Primer ?
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Postmaster
Joined: Dec 2003
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From: The County
Primer ?
I'll be starting work on my truck this spring so i'd like to get an idea on some different primers.I was told by a few different people that a self-etching primer was a good primer to use on my truck.Now I dont know a whole lot about primers, so if you could steer me in the right direction ,I'd appreciate it.What would be a good brand?should i decide on the type of paint I'll be useing first?I'll be doing small areas at a time so is there such a thing as base primer?I'll proabably spend the summer in bodywork forum .lol.thanks
Elder User
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 999
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From: Willamette Valley Oregon
<cr>
I keep a rattle can of self-etch primer around to take care of small cut-thrus that reach bare metal. Besides that, I don't use it much anymore. For me, epoxy has become my general use primer.
Don't get me wrong. Self-etch works but it has some limitations. It is designed to be used on bare metal and some brands carry the warning it should not be used over other paints. If I have totally stripped a vehicle I don't have a problem but if I am doing a fender repair, my concern is about overspray on the old paint. With epoxy, I don't have that concern.
I also like to use rust converters/metal conditioners (which happens to contains some of the same compounds as self-etch primer). I have read specific warnings about not using rust converters and self-etch primers together. Epoxy doesn't have that issue.
My suggestion is to find a general purpose, direct-to-metal (DTM) epoxy primer. If you want the etching properties, pre-treat your metal with something like Metal Ready (by the Por15 people) before you apply the eopxy.
By the way, I use the EP series of epoxy primers by R-M. It is a DTM product and can also be used as a sealer over old paint.
I keep a rattle can of self-etch primer around to take care of small cut-thrus that reach bare metal. Besides that, I don't use it much anymore. For me, epoxy has become my general use primer.
Don't get me wrong. Self-etch works but it has some limitations. It is designed to be used on bare metal and some brands carry the warning it should not be used over other paints. If I have totally stripped a vehicle I don't have a problem but if I am doing a fender repair, my concern is about overspray on the old paint. With epoxy, I don't have that concern.
I also like to use rust converters/metal conditioners (which happens to contains some of the same compounds as self-etch primer). I have read specific warnings about not using rust converters and self-etch primers together. Epoxy doesn't have that issue.
My suggestion is to find a general purpose, direct-to-metal (DTM) epoxy primer. If you want the etching properties, pre-treat your metal with something like Metal Ready (by the Por15 people) before you apply the eopxy.
By the way, I use the EP series of epoxy primers by R-M. It is a DTM product and can also be used as a sealer over old paint.
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Postmaster
Joined: Dec 2003
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From: The County
Thanks guys.I appreciate the help.I'v done small touchups,but nothing on the scale of a total body restoration.I figured you guys would steer me in the right direction.At least i know what to ask for at the parts counter.I'll check around on some prices ,to get a feel of the costs.I'm trying to get an idea on how much i'll have to spend on the body work,like primer,paint,filler.or special tools for body repair.I'm going to set up a budget to work from.This info will get me started.Thanks.
Postmaster
Joined: Feb 2003
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From: Kentucky
Another thought for you, once you decide on your plan, make sure to try to use just one system. If you choose Dupont, or PPG, or whomever, use their system from the metal out to the finish, if possible. It will stop any product incompatibility issues later. And another note, if you use the aerosol bombs on your metal at all, even for spotting, those should be sanded off, and replaced with your full line product. good luck on your project,
Senior User
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 105
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You have gotten great answers here's my 2cents I agree with Aekisu and epoxy primer I stripped my bed on 66 to bare metal over a year ago prepped it and used transtar 2k epoxy primer on the bare metal drove it as a daily driver in all weather conditions including snow salt and sun.It held up great ! Now that I'm in the middle of a frame off resto with a little more prep it'll be ready for paint.
