I know there are tons of post and info on prep and paint, but I'm having a slightly unique problem I think.

At first I started derusting the frame using a grinder and wire wheel, but it was taking forever. My boss lent me a 4000 psi pressure washer that has a hose attachment that sucks up sand and spits it out. Its great at removing the old paint and rust. REALLY does an amazing job.

I've been doing a 3ft section at a time because by the time I've finished doing a 3 foot section, the begining of my work is already hazing over with rust. Then continue by drying it with my compressor, and shooting some acid etch primer from an aersol can over it to keep the rust at bay. The problem is that when doing other parts of the frame, the previous days sections are getting some overshoot(?) and the rust is coming through the acid etch primer. I went through 2 cans of the $14 acid etch for 1/3 of the frame, so I switch and have just been putting rustoleum metal primer over it.

I guess my problem and need for advice stems from the fact that even though I'm making progress, I feel like I may be going in circles. Should I be putting some rust converter on the half cleaned frame, should I just finish the entire thing and then come back and clean all the paint off (paint comes off rediculously easy with the presure washer) apply rust converter, etch, and primer? Should I just not worry about the rust? I'm not looking for a trailer queen, but I do want the build to be sound and last for for as long as possible.

I live in New Orleans, LA - the humidity is pretty bad

Scott

PS I can't do it all in one day without buying a couple truck loads of good dry filtered sand, which I am not going to do.

 

I'd suggest spraying or brushing on a product like Osphro. It's a rust converting phosphate wash that protects the metal and can be painted over. It leaves a tacky residue that actually aids with paint adhesion. There are similar products sold at most of the normal suppliers like Autozone, etc. Stu

 

I guess that brings up another question, I actually have a bottle of that I think (or some other rust coneversion brand) that says to apply and let sit at least overnight, then paint.

How far can I push the time period between application and paint?
Is the adhesive residue water soluable, as in can I use this on a section and do another section the next day without it washing it off or losing its protective characteristics?

 

I've media blasted suspension and drive train pieces, wheels, etc, brushed the stuff on, and let them sit for a long time. You don't have to wash it off before priming/painting, but I've done it both ways. I doubt anywhere can challenge the humidity of N.O., but central Illinois summers are known to be the perfect corn growing environment, i.e. 90 degree temps and 90% humidity. You might do some tests on smaller suspension parts to see how it works. I'll be getting to my whole frame in the not too distant future too, I hope. Stu