The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Paint and Body Shop Time between sanding and primer

I have been doing a lot of reading and have decided to go with a 2k epoxy primer for my truck.

I live in Colorado where the humidity is relatively low. How soon after sanding to bare metal do I need to prime? Do you suppose I have a few days? Or do I need to hit it right away with the primer?

Once primed, can it stay indoors a while before I use filler and hit it with a second coat of primer?

Thanks for any advice!

Ross

It's just a guess but I think you are ok as long at the parts are indoors in a heated space. I live in the humid Southeast and get away with it this time of year but not the summer months.

Missed the second question. I assume your are going to start with eaching primer first. The pro's here say that kind of primer has no protection for rust. Also, I don't think you are suppose to do filler work on top of the normal high build primers. The filler work goes on over or under the etching primer then you apply the building primers. If I am wrong one of the experts will be along shortly to straighten me out.

Beltfed -

Thanks for the information. Sounds like the order should be: Sand down to bare metal, apply etching primer, add filler material, sand again, coat with sandable epoxy primer, final sanding, then a final coat of epoxy primer, and then color coat.

Wow! Now that I look at it, that is a lot of steps. Am I overdoing it for a non show quality truck? I want mine to look good but not go too far overboard. Any steps I could eliminate?

Ross

Ross,
The way we do it on the new vehicles is, sand down, grind clean (emphasize: CLEAN) for bondo, but over top of paint is fine for putty.
After you have the body work done, then comes a coat of etch primer (or metal prep..basically same). Then comes a couple coats of fill primer.
Sand, any spots that reached bare metal get a spray of etch primer (out of a rattle can). Then paint.
I'd say if your doing all this, why not strive to make it perfect. Skipping steps means regret later and more $$$.
Also, as long as its inside in a building with a relatively stable temp, bare metal is fine.

Good Luck

I do agree with "Colin" as I put what little filler I needed on bare skin, then the rest. I have been there, done that with all the etch primer, fill primer, color coat, and one coat of several coats of clearcoat which has lifted in one area. Why I don't know yet. But, as Collins said, why not do it right. Money can't be to much different and the envy of your friends is worth that. It's a labor of love for most of us.

I agree. I have the time, I may as well do it right. Thanks for the information. I will keep in touch as it goes.

Ross