage by approximately fifty percent. By enabling a more sustainable and energy-efficient finishing process, this launch reinforces the company’s position in the high-performance industrial coatings sector.
In April 2024, the Coatings division of BASF introduced a new generation of eco-efficient undercoats and clearcoats tailored for the Asia Pacific automotive refinish market. This strategic launch included the rollout of the Glasurit ProClass and R-M Advance Series, which were designed to enhance body shop productivity while significantly reducing carbon dioxide emissions. These innovative undercoat solutions offer rapid drying capabilities and direct-to-metal application features, allowing for streamlined workflows and reduced energy consumption. The portfolio expansion demonstrates the company's commitment to sustainability by providing high-quality, environmentally friendly refinishing options that support profitability for industry professionals.
In February 2024, AkzoNobel announced the launch of a new multi-substrate primer, ESP-950, specifically developed to address adhesion challenges for original equipment manufacturer (OEM) exterior plastic parts. This advanced 2K solvent-borne primer was introduced to improve the coating process for automotive components such as bumpers and rocker panels, which often struggle with low surface energy. The product features a conductive and dark grey formulation that eliminates the need for manufacturers to switch products during production, thereby reducing complexity and increasing efficiency on paint lines. The primer creates a versatile system compatible with various application methods and meets most OEM specifications.

Key Market Players

Akzo Nobel NV
Asian Paints
Axalta Coating Systems, LLC
BASF SE
Berger Paints India Limited
Hempel AS
Jotun
Kansai Paint Co. Ltd.
Masco Corporation

By Pack Size	By Price Category	By Type	By End Use	By Region
Up to 1 liter 1 liter 4-liter 10 liter and above	Premium Mid-Range Economy	Water Based Solvent Based	Residential Commercial Industrial Infrastructure	North America Europe Asia Pacific South America Middle East & Africa

Report Scope:

In this report, the Global Primer Market has been segmented into the following categories, in addition to the industry trends which have also been detailed below:

Primer Market, By Pack Size:

Up to 1 liter
1 liter
4-liter
10 liter and above

Primer Market, By Price Category:

Premium
Mid-Range
Economy

Primer Market, By Type:

Water Based
Solvent Based

Primer Market, By End Use:

Residential
Commercial
Industrial
Infrastructure

Primer Market, By Region:

North America

United States
Canada
Mexico

Europe

France
United Kingdom
Italy
Germany
Spain

Asia Pacific

China
India
Japan
Australia
South Korea

South America

Brazil
Argentina
Colombia

Middle East & Africa

South Africa
Saudi Arabia
UAE

Competitive Landscape

Company Profiles: Detailed analysis of the major companies present in the Global Primer Market.

Available Customizations:

Global Primer Market report with the given market data, TechSci Research offers customizations according to a company's specific needs. The following customization options are available for the report:

Company Information

Detailed analysis and profiling of additional market players (up to five).

Global Primer Market is an upcoming report to be released soon. If you wish an early delivery of this report or want to confirm the date of release, please contact us at [email protected]

