Abstract: Disclosed are: (1) A primer coating composition containing an air-blown, solvent extracted asphalt having a penetration of about 1 to about 12 and a softening point of about 150.degree. to about 270.degree. F; (2) a blend of 70-92 parts by weight of an air-blown, solvent extracted asphalt having a penetration of about 0 to about 7, and a softening point of about 200.degree. to about 250.degree. F., and about 8 to about 30 parts by weight of a non-air-blown, solvent extracted asphalt having a penetration of about 40 to about 150, and a softening point of about 105.degree. to about 130.degree. F., the blend having a ductility at 77.degree. F., using a speed of one cm per minute of at least 2.5, a penetration of about 7 to about 15, and a softening point of about 200.degree. to about 220.degree. F.; (3) metallic substrates coated with the primer composition set forth above; and (4) metallic substrates having a coating containing the blend set forth above.