Ask a group of professional decorators which adhesion primer they trust most and Caparol Capacryl Haftprimer comes up again and again. It is a water-based acrylic primer that gives a reliable key on smooth, hard-to-paint surfaces – uPVC, galvanised metal, aluminium, copper, and old gloss paint – inside and out. Here is why it has such a strong reputation, and how to get the best from it.
What is Capacryl Haftprimer?
"Haft" is German for adhesion. Haftprimer is Caparol's adhesion-promoting primer for difficult surfaces, used before acrylic or alkyd topcoats. It is matt, fast drying, easy to sand, low in odour and certified safe for children's toys (DIN EN 71-3).
What surfaces does Haftprimer stick to?
According to Caparol's data sheet, Haftprimer is suitable for:
- wood and wood-based boards (MDF, plywood)
- zinc and galvanised steel
- aluminium (not anodised aluminium)
- copper
- rigid PVC (uPVC windows, doors, fascias and cladding)
- sound existing paintwork and varnish, including old gloss
Melamine boards, powder coatings and coil coatings need a test patch and adhesion check first. Haftprimer is not designed for glazed tiles or glass – for those surfaces we recommend Tikkurila Otex Akva (see our guide on how to paint tiles and glass).
Tinted to match any colour
One of Haftprimer's biggest advantages is that it can be tinted. Priming in a shade close to your topcoat colour means better coverage and fewer topcoats – especially important with colours that are hard to cover, such as reds, oranges and yellows. Caparol recommends a priming coat in the matching shade for these low-opacity colours. We mix Haftprimer to order in store; in the 10 litre size, tinted colours are light shades only.
Capacryl Haftprimer technical specifications
| Property | Specification |
|---|---|
| Finish | Matt |
| Base | Water-based acrylic |
| Consumption | Approx. 100–130 ml/m² per coat (about 8–10 m²/L) |
| Dust dry | About 1–2 hours |
| Dry to touch | About 10–12 hours |
| Recoatable – acrylic topcoats | About 12–16 hours |
| Recoatable – alkyd topcoats | About 48 hours |
| Minimum application temperature | +8°C (air, product and surface), humidity max 70% |
| Interior / exterior | Both |
| Safety | Safe for children's toys (DIN EN 71-3) |
| Colours | White, Black, or tinted to order |
Times are at 20°C and 65% relative humidity. Do not use alkyd topcoats over Haftprimer on zinc.
How to paint uPVC windows and doors with Haftprimer
1. Clean thoroughly
Wash with a suitable cleaner to remove grease, traffic film and silicone residues. Rinse and allow to dry.
2. Sand lightly
Abrade with a fine abrasive pad to dull the surface, then remove dust.
3. Prime
Apply one coat of Haftprimer by brush, roller or spray. On smooth uPVC, a fine foam or microfibre roller laid off with a brush gives the best finish.
4. Topcoat
After 12–16 hours, apply two coats of a water-based enamel such as Caparol Capacryl PU Satin or PU Gloss. Avoid very dark colours on uPVC that faces strong sun, as they absorb heat.
Why decorators rate Haftprimer so highly
- Strong adhesion on a wide range of awkward surfaces
- One primer for wood, metal and plastics
- Water based and low odour – great for occupied homes
- Sands easily for a smooth base
- Tintable, which saves topcoats
- Works under both acrylic and alkyd enamels
Frequently asked questions
Can Haftprimer be used on tiles or glass?
No – it is not designed for tiles or glass. Use Tikkurila Otex or Otex Akva for those surfaces.
Can Haftprimer be used outside?
Yes, it is suitable for interior and exterior use.
Can Haftprimer be tinted?
Yes. We tint it to order. In 10 litre tins, tinted colours are limited to light shades.
What topcoat goes over Haftprimer?
Acrylic enamels such as Caparol Capacryl PU, or alkyd enamels (not on zinc). Wait 12–16 hours for acrylic and around 48 hours for alkyd.
Buy Caparol Capacryl Haftprimer from Dawes
Dawes is your local decorating centre in West London. We mix Caparol Capacryl Haftprimer to order in our store at 158–160 Goldhawk Road, W12 8HJ, or you can order online for delivery anywhere in the UK. Delivery is free on orders over £50, and if you need it fast, our Priority service delivers the next working day when you order by 1pm. Trade accounts are available.
Not sure which product is right for your job? Call us on 020 8748 6711, email sales@dawespaints.co.uk or pop into the shop – we are open Monday to Friday 7am–5pm and Saturday 8am–4pm.
See the full Caparol range.