Abstract: A primer composition having a low VOC content and containing solvents, a film forming binder and pigments and the binder contains about(1) 30-65% by weight, based on the weight of the binder, of a hydroxyl containing polyester copolymer having a hydroxy number of about 100-300 and a number average molecular weight of about 300-3,000 and being the esterification product of an alkylene glycol, a branched chain polyol, a cycloaliphatic dicarboxylic acid, an aliphatic dicarboxylic acid and an aromatic dicarboxylic acid or anhydride thereof;(2) 5-20% by weight, based on the weight of the binder, of a reactive plasticizer; and(3) 30-50% by weight, based on the weight of the binder, of a monomeric fully alkylated melamine formaldehyde crosslinking agent.