Table of content

1. Product Overview

1.1. Market Definition

1.2. Scope of the Market

1.2.1. Markets Covered

1.2.2. Years Considered for Study

1.2.3. Key Market Segmentations

2. Research Methodology

2.1. Objective of the Study

2.2. Baseline Methodology

2.3. Key Industry Partners

2.4. Major Association and Secondary Sources

2.5. Forecasting Methodology

2.6. Data Triangulation & Validation

2.7. Assumptions and Limitations

3. Executive Summary

3.1. Overview of the Market

3.2. Overview of Key Market Segmentations

3.3. Overview of Key Market Players

3.4. Overview of Key Regions/Countries

3.5. Overview of Market Drivers, Challenges, Trends

4. Voice of Customer

5. Global Primer Market Outlook

5.1. Market Size & Forecast

5.1.1. By Value

5.2. Market Share & Forecast

5.2.1. By Pack Size (Up to 1 liter, 1 liter, 4-liter, 10 liter and above)

5.2.2. By Price Category (Premium, Mid-Range, Economy)

5.2.3. By Type (Water Based, Solvent Based)

5.2.4. By End Use (Residential, Commercial, Industrial, Infrastructure)

5.2.5. By Region

5.2.6. By Company (2025)

5.3. Market Map

6. North America Primer Market Outlook

6.1. Market Size & Forecast

6.1.1. By Value

6.2. Market Share & Forecast

6.2.1. By Pack Size

6.2.2. By Price Category

6.2.3. By Type

6.2.4. By End Use

6.2.5. By Country

6.3. North America: Country Analysis

6.3.1. United States Primer Market Outlook

6.3.1.1. Market Size & Forecast

6.3.1.1.1. By Value

6.3.1.2. Market Share & Forecast

6.3.1.2.1. By Pack Size

6.3.1.2.2. By Price Category

6.3.1.2.3. By Type

6.3.1.2.4. By End Use

6.3.2. Canada Primer Market Outlook

6.3.2.1. Market Size & Forecast

6.3.2.1.1. By Value

6.3.2.2. Market Share & Forecast

6.3.2.2.1. By Pack Size

6.3.2.2.2. By Price Category

6.3.2.2.3. By Type

6.3.2.2.4. By End Use

6.3.3. Mexico Primer Market Outlook

6.3.3.1. Market Size & Forecast

6.3.3.1.1. By Value

6.3.3.2. Market Share & Forecast

6.3.3.2.1. By Pack Size

6.3.3.2.2. By Price Category

6.3.3.2.3. By Type

6.3.3.2.4. By End Use

7. Europe Primer Market Outlook

7.1. Market Size & Forecast

7.1.1. By Value

7.2. Market Share & Forecast

7.2.1. By Pack Size

7.2.2. By Price Category

7.2.3. By Type

7.2.4. By End Use

7.2.5. By Country

7.3. Europe: Country Analysis

7.3.1. Germany Primer Market Outlook

7.3.1.1. Market Size & Forecast

7.3.1.1.1. By Value

7.3.1.2. Market Share & Forecast

7.3.1.2.1. By Pack Size

7.3.1.2.2. By Price Category

7.3.1.2.3. By Type

7.3.1.2.4. By End Use

7.3.2. France Primer Market Outlook

7.3.2.1. Market Size & Forecast

7.3.2.1.1. By Value

7.3.2.2. Market Share & Forecast

7.3.2.2.1. By Pack Size

7.3.2.2.2. By Price Category

7.3.2.2.3. By Type

7.3.2.2.4. By End Use

7.3.3. United Kingdom Primer Market Outlook

7.3.3.1. Market Size & Forecast

7.3.3.1.1. By Value

7.3.3.2. Market Share & Forecast

7.3.3.2.1. By Pack Size

7.3.3.2.2. By Price Category

7.3.3.2.3. By Type

7.3.3.2.4. By End Use

7.3.4. Italy Primer Market Outlook

7.3.4.1. Market Size & Forecast

7.3.4.1.1. By Value

7.3.4.2. Market Share & Forecast

7.3.4.2.1. By Pack Size

7.3.4.2.2. By Price Category

7.3.4.2.3. By Type

7.3.4.2.4. By End Use

7.3.5. Spain Primer Market Outlook

7.3.5.1. Market Size & Forecast

7.3.5.1.1. By Value

7.3.5.2. Market Share & Forecast

7.3.5.2.1. By Pack Size

7.3.5.2.2. By Price Category

7.3.5.2.3. By Type

7.3.5.2.4. By End Use

8. Asia Pacific Primer Market Outlook

8.1. Market Size & Forecast

8.1.1. By Value

8.2. Market Share & Forecast

8.2.1. By Pack Size

8.2.2. By Price Category

8.2.3. By Type

8.2.4. By End Use

8.2.5. By Country

8.3. Asia Pacific: Country Analysis

8.3.1. China Primer Market Outlook

8.3.1.1. Market Size & Forecast

8.3.1.1.1. By Value

8.3.1.2. Market Share & Forecast

8.3.1.2.1. By Pack Size

8.3.1.2.2. By Price Category

