Primer question
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 101
Likes: 16
From: Calverton N.Y.
Primer question
I'm getting ready to paint the rear filler panel on my 69.(I'm switching to side exhaust). What type of primer should I use? Preferably something in a can as it's a pretty small panel. I bought the panel from ecklers.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 2,709
Likes: 3
From: Savannah GA
Spray cans are good for interior painting and perhaps underhood, exterior panels need correct automotive refinish products to look good, match well and last more than a few months. Unless you wish to spray the fillers flat black I would get a quart of epoxy 2 part primer and seal them with that, then paint to match... you can probably get a local jobber to mix as little as a pint of body color if you ask nicely.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 2,709
Likes: 3
From: Savannah GA
I thought I was clear... 2 part epoxy (Eastwood's sells @ 49.95/qt delivered on eBay). You will need a spray gun to apply, and some urethane reducer to clean the gun afterward. I suppose if you have no compressor, a Preval unit (Google it) and a few power units might suffice for application. You will need to reduce the primer quite a bit to get it to flow through the Preval sprayer.
Tech Contributor
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 109
Likes: 2
From: In the booth Maryland
If it's a new panel, I would sand with 180 then check for any imperfections, then use a name brand 2k primer ( PPG k36/38, Spies Hecker 4541 or 4500 comes in colors) If you use a spray primer or a primer that doesn't use a hardner you run a risk of poor adhesion, flaking and problems when you paint it. You can use epoxy, but epoxy primer is not designed to be sanded, it's designed as a substrate from a 2k primer, sealer, etc. I'm working on a 69 right now, I primed the rear yesterday.
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Tech Contributor
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 109
Likes: 2
From: In the booth Maryland
If you are planning to use enamel, you have two choices, Straight enamel which you can purchase from tractor supply , etc. You reduce and spray or Acrylic enamel from a paint company which uses a hardner and a reducer. If your car is a solid color you may be able to find straight enamel, if it's a metallic you going to have to buy Acrylic. In either case I would recommend a urethane. Straight enamel never "cures" so if you wipe it with reducer it will come off, also your not going to get a good shine,If you go and buy a pint of Acrylic and hardner, reducer your going to spend almost as must money as BC/CC which will be easier to apply. You can spray the basecoat to get coverage and make the metallic look good, then spray your clear for shine. Single stage metallics are best left to people used to spraying them, usually fleet painters. If you are friendly with a body shop with a mix bank they can mix you a couple ounces and save you money. I do it for customers who are trying to learn how to paint.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 101
Likes: 16
From: Calverton N.Y.
I'm pretty sure I'm going to go BC/CC. The color is Lemans Blue Metallic. So is there any aerosol primers that work sufficiently to prime the gel coat panel? Thanks for the helpl
Tech Contributor
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 109
Likes: 2
From: In the booth Maryland
I didn't think so but I did some looking around and found that Dupont has a aerosol primer " quick prime " that they say is suitable for small panels and repairs. I called a Dupont painter and he says yes, you can use it over sanded valance. Sand part with 320, then apply med coats ( dry time between) to achieve build follow cure time on can, then sand with 500 dry before basecoat. He has experienced lower gloss after curing than using a 2k primer, but for a lower panel you should be fine. Be sure to follow your paint manufacture directions for basecoat. I wouldn't put heavy wet coats of base on top of a 1k primer, so be careful with your first coat.
