KBS 2K DTM Build Primer is applied in four steps: clean with KBS Klean and sand with 240 grit, mix 4 parts base to 1 part activator, spray 2 coats with a 1.7 to 2.0 mm tip, then sand after 1 to 2 hours. Apply between 45 and 110 degrees F. One kit covers approximately 387 sq. ft.

Updated October 2026 by the KBS Coatings technical team.

KBS 2K DTM Build Primer Application at a Glance

45 to 110 F
Ideal Temp Range
2 Coats
About 8 mils Total
5 to 10 Min
Between Coats
1 to 2 Hrs
Before Sanding

Products Used in These Directions

These directions apply to KBS 2K DTM Build Primer in every size and in every kit that includes it.

Protect yourself: wear chemical-resistant gloves, safety glasses, and the proper personal protective equipment (PPE) for the job, and follow every warning on the product labels.

ALWAYS WORK IN A WELL-VENTILATED AREA. ALWAYS WEAR PROTECTIVE GLOVES AND EYEWEAR. Follow all caution and warning notices when spraying. Always wear either an air supplied respirator or a NIOSH/MSHA approved organic vapor cartridge respirator.

Surface Preparation:

Do not apply if the surface temperature is below 45°F (7°C) or above 110°F (43°C), or if the surface temperature is within 5°F of the dew point. At a minimum, the surface should be clean of all grease, dirt, oil, rust, and foreign material which would be detrimental to proper adhesion and desired performance of the coating system being applied.

Clean off any loose debris, grease, oil, gasoline, rust, or dirt from the surface. KBS Klean is the ideal surface prep. Sand with 240 grit as needed.

After you rinse the surface with KBS Klean, be sure the surface to be primed is 100% dry.

Surfaces KBS 2K DTM Build Primer Goes Over

Metal, galvanized steel, aluminum, fiberglass and SMC, body filler, OEM primers and finishes, polyester, putties, etching primers, lacquers, enamels and urethanes. All substrates must be prepared according to these directions.

Next step, KBS Klean: the surface prep these directions call for. If you don't already have it, order KBS Klean here.

Mixing:

Each kit includes 1 gallon (128 fl. oz.) of base and 1 quart (32 fl. oz.) of activator, already portioned at the 4:1 ratio.

In a mixing cup or container, carefully measure 4 parts base. Add 1 part activator. Mix thoroughly. Although KBS 2K DTM Build Primer is ready to spray, you can thin 10% with KBS #1 Thinner if needed.

The pot life of KBS 2K DTM Build Primer is 20 to 40 minutes once mixed together, so mix only what you can spray in that time.

Spray Application:

Follow all caution and warning notices when spraying. Always wear either an air supplied respirator or a NIOSH/MSHA approved organic vapor cartridge respirator.

Use a spray pressure of 35 to 45 psi for siphon or pot guns and 25 to 40 psi for gravity or top container guns. As a general rule of thumb, we recommend a 1.7 to 2.0 mm tip size. Thinning is not generally required, but if needed, 10% with KBS #1 Thinner is normally adequate.

Two coats of KBS 2K DTM Build Primer are typically required for most applications. Apply the next coat when the first coat dulls, which is normally 5 to 10 minutes.

For gun setup, tip sizes and air pressure in more detail, see the Paint Spraying Guidelines. The KBS HVLP Spray Gun with the 1.8 mm tip falls inside the recommended range.

Coverage:

One KBS 2K DTM Build Primer gallon kit covers approximately 387 sq. ft. at about 8 mils (200 microns) total dry film thickness in 2 coats. Coverage will vary depending on surface profile, application method and film thickness.

Dry Time and Sanding:

Allow 1 to 2 hours or longer for KBS 2K DTM Build Primer to cure before sanding. KBS 2K DTM Build Primer sands easily wet or dry. If your sandpaper gums up, wait longer before sanding.

Topcoating:

All KBS topcoats can be used over KBS 2K DTM Build Primer, including BlackTop, KBS Top Coater and KBS MAXX. Sand the primer once it has cured, remove the sanding dust, and apply the topcoat over the light grey base.

Next step, your topcoat: if you don't already have one, order KBS MAXX here or choose BlackTop or KBS Top Coater.

Clean Up:

Use KBS #1 Thinner or lacquer thinner for cleanup. KBS 2K DTM Build Primer must be cleaned up immediately before it dries. Wear protective gloves to avoid skin contact.

Technical Data:

KBS 2K DTM Build Primer technical data
Characteristic KBS 2K DTM Build Primer
Generic Type Two component (4:1) urethane build primer surfacer
Color Light grey
Kit Contents 1 gallon (128 fl. oz.) base and 1 quart (32 fl. oz.) activator
Mix Ratio 4 parts base to 1 part activator
Dry Film Thickness About 8 mils (200 microns) total in 2 coats
Theoretical Coverage Approximately 387 sq. ft. per gallon kit at about 8 mils total, 2 coats
Pot Life 20 to 40 minutes once mixed
Between Coats When the first coat dulls, normally 5 to 10 minutes
Cure Before Sanding 1 to 2 hours or longer, wet or dry sanding
Application Temperature 45°F to 110°F (7°C to 43°C) surface temperature, not within 5°F of the dew point
Spray Setup 1.7 to 2.0 mm tip; 35 to 45 psi siphon or pot, 25 to 40 psi gravity
Thinning Ready to spray; up to 10% KBS #1 Thinner if needed
Topcoats All KBS topcoats
Clean Up KBS #1 Thinner or lacquer thinner, immediately before it dries

Frequently Asked Questions About KBS 2K DTM Build Primer

Yes, once it is sanded. Allow KBS 2K DTM Build Primer to cure 1 to 2 hours or longer, sand it wet or dry, remove the sanding dust, and apply your topcoat. All KBS topcoats can be used over it, including BlackTop, KBS Top Coater and KBS MAXX.
For KBS 2K DTM Build Primer: clean the surface with KBS Klean, sand with 240 grit as needed, and make sure it is 100% dry. Mix 4 parts base to 1 part activator, spray with a 1.7 to 2.0 mm tip at 35 to 45 psi (siphon or pot) or 25 to 40 psi (gravity), and apply 2 coats, putting on the second coat when the first dulls, normally 5 to 10 minutes.
Two coats of KBS 2K DTM Build Primer are typically required for most applications, for about 8 mils (200 microns) total dry film thickness. At that film build, one gallon kit covers approximately 387 sq. ft.
Allow 1 to 2 hours or longer for KBS 2K DTM Build Primer to cure before sanding. If your sandpaper gums up, wait longer before sanding.
Usually not. KBS 2K DTM Build Primer is ready to spray once mixed. If thinning is needed, 10% with KBS #1 Thinner is normally adequate.
Apply KBS 2K DTM Build Primer when the surface temperature is between 45°F (7°C) and 110°F (43°C), and not within 5°F of the dew point.
Wear either an air supplied respirator or a NIOSH/MSHA approved organic vapor cartridge respirator, work in a well-ventilated area, and wear protective gloves and eyewear.
Clean up with KBS #1 Thinner or lacquer thinner immediately, before the primer dries. Wear protective gloves to avoid skin contact.

Still have questions about KBS 2K DTM Build Primer? Our technical team is ready to help.

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