Re: Primer/painting

Posted by David Dewey on Sep. 23, 1998 at 23:37:34

In Reply to: Primer
posted by Dale Beckman on Sep. 23, 1998 at 11:22:34

There's been some really good advice here. A few more pointers; If you use the PPG DP primers, be aware that they like bare metal, not 'metal preped' metal, so after sandblasting/media blasting prime the stuff!! The body filler will adhere to the DP better than to bare metal. After shaping the body filler, coat it again w/DP to seal it in, so moisture can't effect it. After that, I like to use the DP K series spray fillers (note; in coating systems there are primers and there are fillers and there are primer/fillers)and K36 can be colored with a *little* bit of topcoat, so you can apply layers of different colors which really helps in block sanding and finding those high and low spots you didn't think were there. I understand there is a newer DP primer that is also a filler, maybe it will save a step?? Paint products seem to change daily, so ask someone you *know* is up to date!! BTW, all these products, besides being expensive are very hazadous, please follow safety proceedures!! When I'm applying the DP, and it's ready for the K stuff, I will apply the K stuff within a few hours. You can then let it set a few days before sanding.
If you want your topcoat to set properly, you do need to clean, clean, clean everything, the new coatings seem to be more finicky about hand oils, etc. on the prepared sub-surface.
You CAN get a better paint job yourself, as you are not 'on the clock' and you have a strong interest in the quality of the finish, so you *should* have a higher standard of quality control than a contract shop. You might not have all the experience to know when to quit and what shortcuts might be OK, so it'll take longer, but that's OK--RIGHT????
I still remember taking a friend's car to a concourse shortly after we painted it, and no one would believe we'd done it in his backyard under a car port. Still, early morning weather, and dampened ground around it to keep dust down did the trick. It did help that his carport was in the rear of his house, so no street activity interfered (Hint, remeber when the street sweeper usually comes through!!)
A's always,
David D.