8.3.1.2.3. By Type

8.3.1.2.4. By End Use

8.3.2. India Primer Market Outlook

8.3.2.1. Market Size & Forecast

8.3.2.1.1. By Value

8.3.2.2. Market Share & Forecast

8.3.2.2.1. By Pack Size

8.3.2.2.2. By Price Category

8.3.2.2.3. By Type

8.3.2.2.4. By End Use

8.3.3. Japan Primer Market Outlook

8.3.3.1. Market Size & Forecast

8.3.3.1.1. By Value

8.3.3.2. Market Share & Forecast

8.3.3.2.1. By Pack Size

8.3.3.2.2. By Price Category

8.3.3.2.3. By Type

8.3.3.2.4. By End Use

8.3.4. South Korea Primer Market Outlook

8.3.4.1. Market Size & Forecast

8.3.4.1.1. By Value

8.3.4.2. Market Share & Forecast

8.3.4.2.1. By Pack Size

8.3.4.2.2. By Price Category

8.3.4.2.3. By Type

8.3.4.2.4. By End Use

8.3.5. Australia Primer Market Outlook

8.3.5.1. Market Size & Forecast

8.3.5.1.1. By Value

8.3.5.2. Market Share & Forecast

8.3.5.2.1. By Pack Size

8.3.5.2.2. By Price Category

8.3.5.2.3. By Type

8.3.5.2.4. By End Use

9. Middle East & Africa Primer Market Outlook

9.1. Market Size & Forecast

9.1.1. By Value

9.2. Market Share & Forecast

9.2.1. By Pack Size

9.2.2. By Price Category

9.2.3. By Type

9.2.4. By End Use

9.2.5. By Country

9.3. Middle East & Africa: Country Analysis

9.3.1. Saudi Arabia Primer Market Outlook

9.3.1.1. Market Size & Forecast

9.3.1.1.1. By Value

9.3.1.2. Market Share & Forecast

9.3.1.2.1. By Pack Size

9.3.1.2.2. By Price Category

9.3.1.2.3. By Type

9.3.1.2.4. By End Use

9.3.2. UAE Primer Market Outlook

9.3.2.1. Market Size & Forecast

9.3.2.1.1. By Value

9.3.2.2. Market Share & Forecast

9.3.2.2.1. By Pack Size

9.3.2.2.2. By Price Category

9.3.2.2.3. By Type

9.3.2.2.4. By End Use

9.3.3. South Africa Primer Market Outlook

9.3.3.1. Market Size & Forecast

9.3.3.1.1. By Value

9.3.3.2. Market Share & Forecast

9.3.3.2.1. By Pack Size

9.3.3.2.2. By Price Category

9.3.3.2.3. By Type

9.3.3.2.4. By End Use

10. South America Primer Market Outlook

10.1. Market Size & Forecast

10.1.1. By Value

10.2. Market Share & Forecast

10.2.1. By Pack Size

10.2.2. By Price Category

10.2.3. By Type

10.2.4. By End Use

10.2.5. By Country

10.3. South America: Country Analysis

10.3.1. Brazil Primer Market Outlook

10.3.1.1. Market Size & Forecast

10.3.1.1.1. By Value

10.3.1.2. Market Share & Forecast

10.3.1.2.1. By Pack Size

10.3.1.2.2. By Price Category

10.3.1.2.3. By Type

10.3.1.2.4. By End Use

10.3.2. Colombia Primer Market Outlook

10.3.2.1. Market Size & Forecast

10.3.2.1.1. By Value

10.3.2.2. Market Share & Forecast

10.3.2.2.1. By Pack Size

10.3.2.2.2. By Price Category

10.3.2.2.3. By Type

10.3.2.2.4. By End Use

10.3.3. Argentina Primer Market Outlook

10.3.3.1. Market Size & Forecast

10.3.3.1.1. By Value

10.3.3.2. Market Share & Forecast

10.3.3.2.1. By Pack Size

10.3.3.2.2. By Price Category

10.3.3.2.3. By Type

10.3.3.2.4. By End Use

11. Market Dynamics

11.1. Drivers

11.2. Challenges

12. Market Trends & Developments

12.1. Merger & Acquisition (If Any)

12.2. Product Launches (If Any)

12.3. Recent Developments

13. Global Primer Market: SWOT Analysis

14. Porter's Five Forces Analysis

14.1. Competition in the Industry

14.2. Potential of New Entrants

14.3. Power of Suppliers

14.4. Power of Customers

14.5. Threat of Substitute Products

15. Competitive Landscape

15.1. Akzo Nobel NV

15.1.1. Business Overview

15.1.2. Products & Services

15.1.3. Recent Developments

15.1.4. Key Personnel

15.1.5. SWOT Analysis

15.2. Asian Paints

15.3. Axalta Coating Systems, LLC

15.4. BASF SE

15.5. Berger Paints India Limited

15.6. Hempel AS

15.7. Jotun

15.8. Kansai Paint Co. Ltd.

15.9. Masco Corporation

16. Strategic Recommendations

17. About Us & Disclaimer

Report Description

Table of content

Figures and Tables

Frequently asked questions

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