Epoxy primer
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Epoxy primer/sealer is a non-porous finish that is typically recommended as the first basecoat over bare steel. Various epoxy primers can also be applied over [[Fiberglassing|fiberglass]], plastic, or the black iron phosphate coating that remains after "converting" [[rust]]. Care must be taken to observe the epoxy maker's recommendations in preparing the surface over which the epoxy is applied. | Epoxy primer/sealer is a non-porous finish that is typically recommended as the first basecoat over bare steel. Various epoxy primers can also be applied over [[Fiberglassing|fiberglass]], plastic, or the black iron phosphate coating that remains after "converting" [[rust]]. Care must be taken to observe the epoxy maker's recommendations in preparing the surface over which the epoxy is applied. | ||
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Some epoxies do not cure properly if put over an acid surface. If you use an acid you must be sure all the acid is killed before you paint. The acid will prevent the epoxy from properly curing. | Some epoxies do not cure properly if put over an acid surface. If you use an acid you must be sure all the acid is killed before you paint. The acid will prevent the epoxy from properly curing. | ||
| − | Real epoxy primer is a two-part mix, with a hardener that has to be added before spraying. | + | Real epoxy primer is a two-part mix, with a hardener that has to be added before spraying. The common epoxy paint you buy at the local hardware store in an aerosol can is not considered a true epoxy. |
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Body filler and high-build primers can be used on top of epoxy primer. Although body filler is commonly applied to bare metal, applying epoxy primer before the filler adds adhesion, corrosion protection, and durability. Body filler is thought to be best applied over epoxy primer within the primer's recoat window time. | Body filler and high-build primers can be used on top of epoxy primer. Although body filler is commonly applied to bare metal, applying epoxy primer before the filler adds adhesion, corrosion protection, and durability. Body filler is thought to be best applied over epoxy primer within the primer's recoat window time. | ||
| − | + | Epoxy is porous while curing. The body fillers are designed to attach to a rough surface and can put their strands into the porous surface of the epoxy. As the body filler heats up while it cures, it causes the epoxy under it to cure faster too. As the epoxy cures, the holes close up around the strands of the body filler, creating a stronger bond. | |
Commercial body shops may not use epoxy primer under body filler because it's not time-efficient. An extra day must be allowed in the repair process for the epoxy to begin curing before filler can be applied. However, some car manufacturers specifically require epoxy primer to be used under body filler for certain applications. | Commercial body shops may not use epoxy primer under body filler because it's not time-efficient. An extra day must be allowed in the repair process for the epoxy to begin curing before filler can be applied. However, some car manufacturers specifically require epoxy primer to be used under body filler for certain applications. | ||
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==Cautions== | ==Cautions== | ||
Epoxy primer manufacturers may have very specific recommendations as to how the surface must be prepared, especially in regards to bare metal. Many topcoat failures can be traced all the way back to improper metal preparation, so it is critical to follow the manufacturer's advice regarding surface prep, and to be fully familiarized with proper procedure regarding any prep chemicals to be used, especially acids of any kind. | Epoxy primer manufacturers may have very specific recommendations as to how the surface must be prepared, especially in regards to bare metal. Many topcoat failures can be traced all the way back to improper metal preparation, so it is critical to follow the manufacturer's advice regarding surface prep, and to be fully familiarized with proper procedure regarding any prep chemicals to be used, especially acids of any kind. | ||
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| + | The temperature of the air and of the metal '''must''' be taken into account -- it must be high enough for the epoxy primer to properly cure. If the temperature drops below proper temp before it is fully cured, the paint will be bad as the chemical reaction does not continue when the temp rises again. | ||
==Tech sheets of epoxy primers recommended for automotive use== | ==Tech sheets of epoxy primers recommended for automotive use== | ||
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