A water-based bonding primer composition and a method of applying the same onto a metallic surface prior to adhesive bonding. The bonding primer composition is a water-based dispersion containing water, one or more epoxy resins, at least one curing agent, a silane compound, a low amount of a carbon-based material in particulate form, and optional additives. The carbon-based material is selected from graphene, graphene oxide (GO), graphite, carbon with various structures in micron-scale or nanoscale size, and combination thereof.